Write a paragraph response to following post with substance .Debate the subject at an intellectual level.

1. What sponsorship relationships work, and why do they work?

Relationships between sports organizations and sponsors have strong potential to succeed and benefit both sides. Just like the Trinity One Sports CEO described, it is crucial to listen and understand an organization's needs prior to making any decisions from a marketing stand point. He also mentioned being more disciplined and staying away from "ego buys", stick to strategy, and doing the job efficiently and not taking short cuts. Doing all of these things can certainly increase a marketing company and sports organization's chances of building a strong relationship that can continue to grow on both fronts.

When both brands are able to have similar goals of the crowd and buyers they want to appeal to, it is much easier to reach both of their needs. For instance, a razor manufacturer should consider sponsoring hockey due to the overwhelming percentage of men who watch hockey over women (roughly 76%). The razor manufacturer can reach the demographic they are looking for, while the hockey organizations can increase their overall budget to the success that the sponsorship had added to their overall funding. There must be something both sides need in order to have a successful relationship. Sponsors are aware of this fact and gear most of their products towards men, but it is possible to succeed using different strategies. In the 1990s, Nike created a strategy that implemented a concentration in women's athletic gear. Their revenue increased substantially, and they became an apparel company, rather than just a shoe brand. It is certainly possible to reach a wide range of parties through a decent strategy as long as it benefits the sports organization and the sponsor.

I have had some training and shadowing opportunities at UAB to help out with Learfield. Learfield is responsible for most of the sponsorships for UAB athletics, as well as many other universities across the country. Their goal is to gather sponsors that would align with UAB's strategic goals and revenue needs, as well as meeting sponsor goals in the process. They spend considerable amounts of time learning about potential clients and practicing their "pitch" in order to win them over. Although, they spend almost the same amount of time continuing to build on current sponsors and their relationships they have with them. At major events, like men's basketball and football, Learfield garners most sponsorship money. This lines up with other universities and where they generate most sports revenue as well. It would not make sense for a sponsor to request promotions and marketing for smaller sports, especially to the same extent as the previous sports mentioned. Understanding what each other's needs are and continuing to do so can result in a long and prosperous relationship for years to come.

2. What criticisms do you have of sport sponsorship?

Sports sponsorships can reach a limit that seems overbearing to fans. For instance, the NBA and NHL have allowed jersey patches that serve as sponsors to the team. This may not be an issue to many fans, but it does appear as tacky and makes the uniforms a little less appealing, especially from a merchandise standpoint. The NBA has also began to show mini advertisements during free throw attempts. In a world full of streaming services that provide a commercial-free experience, some fans could be lost to the overwhelming amount of ads being shown. I hear often of CBS' length of college football game time over other networks due to the amount of commercials and commercial time. Fans like myself remember the specific sponsors unconsciously and may not prefer a product due to the amount of times a commercial break has shown these sponsors. End zones and basketball courts are littered with sponsors and political agendas, when most fans use sports as an outlet to escape the "real world" for hours at a time. These are definitely examples of when boundaries should be in place.

Another reason a sports team should stay away from sponsorships is when the potential sponsor has any controversy in place. If that sponsor has been known to be controversy or deemed in a way that creates a bad image for themselves, that image can sprinkle into the sports organization's core and hurt their fan base. Once again, only enter into a relationship when it benefits both sides. The sum of money that a sponsor can provide is only as good as the image it will present for the team. If that image is tarnished in the process, then the relationship should not be entered.

3. What two specific methods would you recommend for enhancing fan engagement?

I am currently 31 years old. I primarily grew up without any form of social media and lack cell phones being part of way of the life the way they have become. Technology is crucial for any type of increase in fan engagement and the ability to adapt and keep up is important. Social media allows teams to provide immediate updates and stats that keep fans engaged. The more likes and comments that certain posts achieve, the more the post can trend. Twitter and Instagram are very crucial to a sports organization's success in engaging fans. Through social media, fans can be shown of a game cancellation, player injury, weather delays, ticket website information, special promotions and events, and much more. The quick flow of information is essential for fan engagement.

The second way I would enhance fan engagement would be more originality. It seems many sports environments feature the same old routines and promotions. At most events, fans see kiss cams, trampoline dunking, dance cams, t-shirt throws, and more. We see these things because they work, of course. But it is also good to show something different. The Savannah Bananas, for instance, has created an entirely unique aspect to sports for themselves. They have created rules and games that have not been seen in sports. Through their creative marketing efforts, they have been able to accomplish substantial notoriety using their circus atmosphere. Even though that is an extreme example, it works in the modern environment.