| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 17/04/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 56 |
| Copyright: Other |
Get in line for USsports result
Keith Prowse Attractions by Alan Moore
Operator makes a play for a larger share of the growing spectator market
AMERICAN football, ice hockey and basketball are gaining increased popularity with UK audiences due to the amount of exposure on British TV channels.All this spells more commission opportunities for travel agents, who can now easily sell tickets in advance of games when booking clients on a US holiday or business trip.
Keith Prowse Attractions Tickets has been appointed by the three major US leagues – the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League to distribute tickets for the sports in the UK.
Keith Prowse marketing manager Julie-Ann Logan said: “They are suitable not only for the US city-breaks market, sports groups or even stag parties, but also as part of a two-centre holiday.
For example, those holidaying at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando could also take in a Miami Dolphins football game.
Whether it is an 1hr 15 mins basketball or hockey game or a half-day American football match, many spectators arrive early to soak up the pre-match atmosphere and buy merchandise.
Logan said the company can offer a comprehensive product range that easily lends itself to mix-and-match flexibility.
For instance, if an agent is selling a New York Jets football game, it can be combined with other pre-bookable sightseeing and entertainment options through Keith Prowse, such as one of many New York tours; a night on the town; dinner cruise; Broadway show; or even ballet or opera, all of which offer agent commission.
“Our prices are extremely competitive,” said Phelan. “Obviously there is a minimal mark-up on the gate price but if customers wait until they arrive in the US to buy tickets to save a few dollars, they could miss out on a game altogether if tickets are sold out.
Pre-booking also helps clients maximise their holiday time and avoid ticket touts, known locally as scalpers, who can charge between double and 10 times the price for a top game.
Keith Prowse is planning a series of competitions and promotions to raise awareness of the tickets among travel agents as well as a campaign to let consumers know they can pre-book matches through travel agents.
Clients can find out about the sports via the Internet or TV which features all three. Alternatively they could try the specialist publication such as Touchdown magazine for American football.
When clients are in the US they may also choose to visit the many halls of fame around the country which give an insight into the games, their history and star players. For example, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is in Canton, Ohio and costs $10 for adults ($5 for children).
The Basketball Hall of Fame is in Springfield, Massachusetts ($9 for adults and $5 for children) while The Hockey Hall of Fame is across the border in Toronto ($12 and $7 respectively).
Reach out: pre-booking a basketball game can lead to extra commission for agents
Factfile
The leagues: National Football League, National Basketball Association and National Hockey League. There are two American football conferences, each with Eastern, Central and Western divisions with a total of 31 teams. NBA has four divisions – Pacific, Atlantic, Midwest and Central – with 29 teams. NHL has 30 teams, including several from Canada. Game schedules are available from Keith Prowse.Agents’ commission: on request.
Lead booking time: cut-off date is two weeks prior to the game but ideally at least a month in advance and even earlier for the big events.
Advantages of pre-booking: avoid risk of currency devaluation; guaranteed seat; planning ahead helps maximise holiday time.
What to expect: you rarely find seats with blind spots, although prices – and quality – vary. Arrive at the venueat least 30mins before the start.
Agent information: for schedules and prices, call Keith Prowse’s reservations on 02890 23 24 25 during weekdays between 9am-9pm; Saturdays 9am-7pm; Sundays 10am-6pm. Details are not available on viewdata. Reservations are on request and normally it takes three to five days to receive confirmation from the US, although allocations are held by Keith Prowse. The company sends the customer a voucher by recorded or special mail delivery, which is then presented at the sports venue for admission. The company says it normally takes all full names and passport numbers as security, as these vouchers are non-transferable.
Gridiron heroes: an American football game will approximately cost between £25-£60