University of Miami’s new marketing ploy: come to fewer games

Apparently it’s NOT all about “The U.” In a new marketing campaign for the upcoming football season, the University of Miami is encouraging fans to come to fewer games (but come to as many games as you want to!). What? Exactly. There is a large newspaper ad running that the Palm Beach Post was nice enough to transcribe:

GO TO FEWER GAMES

Not many teams would tell you to go to fewer games.

Most would try to push a full season package on you, even if that requires more money or more time than you possess.

We are extremely thankful for the support of our Miami Hurricanes season ticket holders, but we understand that a full season of tickets is not for everyone, and that’s OK.

So we created the new Two-Game Mini-Plan to give fans an opportunity to experience the two best college football events in South Florida.

If you identify with any of the following statements, then the Two-Game Mini-Plan may be right for you:

1. I like exciting college football in rocking, sold-out environments.

2. I want to see the Hurricanes play the defending national champion Florida State Seminoles and the preseason top-25 North Carolina Tar Heels.

3. I’m not so sure I can make it to the other 5 home games.

If you agree with the above, here’s why you should strongly consider the Two-Game Mini-Plan:

1. Better seats are available at better prices through the Two-Game Mini-Plan than on StubHub and other broker sites for the FSU game alone.

2. Florida State tickets will not be available to the general public on a single-game basis.

3. We’re throwing in a complimentary Miami Hurricanes hat with every purchase (an added $30 value per plan).

Some people have told us we’re crazy for offering a Two-Game Mini-Plan package that’s THIS good. Our response: IT’S WHAT OUR FANS HAVE ASKED FOR.

If this is something you’ve asked for, call our friendly ticket representatives at 1-855-UM-2PLAN and we will be happy to find seats that you’ll enjoy. Or, if you prefer to go online, visit www.UM2PLAN.com to view a diagram of every open seat available to you.

We are really excited about the 2014 season, and we hope you’ll join us for as many games as you’re able.

I kind of see what they are doing. In recent years, Miami has taken a lot of flack for having empty stadiums for big games. It doesn’t help that the team plays way off campus. Like 20 miles off. And if you’ve ever driven in Miami traffic and your options are to either watch Brock Berlin (dating myself here but that’s fine) throw six interceptions or take the party to South Beach, well, see where I’m going with this? This also could just be an attempt to get the less enthusiastic fans to commit to going to a game that’s not Florida State. Who knows. It’s an odd campaign, but at the same time, makes sense. To me. Which is sad.

[SI.com]