Marketing the Minutemen: Round 1

(UMass is reportedly putting up billboards to market the program - perhaps similar to this Texas Tech advertisement - at the beginning of next month. So far, UMass has done little to hype its first season as a FBS program/40acressports.com)

The first few drops of information are coming out about the marketing of UMass football.

One can only hope that the school is ready to turn on the faucet.

The Daily Hampshire Gazette’s Matt Vautour spoke to Athletic Director John McCutcheon about future exposure (among other things) and learned that “ billboards, radio, TV and internet advertising, and social media promotions” are on deck for some time in July. Fans of the program have been clamoring for more exposure, and it looks like the school is about to unveil its first attempt.

I’m curious as to why the first advertising blitz is happening “right after the Fourth of July.” I would assume that billboards and radio spots would get a lot more traction as thousands of Bay Staters hop in the car and head to barbecues and Fourth fo July gatherings.

I’m interested to see how the school handles this first go-round. The silence as been deafening so far.

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Both the Gazette and the Republican reported on the new radio partnership with WEEI 105.5 FM, Springfield’s WEEI sister station.

Harry Plumer, a new sportswriter for the Republican, spoke to WEEI about the deal, and learned that the station will “provide a worldwide live stream online for fans that are unable to receive” its signal. Fans in Worcester can also hear games on WEEI 1400 AM.

Nelligan Sports Marketing, the sports marketing firm that handles UMass exposure, had a comment on the partnership:

“This is certainly an exciting time for UMass Athletics and we’re pleased to have WEEI Springfield as our new flagship radio partner,” said John Egan, Regional Vice President for Nelligan Sports Marketing. “As the Minutemen kick-off their first season of FBS football and as a new football member of the Mid-American Conference, it was important for us to find a station that would commit the resources necessary to promote the University and its athletic programs.”

The major elephant in the room is: Besides using the powers of the Internet, how are Boston listeners going to hear games?

Maybe they’ll all be at the game due to the Great July Marketing Boom … right? Anyone?

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EA Sports and Las Vegas have already determined that UMass is going to have a rough year, and now Athlon Sports is joining the party. The sports magazine has UMass as the No. 122 team in the nation – edging out South Alabama and UTSA.

Athlon has a short preview article up as well.

Honestly, it just nice to have UMass in a portion of the magazine where I don’t have to use a telescope to read the team preview.

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Because it wouldn’t be a blog post without a Florida recruit, here’s a new one for you.

UMass has extended an offer to A.J. Sattinger, a tight end from Clearwater, according to Big County Preps.

The 6’3, 223 pound athlete has an impressive list of offer so far, according to Rivals.