AFL Holds Ground, Stays Focused Amidst Turmoil
October 15, 2008 by Joe Favorito · Leave a Comment
On Saturday the independent AFL news, the fan site of the Arena Football League, had a very upbeat piece about how the league could continue to rally as the number one fan-friendly sports league, even in questionable economic times. There were solid features about the Philadelphia Soul open tryout in Pittsburgh, and the Tampa Storm running offseason promotions…event the New Orleans Voodoo had items about upcoming open tryouts and other fan activities. Then today comes the sudden news that the VooDoo were closing up shop effective immediately , along with the dreaded “unconfirmed sources” saying that other teams will follow. As the AFL looks for a new commissioner and decides whether or not to consolidate its ownership structure, the move today could send shockwaves for a league perceived as solid and with a great reputation for delivering to its fans and partners.  Now although it is very curious that the team, not the league would make such an annoucement, the league officials stuck to their plan today, speaking with one voice and looking forward, as well as leaving open the possibility that the issue with the VooDoo is not yet done.   It was a smart move to not overreact and send a mixed message to potential investors, while supporting the owners of the VooDoo. It also lends anyone to believe that the move was an offshoot of other goings-on with regard to consolidation of ownership and is not a signal that the league is in trouble financially. Curious, unexpected to the casual fan, but by avoiding the he said, she said backbiting that usually goes on in a public forum, the AFL scored some points for its fans with hopefully brighter days ahead.Â
AFL Scores With More Hits…And Athletes Take A Drink Of The Beverage Market
May 2, 2008 by Joe Favorito · Leave a Comment
With NFL Europa gone, the AAFL never starting, spring football done, CFL not yet on the sked and the draft now over, those who love football now have only to turn to the Arena Football League to tide themselves over until an outdoor game gets going. Seeing that void, the AFL has done a solid job both in market and nationally (working with the teams and Dan Klores Communications) to identify and drive some nice additional coverage for the brand in the last few weeks. Some of the latest hits included a solid score on the front page of the New York Times sports ection this week on the value the New Orleans Voodoo is affording to the community in the post-Katrina time, a Men’s Health piece with Dallas Desperados ironman Will Pettis, and a series of pieces on USS Cole survivor and Colorado Crush lineman Charrod Taylor. All of these are examples of the brand going beyond the game to tell the personalities of their athletes to a larger audience…all the while building stars and finding ways to enhance the AFL and its partners. Nice job by the AFL to fill the football jones void.
Joe has almost a quarter century of strategic communications/marketing, business development and public relations expertise in sports, entertainment, brand building, media training, television, athletic administration and business. He is a producer of award winning and cutting edge programs designed to increase ROI and minimize cost. 
