RED BULL as a sponsor for pool.
- Thread starter JoeyA
- Start date
I don't think money is the issue with Redbull....it is bang for their buck. I doubt they would even sponsor a player because there is simply no TV exposure for pool. What benefit are they going to get out of sponsoring SVB? So 70 people in the stands at the US Open see him wearing a Red Bull patch?
And as I said, if Red Bull gets involved in an event - they want control of the event. They create events --- go to their website ---- they are going to have trucks racing down a snow packed mountain. That's an event two guys concocted getting drunk around a camp fire. But it will be shown on NBC so Red Bull is involved and organizing it.
The men screwed up TV long ago. The women in recent history. Someone has to get pool back on TV in a format people will watch before any sponsors come on board.
It's not only about TV ( unless when you say TV you are throwing stuff like YouTube and Twitch in too ). If anyone was going to get sponsored by them I could see it being one of the trick shot channels like Venom. The gaming stuff on Twitch and YouTube get millions of views.
Agreed on tournaments and such. They would not sponsor it without running it. Could you imagine them sponsoring the US Open and then getting publicity for players not getting paid and all the crap that came with it?
Red Bull is perfectly happy tapping into the XTreme Sports Market.
Who doesn't like XTreme Sports. But, not everyone can participate. Therefore, fans can at least do one of the things that the Pros do, drink Red Bull.
A little boy goes into a Pharmacy and nervously asks the Pharmacist for a box of Stay Free Mini Pads.
The Pharmacist asked the young fellow why he wanted a box of those.
The young boy said, "I saw on a commercial that if you had these, you can ride a bike and swim, and I can't do either one".
Red Bull, Coke, etc, could throw a ton of money at Pool and not blink an eye.
What's in it for them, when they can toss the same money at another sport with better results.
They would receive more exposure from sponsoring a Minor League Baseball tourney for a weekend, than a Pool Tourney. As in, more people in the stands having a Coke.
I used to see Coke Cup shaped kiosks at different functions. Buy a Coke for a buck and get a free Hot Dog.
Coke and other large companies have people that specifically look after Special Events. Pool is on their list of possible sponsorships, way down under any type of auto/motorcycle racing, and pretty much anything else that can generate a large crowd.
They look at Pool and say, lets take this weekend off.
When young people play sports, they never know when an actual Scout is in the stands.
Does anyone think that Coke or any of the other sponsorship companies hasn't had their Special Events people fly in for larger pool tournaments. They take a look around and say, "Nah".
Who doesn't like XTreme Sports. But, not everyone can participate. Therefore, fans can at least do one of the things that the Pros do, drink Red Bull.
A little boy goes into a Pharmacy and nervously asks the Pharmacist for a box of Stay Free Mini Pads.
The Pharmacist asked the young fellow why he wanted a box of those.
The young boy said, "I saw on a commercial that if you had these, you can ride a bike and swim, and I can't do either one".
Red Bull, Coke, etc, could throw a ton of money at Pool and not blink an eye.
What's in it for them, when they can toss the same money at another sport with better results.
They would receive more exposure from sponsoring a Minor League Baseball tourney for a weekend, than a Pool Tourney. As in, more people in the stands having a Coke.
I used to see Coke Cup shaped kiosks at different functions. Buy a Coke for a buck and get a free Hot Dog.
Coke and other large companies have people that specifically look after Special Events. Pool is on their list of possible sponsorships, way down under any type of auto/motorcycle racing, and pretty much anything else that can generate a large crowd.
They look at Pool and say, lets take this weekend off.
When young people play sports, they never know when an actual Scout is in the stands.
Does anyone think that Coke or any of the other sponsorship companies hasn't had their Special Events people fly in for larger pool tournaments. They take a look around and say, "Nah".
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I see alot of potential.
Established sport/hobby/culture that has hundreds of years of history and tens of millions of participants worldwide.
A very low level of entry is possible as there are few competitors for branding of the game here in the USA.
Huge growth occurring right now for the sport in Asia.
There is the long tradition of one on one competition in this game that is instinctual, even rank beginners playing each other are drawn to challenging one another. There has to be a way to raise that natural thrill and televise it, even if it means modifying the game some. Redbull is tied to adrenaline raising activities and pool has this element, its all a matter of translating this to the audience. Big money and elements that increase the uncertainty as to the outcome. The nationalistic sentiments brought out by the mosconi cup are a good example of how pool can be exciting and really generate pressure and emotion.
RedBull could basically own the sport for cheap right now.
Established sport/hobby/culture that has hundreds of years of history and tens of millions of participants worldwide.
A very low level of entry is possible as there are few competitors for branding of the game here in the USA.
Huge growth occurring right now for the sport in Asia.
There is the long tradition of one on one competition in this game that is instinctual, even rank beginners playing each other are drawn to challenging one another. There has to be a way to raise that natural thrill and televise it, even if it means modifying the game some. Redbull is tied to adrenaline raising activities and pool has this element, its all a matter of translating this to the audience. Big money and elements that increase the uncertainty as to the outcome. The nationalistic sentiments brought out by the mosconi cup are a good example of how pool can be exciting and really generate pressure and emotion.
RedBull could basically own the sport for cheap right now.
I see a lot of contradictions in your overall summation...You're saying Red Bull wants complete control, over everything... Then you say SOMEONE has to create a format whereby people will watch pool ?.. Well I agree with that part of what you're saying, It doesn't really matter, what the format is...Whether its 'Reality TV', a new game, or a new type of tournament, or whatever works best !... But I'm of the opinion nothing is EVER going to happen without first creating a governing body to deal with interested sponsor's. (think PGA, PBA, MLBPA, or any other group of pro's)
If we don't FIRST create a viable, workable "Professional Pool Player's Association", nothing beneficial to the pro's, is ever going to happen !...If there is no organization..Pro Pool players, will always appear to be begging for a handout !..Red Bull, or Coke, are not 'Barry Ahearn', they are not pool lover's first, and businessmen second...They are "pure businessmen"!..Look into it, you will see, that Mr. Ahearn 'first' organized snooker, AND its player's, and then promoted it !..Otherwise, it would probably still be where American pool is today !
PS..The Mosconi Cup, has become just a bone throws us !..He does not see any value in pursuing pool, in the US...And if we don't step it up a notch, even the MC may disappear someday soon. The Asian's are gaining fast, on us, & the Filipino's !
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I like your post. Whether or not RED BULL thinks your idea has merit, remains to be seen.
My two ideas that I thought about were RED BULL sponsoring Shane Van Boening, since he is the most prominent American player traveling Internationally. Companies like RED BULL want all of the exposure they can get in new markets for them. Shane wearing RED BULL patches on International events and national events would be a nice starter for RED BULL.
The second idea was for them to sponsor TRICK SHOT COMPETITION events. They are small, have little baggage and can easily be controlled, and are exciting for the general public.
If RED BULL gets their feet wet with either of these two ideas or any pool idea, they could possibly consider other alternatives.
THE BOTTOM LINE for RED BULL, IS AN AWFUL LOT OF POOL PLAYERS BOTH RECREATIONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY, drink a LOT of RED BULL and more would drink it if it were promoted to the millions that play pool!
If they needed a conduit to the pool world, I would be happy to be that pro bono just to try and help give pool a shot at outside sponsorship.
Yes, I do believe that a company like RED BULL could OWN pool (professional & Amateur) here in America for "cheap money" and they could form it the way that they want it.
It would undoubtedly take a RED BULL marketing person who thinks outside of the box and one who won't be led down the primrose path by traditional pool know-it-alls.
JoeyA
My two ideas that I thought about were RED BULL sponsoring Shane Van Boening, since he is the most prominent American player traveling Internationally. Companies like RED BULL want all of the exposure they can get in new markets for them. Shane wearing RED BULL patches on International events and national events would be a nice starter for RED BULL.
The second idea was for them to sponsor TRICK SHOT COMPETITION events. They are small, have little baggage and can easily be controlled, and are exciting for the general public.
If RED BULL gets their feet wet with either of these two ideas or any pool idea, they could possibly consider other alternatives.
THE BOTTOM LINE for RED BULL, IS AN AWFUL LOT OF POOL PLAYERS BOTH RECREATIONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY, drink a LOT of RED BULL and more would drink it if it were promoted to the millions that play pool!
If they needed a conduit to the pool world, I would be happy to be that pro bono just to try and help give pool a shot at outside sponsorship.
Yes, I do believe that a company like RED BULL could OWN pool (professional & Amateur) here in America for "cheap money" and they could form it the way that they want it.
It would undoubtedly take a RED BULL marketing person who thinks outside of the box and one who won't be led down the primrose path by traditional pool know-it-alls.
JoeyA
It would hurt their brand...that's the blunt truth
Auto Title Loan Brokers, or places like Check Into Cash, short term loan broker would have their target audence sponsoring Pool Events IMHO.
Red Bull
Just an FYI - we checked into trying to talk to Red Bull (who have a main office in Henderson) - and basically agree with Watchez. This was about 8 years ago.
They are not interested.
I also think they believe an association with pool could 'hurt' their brand.
Reality.
(Which is why the Putnam posts hurt every opportunity for getting a bigger sponsorship)!
Mark Griffin
Just an FYI - we checked into trying to talk to Red Bull (who have a main office in Henderson) - and basically agree with Watchez. This was about 8 years ago.
They are not interested.
I also think they believe an association with pool could 'hurt' their brand.
Reality.
(Which is why the Putnam posts hurt every opportunity for getting a bigger sponsorship)!
Mark Griffin
Redbull is not the right sponsor simply because pool does not fit their image and the way pool is being promoted it is a boring game to watch. Boring is not Redbull's style. Their lack of interest has nothing to do with anything the players have said or done.
BTW, if the NFL started using some rinky dink plastic football that wouldnt fly right. You can bet the players would complain.
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Ha ha, I think you might be onto something.
"Which is why the Putnam posts hurt every opportunity for getting a bigger sponsor"
Do you really think the Putman posts hurt every opportunity for getting bigger sponsorship? Really? We are talking Face Book, everyone is allowed to vent on their home page and nobody takes it seriously. I have a strong presence on FaceBook and didn't hear anything about his rantings......because it's really not a big deal.
Let's be real, Putnam's posts aren't ever going to be seen by anyone that's "teetering" between sponsoring pool or not. Look at some of the things the 'Duck Dynasty' characters have said, and they have plenty of sponsorship......the fact is you'll rarely get over 50% of the people on line to like or dislike anything....that's just human nature.
Do you really think the Putman posts hurt every opportunity for getting bigger sponsorship? Really? We are talking Face Book, everyone is allowed to vent on their home page and nobody takes it seriously. I have a strong presence on FaceBook and didn't hear anything about his rantings......because it's really not a big deal.
Let's be real, Putnam's posts aren't ever going to be seen by anyone that's "teetering" between sponsoring pool or not. Look at some of the things the 'Duck Dynasty' characters have said, and they have plenty of sponsorship......the fact is you'll rarely get over 50% of the people on line to like or dislike anything....that's just human nature.
Speaking of Duck Dynasty. Did you know that there are more people in the USA that are interested in Fishing and Migratory Bird hunting, than there are in the game of Pool.
If I'm not mistaken, Red Bull has a few Bass Boats out there.
I don't think that the people that are running them are talking smack about their sponsors either.
If I'm not mistaken, Red Bull has a few Bass Boats out there.
I don't think that the people that are running them are talking smack about their sponsors either.
You don't have to have straight line sponsorship for it to work in pool. I am not saying that bringing up ideas like Red Bull is a bad thing but that particular company has a unique marketing guideline when it comes to sponsorship and it isn't open to pool in it's current state.
I have a friend that runs a handball tour that has more $$ in it than any pool tour out there -- his title sponsor is Simply Green (it is a cleaning product). Now look at what is advertised for NASCAR. It isn't all Goodyear, Exide batteries or Chevrolet. Their title sponsors include Sprint, 3M, HP, M&Ms, UPS, VISA just to name a few. And there are 100s more that are advertised on the individual cars themselves that aren't 'auto' related or what you would think the typical NASCAR fan is all about. Do you really think M&Ms thought to themselves, gee NASCAR that is a perfect fit for us as all of the drivers eat our product cause it fits into the limited amount of room in the cars?
M&M has a Bass Boat or two out there as well. When you see one, you know what you are looking at.
Guess that they are going with a sure thing.
Guess that they are going with a sure thing.
Thats not an accurate comparison though. They are purchasing advertising space, just like when you go to a Babe Ruth baseball game and see signs on the fence for the local mortuary, car lot, and local office supply store etc. If Red Bull or any other company chooses not to "sponsor" pool, its probably because at this point with no televised events, and no organized pro tour, they do not see a worthwhile return for their advertising dollar.
Its sad that when the chips are down some folks reaction is to start pointing fingers as to what is wrong, and who is to blame, but nobody ever seems to offers real world solutions, or at bare minimum a positive comment of support. I do not know all of the inner workings of the PBT and exactly why it failed. I can repeat the reasons Ive heard over the years, but it would only be hearsay. However, they had created a very sellable TV product, and could still be going today had it not been for the legal issues surrounding big tobacco, and mismanagement internally (the commonly talked about reasons).
Beer and liquor sponsorship is the ideal situation IMO. Everyone talks about how the pro game is in the crapper, but the amateur side is doing fine. Where are the bulk of those amateur players playing? I would venture to say bars are the primary places, especially considering league play. So who should "we" as a sport be courting sponsorship from? The beer and liquor companies make the most sense to me. Pool cannot go big with internal advertising dollars. There is just not enough revenue in the industry to swing it. Tournament promoters cant support it. League owners cant support it. Instead of constantly doing the same old song and dance of trying to make a professional tour out of individual tournaments from around the country, I wonder if anyone with any clout talked to the advertising departments of the beer companies? And if not, why not?
The PBT production was great! Far better than some of the oddball stuff that finds its way onto ESPN. There are multiple ways to package pool as a viable advertising vehicle for beer and liquor. To my way of thinking, there is no better way to increase amateur participation than to have a successful and highly visible professional level. It just boggles my mind how anyone could be content with saying we love the game, and would rather keep it as an amateur endeavor than try to fix the pro game. Kids look up to top professional players in sports. It gives them something to strive to be if they truley love the game. They dont look up to the guy at the end of the block who spends 5 nights a week at the local bar and won "Top Gun" last season.
Chuck
Chuck - you didn't read a word what anyone else said.
I'll repeat it one more time --- Red Bull doesn't SPONSOR anything. They are a different type of company in how they spend their marketing dollars and thus not a good choice.
Everything else you said, I responded to in my previous post but you and others just don't get it.
And I wouldn't mention the words PBT to any potential sponsor to show them what could be. All they have to do is google and they will run away even faster.
Carry on.
I'll repeat it one more time --- Red Bull doesn't SPONSOR anything. They are a different type of company in how they spend their marketing dollars and thus not a good choice.
Everything else you said, I responded to in my previous post but you and others just don't get it.
And I wouldn't mention the words PBT to any potential sponsor to show them what could be. All they have to do is google and they will run away even faster.
Carry on.
Unless you are the manager for SVB or a representative for Red Bull, why is your idea about Red Bull sponsoring SVB?
Here's the problem with everyone's ideas to "fix" pool... It's just a game. A game that no drunk in a bar wants to be fixed. Don't try to compare it to anything else, because pool is different. Even similar bar games, such as darts, are successful, because they don't have the reputation that pool has. Any chump can pick up a cue and whack a ball into the pocket on the beat up Valley at Joe's Bar.
It's been said before, if you want pool to be successful, you need a governing body to put these childish "professionals" in their place.