Category Archives: Kram’s Korner – From the Club Level

From Kram’s Korner:

Suggestion Box part 3: Game Day!

I’m always thinking, you know. And Game Days are GREAT days. But, here’s what I think would make my game day an even better day:

3. Game-Day Experience

a. We’re all used to the single firework shot often used when the IronPigs score a run. I suggest a different level of celebration for a homerun. Three fireworks? A super-big one? (so long as it’s not too loud, you know)

b. I understand they’ve got a lot invested in the uniforms and the brand so I’m not going to suggest a redesign just yet; however, I would suggest introducing one more alternate jersey at this juncture. Perhaps a more attractive BP jersey and a new BP hat that could then be worn for those super-hot games. Plus, folks who already have all the hats (me) would have an additional hat and jersey to buy. This separate from the jersey auction nights and such.

c. For a while they played the radio broadcast over the PA in the club level lounge and rest rooms (OK, the Men’s room at least—can’t comment on the other one) but then that went away. Too loud? OK, consider adding closed captioning to the game call and turning that on for the TVs at both field level and club level. This is so that we can tell what’s going on in the game in the event of a special play or controversy whilst patronizing the concessions. This would also be helpful in order to find out what’s happening in the other sporting events which are sometimes featured on these monitors. Finally, the sound would be REALLY helpful for the TV pregame show, which is sometimes up on the screens, but meaningless without audio.

(editor’s note – the away games are broadcast on ESPN Radio 1320/1230 AM and can be listened online and/or on smartphone via web streaming applications.)

d. I know it’s expensive for the sponsors, but if you’re going to have an RBI guy or a “pest” or a strikeout guy or whatever–make sure everyone gets the prize, not just one section. Perhaps you don’t need to do it for every game, then–or you rotate them–but if everyone gets the prize I can guarantee that we’ll be more into it. The roast beef chant doesn’t work if but one section gets it. Get the whole stadium involved. The sponsors could then buy a package, just like season ticketholders do, to do the “guy” of the game on an 18-game basis or a 36-game basis or whatever. What I’m saying is that although I don’t care much about the bobble heads, I’m willing to fight for a free roast beef sandwich.

e. I noticed the Ballpark Battlefield will return. Can we simplify the rules somehow? Can we enhance the prize? Free hot dogs? In my section, nobody really cares because we (a) can’t understand it easily and (b) have already eaten by the time there’s any chance at success.

f. One night per week the gates should open a little early to watch BP. They’ve tried this for Seniors on Tuesdays, but my feeling is that if anyone wants to come at 4PM or 4:30 or whatever, they might enjoy watching BP from a designated area even with no concessions open. Perhaps just the club level? Or confined to the plaza? The area behind section 108? The ticket holder Friday BP parties were kind of cool–and I guess they will continue–but this makes it a more regular thing that more people can participate in if they so choose. I’m not against the party or the free food by any stretch, but with a more regular opportunity–perhaps closer to the plate–fans who want to watch prospects up close could get that chance (for both teams). Some stadiums have this one night per week for season ticket holders only. Perhaps allow S/T holders plus anyone who buys a special ticket add-on?

g. Look, everyone loves Hambone. But, it goes unnoticed that nobody ever cheers for Diggity. Why? Because he’s a bad guy. That’s why. Let’s bring it out in the open so that we can more openly cheer against that cheater. Too scary for the kiddos? OK, just have him wear a black mask and goatee sometimes so that he’s “evil diggity” –the regular Diggity’s evil twin. (We need a villain for the Pork Race—and while I’m at it, film a couple extra intros for the season when you’ve got a chance. Perhaps one at night…)

h. I brought this up last year, but I’ll add it again here: I think cross-promoting with the SWB Yankees would be a good idea. I know there are plenty Yankee fans around, and I know there’s plenty support for the IronPigs in SWB, so something could be worked out. I suggest a mini-package for each team to sell which would include games against the fellow team as well as some empty night games–or particular interest away team, or perhaps pre-scouting an opponent due at the other stadium next. I had a similar thought about Reading, but I see that they have some flex ticket packs which would work well for IronPigs fans on away nights. I think the IronPigs might design a 9-game pack for Reading fans on away nights as well as one for Phillies’ on away nights, and promote it that way.

i. It would be great if we could get more replays on the big screen. It may be more of an issue with the Service Electric telecast than the stadium facility, but it would be much appreciated.

Kram’s Korner is a guest post to the Horn & Bell blog offering a perspective “From the Club Level.”

Kram’s Korner – From the Club level Part 2 of 7

I guess, given my druthers, I’d vote for turning the device off and leaving it in the car. But, this is 2011, and with kids in tow and responsibilities from work, and whatnot, the Blackberry’s usually in my pocket. And, I’m not the only one.

2. Technology

a. I love getting tweets from the radio guys during the game. I suggest enhancing the Twitter integration with the game somehow. I’m not sure how. I just need more Twitter. (foreshadowing: we can do this ourselves…)

b. I suggest a new warning for fans: Please don’t look at the device when the ball’s in play. It’s dangerous. (footnote: Guilty as charged. Thanks to the guy in front of me who nabbed that ball last year, or I’d have gotten one right in the chest.)

c. Add additional interactive game-related text items—other than just the song to be played in the eighth inning or whatever. Via Twitter, or not. If the teenagers next to me are going to spend the whole game texting, they may as well be involved in the game in some way. Hopefully, something better than Battlefield…

d. I’m not familiar with the iPhone stuff, because I’ve got a Blackberry, but an app for season ticket holders to track ticket use and distribution might be handy. Or, phone ticketing, which already exists in some places. Does the current app have a live box score? That would be cool too.

e. A downloadable game schedule which could be immediately ported into Outlook or Blackberry or whatnot. This already exists in some form for other teams. Again, this might be part of the iphone app already, for all I know.

f. Some of these items could eventually find their way into one technology package which could be purchased or available as a downloadable perk for s/t holders.

g. Here’s a technology based ticketing idea: An online trading-post where s/t holders can buy or sell tickets from each other, using ‘credits’ from same. It would be handy to use my “credits” for when I’ve got friends or family in town and want to take them to a game. Or, if I’ve got trouble giving mine away, an easy way to find someone who can use them (and who won’t misbehave and lose my seats for me.) Note: using my unused credits with the ticket office is all well and good, but, it can’t be done for weekend games, and many times the game might be sold out or not enough tix available on the same level or together on the same day. So if there were 8 seats that other s/t holders couldn’t use, I could ‘purchase’ them with my credits. The IronPigs could get a transaction fee as well as full seats out of the deal.

h. Similar thought for the suites: suite-holders who can’t use their suites could sub-let them to s/t holders through the above web service. In this case, the catering wouldn’t be included, forcing the sub-lett-ers to purchase food or catering from the IronPigs. (I hate seeing suites and seats go unused) Perhaps a security deposit would be required here.

i. But, what if you’ve got ‘credits’ you can’t use? At some juncture, an individual with excess “credits” could use them for extra tix to the ticketholder picnic or the 222 showcase or to host a group or something of that nature.

j. Already new for 2011: it appears that you’ll be able to order and pay for concessions from your seat using an app. You can then go to the “fast pass” line to pick up. I don’t know the details yet, but there’s a coupon in the coupon book. I’m curious about how this will work, and where. However, I’m intrigued and pleased that the IronPigs are making an effort to add technology to the game-day experience. Now, if you can just have them bring it to my seat…

This post is by Kram’s Korner, a guest contributor for the Horn & Bell blog.

Kramming the Suggestion Box Full (part 1 of 7)

In my free time leading up to the 2011 IronPigs season, I’ve been spending my time thinking. I’ve been thinking of things to make the IronPigs experience better. Please don’t misunderstand; I don’t spend time or energy on something I don’t care about. I love going to the games, and I promote the ‘Pigs every chance I get with friends, family, and business associates—not to mention the money I spend on tickets and hats and food and drink. I want to make the Pigs better. No, I want to make them THE BEST. Some of these things might be impossible. Some of them might not be financially feasible. Some of them have already been done… I’ve got 31 ideas in seven areas. Perhaps these will get people talking. Maybe the IronPigs are listening. The talent on the field is the responsibility of the Phillies. These are things under “our” control.

Stealing a line from the TUMS commercial—and drinking parties everywhere—it’s something my body needs anyway. Topic number one is FOOD AND DRINK.

1. Food and Drink

a.The Pig Stop is a concession on the Club Level where the featured menu item changes nightly. In 2008, there was Prime Rib, Steamship Ham, among other upscale dinner items. In 2009 the Pig Stop mysteriously disappeared mid-season (I know why). Pizza and peanuts were still available, but no menu item. 2010 brought a new Pig Stop, with sandwiches and other rotating food and dessert items, but not as upscale as the original. I suggest the return to glory of the Pig Stop menu for real food/dinner choices. (Foreshadowing: I might suggest the addition of an on-site restaurant. Loved my nights at Bo Brothers’ in Moosic and McFadden’s in Philly last year.)

b. There’s a meeting room on the club level, to the left after you get off the elevator, to the left of the Kitchen entrance. Last year they served “free food” to club level ticket holders on the first Monday game of each month in that room. One month it was wings, the next hoagies, then corn dogs. It was kind of nice. I’d suggest, though, that they make better use of that space. There are some nice flat screens in there and some windows. Perhaps: The Iron Lounge VIP Area. Add Iron Lounge access to your club level ticket for only $X.99 per game. Hors D’oeurves, wait service, and the ability to watch the pregame show—and other televised sporting events—with sound, on select nights. WiFi access. Maybe some type of buffet? (Foreshadowing: I might suggest turning on the sound—or at least the closed captioning—on some of the screens on both levels. )

c. Last year, most Thursdays brought a pig roast to the AT&T Plaza. I suggest continuing to enhance special offerings at field level, in the plaza. We could add some other kind of special night during the week: Clam Bake Wednesdays? BBQ Chicken nights when the MudHens are in town? Brisket Sundays? Promote with local BBQ restaurants. Hey, if Reading can have seafood…

d. Adding local flavor is always a good idea. There are always people at the games who don’t live in the Lehigh Valley. I love going to games in other cities and having a chance to test some local food. My suggestion: Yocco’s. I know it competes with ballpark hot dogs, but adding a small Yocco’s stand out in left field would make it a destination and harder to get than the regular dogs—plus they would be more expensive. But, it would be unique to CCP and the Lehigh Valley. If Yocco’s isn’t interested, then perhaps some other unique local food vendor. (note: since this idea, The Gyro Company is opening in the park. Not exactly local unique, but it’s a start, and I’m all for it.)

e. I don’t know how sales are going for the Picnic Patio, but an alternate use would be to open it up for an ‘all you can eat’ night with the bracelets and whatnot like other stadiums are doing. Again, not all the time, just on occasion to pump up mid-week attendance and fill the patio with GA folks– or just people who are too hungry to find their way back to their own seat. Integrate with “Pig Out’ marketing. And certainly you could change it up with a ‘wing night’ or some such rather than the traditional ballpark fare—just don’t require that we purchase a patio seat. OK, I guess we can sell tickets without using the ‘all-you-can-eat’ trick. But in the future they should consider this…

f. Enhance additional non-beer adult beverages at field level. There are the occasional Bacardi and Sangria-like beverages available, but they are hard to find and there aren’t many choices. I’m fine with the beer personally—plus I can get whatever I want at the Club Level Bar—but my wife won’t sit at field level because she can’t get a non-beer drink easily (among other reasons). So I’m suggesting a selection of other malt or wine beverages at the Bud Light Trough might be a good idea for the ladies. Integrate with Ladies’ Night Thursdays? Special discounts for the Diamond Divas?

g. More suggestions from Mrs. Kram:
i. Pre-packaged salads at Hog Heaven in the club level and the Pizza Stand at field level.
ii. A nicer cup to put the $7 wine in at the FMO Painting Bar.
iii. Diet-caffeine-free sodas more available. (umm, water?)

Stay tuned for parts 2 through 7 of Kramming the Suggestion Box Full!

Special to the Horn & Bell blog, I give to you… Kram’s Corner

The story begins last November. Our eight year old dishwasher died—a horrible, messy, and dramatic death that involved water shooting across the room and leaking into the cellar. A trip to Sears in Whitehall yielded a new model. The kind salesman provided a sale price, a discount for using a new Sears charge account, and some paperwork for a rebate from PPL for upgrading to a more energy efficient model. Weeks later, we received the rebate in the mail in the form of a debit card for $30.

Fast forward to last week. I picked up my ticket cards for the 2011 IronPigs and received the nice gifts of the canvas prints and the coupon books. Whilst browsing and flagging the appropriate coupons, I noted an “e-power” ad from PPL, which reminded me of the dishwasher. However, it also reminded me of the new heat pump I put in last year. A couple clicks of the mouse and I had the appropriate paperwork for a $325.00 rebate. Oh, who knows, perhaps I won’t get the money. Perhaps they’ve run out of money or perhaps I’ve filled out the paperwork incorrectly. In any case, though, I feel like the IronPigs got me $325 thanks to the coupon books. If you need me, I’ll be waiting by my mail box.

Disclaimer: I do not have any financial interest in Sears. I do own PPL stock. And, thank goodness the IronPigs did not take my slogan suggestion for 2011. PIG OUT may be unoriginal and promote over-eating, but it’s better than: 2011 IRON PIGS. WINNING! DUH!

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Thanks!
DK

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“Kram’s Korner – From the Club Level”

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