Grizzlies promote first decade in Memphis
The Memphis Grizzlies are turning 10 years old this season, and they are planning to celebrate with what will seem like a never-ending party.
Balloons and banners served as the backdrop Thursday when Mayor A C Wharton made a proclamation commemorating the Grizzlies' 10th season in Memphis during a ceremony in FedExForum.
That was just the tipoff.
The Grizzlies later launched their most aggressive television ad campaign since 2003, one that will feature Rudy Gay and newcomer Tony Allen. The spots are centered on a family-reunion theme in an effort to draw on the team's history in the Bluff City.
"A 13-year-old kid in 2001 when we first came down here has now graduated high school, in theory graduated college and is now working, and has the ability to purchase tickets on his own," said John Pugliese, senior director of marketing communications. "To put it in that time period kind of shocks some people. But it makes it very exciting because the longevity in the city can help us become part of the DNA. We're going to continue to grow that."
One of the more colorful spots features Allen providing a distraction for Gay to grab a steal.
"Hey, isn't that Jason Williams over there?" Allen said.
A group of local reporters are joining the players at a picnic, so they turn to look for Williams, a former Griz who now plays for the Orlando Magic. Gay then steals a hot dog from the grasp of Commercial Appeal columnist Geoff Calkins.
Pugliese said the team's preseason campaign will focus on television and print ads that help people remember the team's past and present players.
"We're talking about all of the pieces that made our history," Pugliese said. "Whether our history is good or bad, it's uniquely ours, uniquely Memphis."
The Griz will also host six block parties and make a strong presence at various festivals around the cities.
A second promotional campaign will launch in three to four weeks when the Griz unveil billboards and radio spots focused on the team's current roster.
Memphis, which finished 40-42 last season, has its sights on the playoffs this season. The franchise is hoping its 10th will mark a banner year for fan support.
"I want to appeal to all Memphians to get behind this team," Griz limited partner Pitt Hyde said. "We have a great opportunity."
Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau president Kevin Kane said adding the Grizzlies in 2001 became a game-changer for the city in terms of how it's perceived.
Dennis O'Connor, vice president of ticket sales and service, said last season's success continues to be a game-changer at the box office. O'Connor contends the team has enjoyed a 25 percent increase in season ticket sales, which includes new customers and renewals.
Now, the team is pushing revised power packs and half-season packs.
The Grizzlies put together 11- and 14-game power packs in the past. This season, they are offering 10-game packs with reduced prices on the Terrace Level. Fans can purchase two different power packs starting at $10 per game ($100 total). There will be more 10th anniversary ticket specials -- all of which will be available on grizzlies.com.
