Post by TheShadow on Jun 24, 2007 9:11:05 GMT -5
www.insidebayarea.com/
Team aims to avoid local TV blackouts
By Matthew Cooper, STAFF WRITER
There's a fresh breath of enthusiasm coming from the Oakland Raiders this season.
Despite a 2-14 record last season, Raiders coaches, players and administrators are excited about 2007 with No. 1 draft pick Jamarcus Russell and rookie head coach Lane Kiffin.
Raiders executives, coaches and players past and present shared their optimism with influential Bay Area business executives Thursday night at a reception attended by representatives of such firms as PG&E, EA Sports, San Jose firefighters and Yahoo. It was an event held to pitch optimism, sponsorship opportunities, suites and tickets — especially two new ticket plans benefiting kids and returning U.S. troops.
"This event provided us with an opportunity to meet with approximately 225 businesses located in Northern Californiaand it provided those guests with an opportunity to enjoy Raider hospitality and learn new ways in which they will enjoy working with the Raiders," said Mike Taylor, the team's public relations director.
Raiders legends George Atkinson, Steve Wisniewski and Cliff Branch were joined by 15 current players — among them Barry Sims and Kirk Morrison — along with Kiffin and his offensive and defensive coordinators, Greg Knapp and Rob Ryan.
Kiffin greeted the execs with a motivational speech about what to expect from the team next season.
"I came to Oakland because Al Davis is all about winning," Kiffin said enthusiastically. "We brought in guys in free agency and the draft who have been leaders since high school and want to win."
The Raiders have endured several seasons without selling out McAfee Coliseum every game, which long-suffering Raiders fans know all too well leads to annoying TV blackouts of home games.
Personal seat licenses went away a year ago, but the Raiders this season are providing their fans with an easier, more affordable and convenient way to buy season tickets.
Half-season tickets are available for the first time, giving fans the option of buy tickets to five games for half the price of the full season ticket package. The most affordable five-game option is available at $130.
Raiders personnel encouraged their guests to not only buy season tickets and luxury suites, but to give back to the community by participating in two benefit programs: Tickets for Troops and Tickets for Kids.
Both programs allow sponsors to buy tickets for 20 to
1,900 troops or kids per game, at prices between $520 and $50,000.
Game day fans will find several additions and improvements this season.
"We have added to the stadium the Raider Rookie Zone," said Taylor, describing an area where children "can enjoy interactive games and activities, and their parents can enjoy visiting with other families, while their children enjoy themselves during breaks in the action."
Taylor said the team also has "improved ingress and egress, parking, concession and stadium staffing."
The preseason home opener is Aug. 11 against the Arizona Cardinals; the regular season opens at home Sept. 9 against the Detroit Lions.
Team aims to avoid local TV blackouts
By Matthew Cooper, STAFF WRITER
There's a fresh breath of enthusiasm coming from the Oakland Raiders this season.
Despite a 2-14 record last season, Raiders coaches, players and administrators are excited about 2007 with No. 1 draft pick Jamarcus Russell and rookie head coach Lane Kiffin.
Raiders executives, coaches and players past and present shared their optimism with influential Bay Area business executives Thursday night at a reception attended by representatives of such firms as PG&E, EA Sports, San Jose firefighters and Yahoo. It was an event held to pitch optimism, sponsorship opportunities, suites and tickets — especially two new ticket plans benefiting kids and returning U.S. troops.
"This event provided us with an opportunity to meet with approximately 225 businesses located in Northern Californiaand it provided those guests with an opportunity to enjoy Raider hospitality and learn new ways in which they will enjoy working with the Raiders," said Mike Taylor, the team's public relations director.
Raiders legends George Atkinson, Steve Wisniewski and Cliff Branch were joined by 15 current players — among them Barry Sims and Kirk Morrison — along with Kiffin and his offensive and defensive coordinators, Greg Knapp and Rob Ryan.
Kiffin greeted the execs with a motivational speech about what to expect from the team next season.
"I came to Oakland because Al Davis is all about winning," Kiffin said enthusiastically. "We brought in guys in free agency and the draft who have been leaders since high school and want to win."
The Raiders have endured several seasons without selling out McAfee Coliseum every game, which long-suffering Raiders fans know all too well leads to annoying TV blackouts of home games.
Personal seat licenses went away a year ago, but the Raiders this season are providing their fans with an easier, more affordable and convenient way to buy season tickets.
Half-season tickets are available for the first time, giving fans the option of buy tickets to five games for half the price of the full season ticket package. The most affordable five-game option is available at $130.
Raiders personnel encouraged their guests to not only buy season tickets and luxury suites, but to give back to the community by participating in two benefit programs: Tickets for Troops and Tickets for Kids.
Both programs allow sponsors to buy tickets for 20 to
1,900 troops or kids per game, at prices between $520 and $50,000.
Game day fans will find several additions and improvements this season.
"We have added to the stadium the Raider Rookie Zone," said Taylor, describing an area where children "can enjoy interactive games and activities, and their parents can enjoy visiting with other families, while their children enjoy themselves during breaks in the action."
Taylor said the team also has "improved ingress and egress, parking, concession and stadium staffing."
The preseason home opener is Aug. 11 against the Arizona Cardinals; the regular season opens at home Sept. 9 against the Detroit Lions.