Marketing One's Team

[lionspride]

I don't like SMC new image/logo, but t seems as if someone at SMC must be doing something right about marketing their university athletics. Little SMC (probably behind Sanford, UC Berkley, Santa Clara, USF in terms of popularity in the bay area) has entered into a deal with Champs Sports to carry SMC merchandise. Somebody at SMC should get a raise. Maybe LMU athletic department could possibly learn something from this.


________________________________________________

wccsports.cstv.com/genrel/072307aaa.html

Saint Mary's College Athletic Department Releases New Logo

New Monogram Represents to Mascot's Heritage.


July 23, 2007

Moraga, CA - The Saint Mary's College Department of Athletics and Recreational Sports unveiled its new athletic logo today in a joint press conference/reception as part of SMC's reunion weekend, which played host to over 600 people. The new logo system, developed by Osaki Creative, Inc of Emeryville, CA, has remained a monogram "SMC", although it has been completely revamped to incorporate a sense of tradition, family, and pride, embodying the essence of a Saint Mary's Gael.

"The SMC logo is a reflection of the proud history of Saint Mary's College and Celtic art and culture. "The knot work design of the logo creates a monogram that reflects unity and the family unit of Saint Mary's College. The shield is a symbol of Gaelic pride and protection," said Kurt Osaki, Lead Designer of Osaki Creative.

In his address to a standing room only audience, Director of Athletics, Mark Orr also complimented the logo's embodiment of the College's traditions. "Our initial research showed that the SMC community associated the Gaels with family, unity, brotherhood and pride," said Orr. "The implementation of Celtic knotwork into the mark took these keywords and fused them with the rich tradition of our mascot's heritage. I think it really tells our story."

Today's launch celebrates a complete redesign of the athletic logo system. All of the facilities on campus have been updated with the new marks. "I am extremely pleased with how the new logo has shown so far," said Director of Marketing and Advertising, Mike Samuels. "It has a traditional yet timeless look that truly speaks to what Saint Mary's College represents."

The Athletic Department also stated that the second phase of the project, to create a new three-dimensional Gael mascot, is already underway. They expect to unveil the new mascot before January.

Champs stores throughout the Bay Area will begin to carry SMC merchandise beginning on August 15, marking the first time in the College's history that an official in-store licensing agreement has been signed with an off-campus vendor. Merchandise bearing the new logo was available at the release party and is currently through the on campus bookstore and Game Day Souvenirs. Promotional tee-shirts and decals donning the new marks were provided for all those in attendance.

For more information, please contact the SMC Marketing Office at 925-631-4265 or email [e-mail].

[lmu]

Nice finding, lionspride.

The new SMC logo is not going to be earth shattering in any way. What I might be even just a little jealous about is the fact that champs stores will start carrying SMC merchandise. Every time when I walk in a champs store, or a big5, they always have a section selling college stuff, mostly UCLAs, USCs...I always wish they have gears from LMU, I would buy it off the shelf without even the slightest hesitation in my mind.

[fanblade]

I do not know if this is the case but I have had experience with some Universities not allowing their merchandise to be sold at stores that compete with the student store or official athletics store. It is a negative when it comes to spreading name recognition but used to boost revenue that goes directly to the school. I do not know what LMU marketing (the school or the AD) rationale is on the subject.

I have also seen Cal State merchandise around the south bay but that is more related to the huge alumni base of the schools than the quality of their athletics for the most part.

[lionspride]

SMC must have weighed the options and thought it was the right thing to do. Somehow they made it happen. I know that SMC bookstore is run by "A service of Barnes and Noble" and LMU's is run by "Follett Higher Education Group". SMC has relatively the same size of enrollment as LMU and must be the 5th most popular university/college in the bay area (Sanford, UC Berkley, Santa Clara, USF). I would have to say that LMU is in a similar situation with USC, UCLA, Long Beach St., and Pepperdine. But somehow SMC got it done, didn't they? Sometimes a business (and don't be fooled by the "non-profit" organization label on these universities....it is somewhat of a business...larger endowments...increased exposure.....larger endowments) needs to sacrifice a little more revenue on the front end to get greater returns on the back end. If lost revenue at the LMU bookstore is what we are worried about, then all is lost. The LMU name needs GREATER exposure in the Los Angeles area. And that is what SMC has done.....increased EXPOSURE. That's the bottom line. If there is contactual obligations that needs to expire with LMU and its bookstore, then we will have to wait OR re-negotiate.

I am realistic. I am not going to keep banging the drum on the LMU athletic department for greater exposure through merchandising contracts, but I will continue to bang the drum for them to increase publicity in the surrounding community. Also, there is NO EXCUSE that the STUDENTS cannot come out in droves to attend the games and support the team. This is a travesty. Games should be the pre-party before their frat parties. NO EXCUSES why the athletic administration cannot team up with the frats and general student population to increase aware and make it a "win-win" for both.

__________________________________________
LIONSPRIDE SIGNATURE
How to increase attendance at LMU Basketball Games:
1) Tell someone you know that does not attend games and have them join you;
2) Call the athletic office and ask what they are doing to bring awareness of LMU basketball to the community (let alone its own student population)
3) Donate your tax deductible contribution specifically to LMU Men's Basketball and have it tagged for increased publicity.

LionsPride's answer to most things = attendance

[fanblade]

I like the design it looks different at least. Better against a background that isn't white

As for LMU, I do think there is a demand. I get many comments about my LMU phone cover and people wanting to find out where to get it. The school does have many hurdles to get items in stores around LA which is already crowded with collegiate merchandise (mostly from the "big" 2).

I've also noticed that there are Loyola University graduates even if they still 100% support the university are reluctant to buy LMU merchandise. I think the logos (and name) just do not resonate. But that's just an assumption, which may be completely wrong.

[jlion]

LMU just recently entered into a licensing deal with the same company as the one SMC is using. Until recently, LMU did not have any officially licensed products available...therefore, you wouldn't see them in retail outlets.

Unfortunately, it is not as simple as taking product from the Spirit Shop, or special ordering merchandise and going to Champs or Target and asking them to carry LMU product. Now that LMU is officially licensed, I'd expect to see more merchandise popping up around town.

[lionspride]

Thanks for the news jlion!

Sounds good. I will be looking forward to a new assortment of merchandise and maybe (just maybe) one day we will see LMU gear in certain strategic cities in LA.

__________________________________________
LIONSPRIDE SIGNATURE
How to increase attendance at LMU Basketball Games:
1) Tell someone you know that does not attend games and have them join you;
2) Call the athletic office and ask what they are doing to bring awareness of LMU basketball to the community (let alone its own student population)
3) Donate your tax deductible contribution specifically to LMU Men's Basketball and have it tagged for increased publicity.

LionsPride's answer to most things = attendance

[ironlions]

The SMC logo looks like a penis.
I digress.

[fanblade]

Good to hear jlion. There is certainly a demand for some quality LMU merchandise around Los Angeles.