The Media Perspective: Central Florida Bowl Week
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Image via Florida Citrus Sports
It's been a great week here in Central Florida for many sports fans and enthusiasts. Thanks to Florida Citrus Sports, the Sports Marketing Perspective team has the opportunity to cover the 2019-2020 Central Florida Bowl Week, highlighting some of the most significant sporting events in Orlando, Florida.
As credentialed media for the Camping World Bowl and Vrbo Citrus Bowl, we receive information and have the opportunity to attend many events that take place unknowingly to the public. Starting things off, all media members who apply for credentials receive email confirmations on their credential status. If you are approved, you will receive special instructions, itineraries, and more each day throughout the entire Bowl Week.
We have to give praise where praise is due. Florida Citrus Sports runs nothing less than professional and organized events. From a marketing and media standpoint, each event we attend, which is hosted by Florida Citrus Sports, has always shown the media respect. Regardless of your affiliation, whether you work for a big-time publication or you are working independently, Florida Citrus Sports lays down the red carpet for members of the media.
Bowl Week and Community Events
Image via Camping World Bowl
As a host city and host committee, you must involve the teams coming into your state and city within the community. Community involvement is essential to sustainability within the market and sports industry, and community involvement builds trust among local fans, consumers, businesses, and media outlets.
On Monday, December 23rd, both Iowa State and Notre Dame football teams arrived in Orlando for the Camping World Bowl. Upon arrival, both football teams were met by volunteers and fans and given bottles of orange juice as they stepped off the plane. If that isn't a warm Orange County greeting, I don't know what is. After their arrivals, each team would begin bowl game practices at the local Boone High School and Camping World Stadium. Throughout the week, Iowa State and Notre Dame would take part in many community events. Both teams would have specific times set aside for theme park visits, shopping sprees, Camping World Day for kids, and official Camping World Bowl pep rallies.
On Thursday, December 26th, Alabama and Michigan would arrive in Orlando for the Vrbo Citrus Bowl and be greeted with the same Central Florida welcome. Alabama and Michigan began their Bowl Week holding practices at the local Celebration and West Orange High Schools. Alabama and Michigan will also take part in many VIP gatherings, community and youth events, pep rallies, and more.
Bowl Week Video Links > Here
The Media Perspective
As members of the media, specifically members of sports media, our perspective narrates the story for fans, other media outlets, and general consumers. Cities and host committees understand the importance of positive narration from the media's point of view. A negative story about an event not only falls on the shoulders of those hosting an event, but it also falls on the culture surrounding the city, the teams, and the sport.
Knowing this, Florida Citrus Sports went above and beyond, making sure that members of the media are well informed throughout the entire week. Not only do we receive information via email, but the utilization of the Press Pass app also made getting updates a seamless process. The media hotel did a great job of providing working areas, and the availability and easy access to press conferences, practices, and media events via a free shuttle was a great touch. Not to mention, but we will say, the media hospitality room offered excellent food and snack options. Who doesn't love great food?
A bonus offering for all media covering the Camping World and Vrbo Citrus Bowls is the partnership with Lyft. Florida Citrus Sports partnered with Lyft giving all media a $25 Lyft credit to use throughout bowl week. Sports Marketing Media offices are in Orlando, Florida, however, being able to park and take a free Lyft ride across town to cover various events saved a lot of time and money.
Overall, the 2019-2020 Central Florida Bowl Week has been an excellent experience for the Sports Marketing Perspective team. We look forward to bringing you more content from the fields of the Camping World Bowl and Vrbo Citrus Bowl.
Make sure you follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes access, and a unique perspective from some of the greatest sporting events in the Central Florida area.
Special thanks to Florida Citrus Sports.
Camping World Bowl | Vrbo Citrus Bowl | Florida Citrus Sports
Camping World Bowl Photo Gallery > Here