For the Chicago Dogs (independent; American Association), a debut 2018 season is drawing closer, and the club is making plans to build awareness in the meantime.
Next year, the Dogs will begin playing at a new ballpark in Rosemont, IL that is currently under construction. In recent months, the most significant development for the franchise was the announcement of its name–the Chicago Dogs.
The Dogs unveiled their branding in July, putting an identity on the team well in advance of its 2018 debut. Now that the name has been unveiled, and has received a positive response overall, the Dogs will look to continue rolling out more major initiatives in the coming months, according to co-owner Shawn Hunter. More from The Chicago Sun-Times:
Hunter said the franchise began building relationships with sponsors and youth baseball and softball organizations last December and that the name release was “really a giant door opener that accelerates all those relationships.” The $60-million, 6,300-seat stadium’s name will be announced after Labor Day, and some corporate partnerships will be unveiled before the holidays. The ticket side is using “very targeted” sales and digital marketing campaigns, which Hunter said is easier because the franchise has a name.
By the end of this year, Hunter said the franchise will do more digital advertising, along with traditional print, radio and television. Then after the new year and before opening day in May, the Dogs’ marketing will be ramped up further.
“We’ve been very quiet since probably December but very active,” Hunter said. “Now that we’re out there it makes it much easier.”
Hunter is one of the team’s co-owners, along with Steven Gluckstern.
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