Send us a textBuyout nights are one of the most misunderstood tools in sports marketing. Some teams swear by them — others won’t touch them with a ten-foot pole. In this episode, Jeremy breaks down exactly why buyout nights can be a revenue machine and a sponsor slam dunk… but also how they can quietly erode your ticketing strategy, overwhelm your operations, and reposition your brand as the “free entertainment option” in your community.You’ll learn the financial upside, the hidden dangers, the operational realities, and a step-by-step framework for running buyout nights with intention — including the essential data capture, segmentation, bounce-back offers, and sponsor recaps that turn a one-night giveaway into long-term revenue.Whether you’ve done buyout nights for years or you’re debating your first one, this episode gives you the guardrails you need to do them right.Key Topics Covered:✔ Why Buyout Nights Work — When They WorkGuaranteed revenue upfront, regardless of opponent, weather, or win-loss recordPerfect for teams in unpredictable climates or with volatile attendance rhythmsCreates a “manufactured” packed house that directly enhances game entertainmentStrengthens sponsor relationships through visibility, goodwill, and community impactFunctions as a massive sampling event for new or casual fansActs as one of the cheapest fan acquisition channels when data is captured properly✔ The Hidden Downsides Most Teams IgnoreTraining your market to wait for free tickets (the “coupon culture” problem)Risk of season ticket holders questioning their investmentFree/discounted attendees spend less, engage less, and convert lessTurning your brand into the low-price entertainment option in townSponsor expectations ballooning after their first successful buyout nightOperational meltdowns when attendance jumps from 2,000 to 7,000 unexpectedlyLost marketing value if fan data isn’t collected every single time✔ Why Email & Contact Capture Is Non-NegotiableTurning “visitors” into “buyers” starts with having their informationFree ticket = free lead… only if you set the system up correctlySimple Google Form strategy: name, email, phone, zip, and one qualifying questionHow these leads power future meta audiences, family offers, and retargeting campaignsWhy collecting data turns buyout night into one of your highest ROI events of the seasonTimestamps00:00 — Introduction: Why buyout nights spark so much debate 01:30 — The benefits: guaranteed revenue, packed buildings, sponsor wins 04:02 — How buyout nights boost community goodwill and brand visibility 06:06 — The lead-generation opportunities teams often miss 09:02 — The downside: discount culture, low-value fans, and pricing damage 12:50 — Operational challenges when attendance explodes overnight 14:49 — The secret sauce: bounce-backs, segmentation, sponsor POP recaps 17:23 — Final takeaways: Intentional vs. accidental buyout nightsCall to ActionThinking about running a buyout night? Not sure how to price it, structure it, or avoid the pitfalls? Reach out and schedule a call — Jeremy can help you build a buyout straSports Marketing Machine on LinkedInSports Marketing Machine on InstagramBook a call with Jeremy from Sports Marketing Machine

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