The team continues expanding this approach to group sales. “We are moving more into some different technology with Ticketmaster and Vivo to drive more of that business to be digital as well,” says Bowen. “Historically, especially pre-pandemic, you had access to whoever booked the group or maybe a couple of people that organized the group, but if you bring a hundred people, you’re only getting 1% of the information to be able to remarket back to those people.” Mobile technology has also transformed in-venue operations. “We have extra handheld devices that we can use to speed up the checkout process for customers,” notes Bowen. “It gives you a handheld point of sale that you can move around and adjust more to where the lines are and where you need an extra person to be.” Marketing analytics have similarly advanced.“In the last year or two, we’ve added some different ways with technology to be able to see where people are coming from when they come to our games,” Kessling adds. “We can go in and look to see where our fans are coming from, not just where they live, but where they’re going to stop before they come here.” THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE GAME Behind every successful sports venue are the individuals who make the magic happen— professionals who find fulfillment in creating memorable experiences for their community. For the Altoona Curve leadership team, these rewards come in different forms but share common themes of connection and impact. “I would have to say the most rewarding aspect is the people,” Bowen reflects.“Whether it’s the people that come to games that you see all the time—we always talk about opening day being a family reunion for all the season ticket holders and partners who haven’t been able to be at the stadium for five or six months—but for me, it’s just as important for the people that work for you.” Bowen takes pride in developing talent both on and off the field. “Most of the people in the front office, if we’re not the first job, we’re probably the second job a lot of them have had since whenever they graduated high school or college,” he says. “Seeing those people evolve year to year and then hopefully go on to take positions within our industry with other teams or even outside the industry” provides particular satisfaction. For Kessling, joy comes from fan engagement.“I think it’s the fan experience. The entire team puts in a lot of effort to make our games and our events as fun as they possibly can,” he notes.“When you put in all these hours, you see the joy and the entertainment you bring people.” Kessling shares an example of children making cards for veterans at a community event: “To know and see the kids having a great time seeing the mascot and getting their photo, and then knowing those cards with messages like ‘thank you for your service’ are going to veterans—it’s being able to bring joy to our entire community and doing it as a team effort.” Gravert’s leadership philosophy exemplifies the team’s attitude. “I’m never going to ask you to do something that I’m not willing to do myself,” she says.“If I’m not willing to do it, then there’s probably a reason why we shouldn’t be doing it.” As the Altoona Curve prepares for 2025, this dedicated team continues balancing baseball tradition with innovation—proving that even in America’s smallest AA market, passion and community connection create an outsized impact. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Breezeline www.breezeline.com Breezeline is the eighth-largest cable operator in the United States. The company provides its residential and business customers with Internet, TV, and Phone services in Pennsylvania and 12 other states. Breezeline is a subsidiary of Cogeco Communications (TSX: CCA), which also operates in Canada as Cogeco Connexion. 100 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 04
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