Anonymous
Years ago
Perth aim for crowds of 14,000
If every other NBL club could be even half as successful off court, as the Perth Wildcats, the NBL would be in great shape.
Great article here:
Perth Wildcats managing director Nick Marvin has a long-term vision - to sell out Perth Arena in its entirety at every game.
That includes the upper deck, which up until now has been opened only for blockbusters and takes the venue's capacity close to 14,000.
Even last year, with the Wildcats charging towards a record sixth NBL championship, the thought of selling out the venue every week would have seemed crazy to outsiders. But it would take a brave person to rule out the possibility now.
The Wildcats have enjoyed rapid growth since their move from the 4500-capacity Challenge Stadium to the Arena in 2012.
The Wildcats set the benchmark in Australian basketball and are moving back up the food chain in WA sport.
They have destroyed NBL attendance and membership records, and broke new ground by reaching 9000 members for the first time this week.
Marvin is confident the club will crack 10,000 members by the end of the season, but his ambition doesn't stop there.
"I could see us opening level four at the Arena permanently and having, say, 12,000 members and selling 2000 tickets on game day," Marvin said.
The Wildcats' remarkable off-court success is no fluke.
They spend more than 10 per cent of revenue on advertising and marketing.
Wildcats staff conduct annual fact-finding missions to the US, where they glean knowledge from their NBA counterparts in a bid to produce the best possible game-night experience for fans.
Marvin is wary the bubble could burst and won't let the club rest on its laurels.
"In terms of losing customers, the big test is this year and next year because the attraction of the new venue is going to fade eventually, especially for people who come 14 times a year," he said.
"We need to be able to give them a reason to come, put on a good enough product in terms of game-night entertainment to keep them engaged and continue what we're doing in the community.
"One thing that keeps us engaged with the community is the work we do in it.
"As sporting stars, it's a great opportunity to do it and we can't ignore that responsibility."
Wildcats players are feeling the flow-on effects of the vast support the club enjoys.
Vice-captain Greg Hire is convinced it gives the team a competitive edge.
"The club invests a lot in the playing group in terms of what they provide us, including coaches, support staff and off-the-court stuff like lunches and massages," Hire said.
"That is made possible by such a strong supporter base and corporate support."
