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 Latino playmaker Anthony Gonzalez has the Colts thinking their marketing a bit different these days. An influx of Latino players in the NFL has prompted some teams to get in gear in appealing to their Latino fan base. While several teams are still behind in attracting this new market, the Indianapolis Colts have taken the first step. Although they are having few problems drawing fans to Lucas Oil Stadium, their sparkling year-old home, all 10 Colts home games this season "will air in Spanish on locally owned" WSYW-AM and WEDJ-FM, and the team sees a "big opportunity for growth in Indianapolis' Hispanic community," according to HISPANIC MARKET WEEKLY.
The Colts are so popular that they have waiting lists for both club seats and season tickets. Getting on each waiting list requires a $150 non-refundable fee. Yet owner Jim Irsay, team president Bill Polian and senior vice president of sales and marketing Tom Zupancic all see a big opportunity for growth in Indianapolis' Hispanic community. Armando Quintero, who served as the team's Spanish play-by-play announcer during the '03 and '04 seasons, will return to that role. Colts Senior VP/Sales & Marketing Tom Zupancic said the team is "a little bit ahead of the curve." With Colts great Marvin Harrison gone, up-and-coming wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez is expected to have a larger role in the offense. He may even become the top target for star quarterback Peyton Manning this season. Marketers for the Colts believe that increased presence on the field will also serve well in attracting not just more fans in Hispanic communities, but advertisers as well. Regular-season matches start September 13, when the Colts host the Jacksonville Jaguars. |