ESPN declared the Nashville Predators as the best franchise in professional sports on Monday. Predators President and CEO Sean Henry joined ESPN 102.5 The Game’s Braden and Fitz to discuss the honor.
“The word I always use is sincerity,” Henry said Tuesday, “We have about 200 full time employees and about 600 event staff. They really are committed to each other and they’re sincere about approaching our guests, partners, players, performers and each other.”
According to ESPN’s polls, the Preds deliver the best experience to fans through social media interaction, personal dialogue, and easy ways to provide feedback. The Predators exceed expectations by offering affordable ticket prices. The Predators made history by playing in the Stanley Cup Final, but still made tickets available for the common fan through low prices and multitude of giveaways.
The Preds ranked sixth in ESPN’s Ultimate Standings in 2016 after placing 27th in 2015 – now the Preds reached their top goal, “to be the best sports and entertainment venue, we used say America, but now I guess we should say the World thanks to ESPN,” Henry said.
Evidenced by their consistently high rankings in ESPN’s Ultimate Standings, the Preds aren’t successful today because of their trip to the Stanley Cup Final. Henry noted how the Preds set their sellout record at Bridgestone Arena in a year when they didn’t make the playoffs. Last season the Preds sold out every home game for the first time in their history.
Tom Cigarran, Sean Henry, David Poile and the entire Preds staff have rebuilt their franchise after almost losing the team in 2007. Since 2010, the Predators’ value has climbed from $148 million up to $270 million, according to Forbes.
Winning alone does not create a great franchise, nor does selling tickets for low prices. What makes the Predators organization successful in a nontraditional hockey market is the culmination of team success, fan experience, consumer interaction, and a flexible venue in Bridgestone Arena.
“It’s more than just a great product on the ice or a great experience in the stands, it’s 24 hours a day, 7 seven days a week, 365 days a year,” Henry emphasized, “You’re connecting with your fans, clients, and everyone who makes it click to make sure they’re a part of what we do.”
To hear the full interview with the Predsident Sean Henry check out ESPN 102.5 The Game’s SoundCloud page below.
