The Sports Truth

I’ve never much cared for sports marketing and am a believer that it is a waste of money and ineffective. Now, with news of the new deal between the Chicago White Sox and 7-Eleven Convenience Store Chain, my feelings have finally proven correct.

How genius are those people at 7-Eleven to convince a major league team to start their games at the same time associated with there chain? I know every time the clock strikes 7:11 I think of slurpees and bagged pickles. You don’t?

Check out this quote from 7-Eleven Spokesperson Margaret Chabris:

“Every time the media announces the game’s start time it will be a gentle reminder of our sponsorship,” Chabris said.

That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. That’s like saying every time I heard the number 24 I think of Jack Bauer and daydream about how bad ass he is. And sponsorship is never gentle; these marketing people kill me.

I can picture them sitting in a room for an hour discussing which adjective in the English language would best articulate their mission while still sympathizing with consumers and not alienating sports fans.

Really, all we’re talking about here is money and a corporation willing to throw it away. Teams should rob these companies who think it’s a smart decision to plaster their name on stadiums and sports arenas. Thank God the White Sox didn’t make it to the baseball playoffs.

Unless the White Sox set up two dozen 7-Eleven’s inside U.S. Cellular Field (more sponsorship) and make vendors sell Slurpees for $8 instead of beer, the company will most likely see no return on their investment. And that’s coming from a financial expert right here.

In fact, I want to make a quick buck and am now taking bids to sponsor my rather infrequent column here on The Sports Truth. Any takers?

Posted in Baseball