Chiefs Hunt outlines changes the Chiefs are making to get the red back in Arrowhead - Page 8

**Tribal Warfare** · 04-13-2013, 06:47 PM

Chiefs owner outlines changes to get the red back in Arrowhead
By SAM MELLINGER
The Kansas City Star
Clark Hunt is sitting at a small table in his enormous suite at Arrowhead Stadium, hands in his lap, his voice steady and professional. But really, he may as well be standing in front of you all, arms outstretched, his words as sweet as he’s capable of making them sound:

Hug?

The Chiefs owner is here, talking to you, emphasizing a philosophy shift in the franchise he holds so dear. Hunt wants you to expect something very different from the Chiefs you came to know in recent years. Some of what he is doing sounds very cool for fans, some of it will help the team make more money. Some of it will do both.

Hunt knows it won’t mean much if the team doesn’t win, but while the new football men he hired work on that part, it’s significant that the man who took so much heat last year — taunting banners flying over the stadium, nasty name-calling, stacks of angry letters — is extending a hand.

“Certainly the football side of the Chiefs the last four years was more guarded in how information was shared externally,” he says. “There’s still teams in the league that operate like that, but what I’ve seen in the last 12 months, attending ownership meetings and being on the digital committee, is an understanding that, hey, the model is shifting and we have to be more open.”

Hunt is doing everything he can to make sure the hiring of coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey is the end to a brutal four-year run marked by arrogance and detachment, bottoming out with a 2-14 thud last season that made Arrowhead quiet and fans wearing bags on their heads.

Hunt won’t blame the problems on anyone. He doesn’t bring up any names. But when Scott ***** was hired and given total football control four years ago, he brought a hyper-secretive and isolated style that — especially as the losses piled up — turned off many loyal fans.

But it was more than just losing that turned off many fans, so Hunt and club president Mark Donovan know that more than just winning is needed to bring them back. Consumers fans — have more power and more options than ever, so everyone lost with that old model. The Chiefs had empty seats, quiet or booing crowds, and fans who felt pushed away to prove it.

That’s not how the Chiefs became Kansas City’s passion. That’s not how they became a wildly profitable business.

Without a strong sense of connection, many fans drifted, and the Chiefs are now trying to woo them back with gifts and technology. The Chiefs were the first NFL team to use paperless tickets last year, and going forward, this is will be their vehicle of choice.

“Really, we want the experience with our fan base to be one where they’re an insider,” Hunt says. “Where they feel like an insider. Where they’re getting to see things, and hear things, and learn things that people generally don’t have an opportunity to do.”

The key to this is the season-ticketholder card the Chiefs created last year. Paperless tickets make it easier for fans to transfer seats or replace lost items. Now the club is adding a loyalty program that is part Foursquare, part frequent flier account and the first of its kind in the NFL.

The buzzword here is value. Part of winning back fans is to create more value in that card than mere admittance to the stadium. For instance, go to team events like next week’s draft party, and you’ll earn points. Show your card at various club sponsors and you’ll receive a discount. You get the idea.

Collect enough points and you can “buy” experiences that otherwise aren’t for sale, like pregame sideline passes or dinner with Reid.

The card is also important to the Chiefs, because they can gather data. Scanning those cards tells them all sorts of information — how early you arrive at the stadium, what you buy when you’re there, how often you attend club events during the week, etc.

You can look at this part in two ways. The Chiefs can use the information to maximize their profits (when and how to better staff the stadium, for instance) or to improve the efficiency of a fan’s game day experience. Both are true.

All NFL teams are working to bring fans into their stadiums instead of having them home on their couches. There are league-wide initiatives, like certain replays in the stadium that aren’t shown at home, and the Chiefs are working on other ways to enhance the stadium experience — cameras following players from their cars to the locker room, better cell phone reception, more fantasy football stats, etc.

This is all coming at a crucial time for the Chiefs. They still call Arrowhead “the loudest stadium in the NFL,” but that has been more of an outdated reminder of better times than an honest point of pride in recent years. They have fallen behind.

Again, the best way to change that is for the Chiefs to win. But fans have been disappointed by far more than losses in recent years. Heck, the Chiefs still haven’t won a playoff game since January 1994 so this isn’t a front-running fan base. Just one that wants to feel their love reciprocated.

The Chiefs think this is the way. They’re trying to replace the disconnect of the past four years with something closer to the party of the 1990s — and they’re doing it with the latest technology and a more open philosophy.

In other words, they want you back. And they’re changing to do it.

crossbow · 04-14-2013, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I don't blame anyone in One Arrowhead if they think another losing season is completely unacceptable. I'm in the camp that they need to find a franchise QB this year and it should hopefully be with the first pick. I don't know if they'll pass on Geno. I don't know if they're positioning for a trade out. I don't know if they like somebody later in the draft.

But I don't blame anyone in this organization for wanting to win in 2013. And I don't think the idea of tanking for a QB next year is a very good idea.

Can't blame them for trying to win but I can call bullshit when I see them do something stupid over and over and over for 30 years.

chiefzilla1501 · 04-14-2013, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crossbow

Can't blame them for trying to win but I can call bullshit when I see them do something stupid over and over and over for 30 years.

So far, the Chiefs have done a lot of things different than what we're used to. We hired a coach outside of the tree, he built a staff that pulled quite a few guys off of the tree, our new GM did not fire Pioli's scouts, they hired a defensive coordinator to adjust to our existing talent instead of force-fitting their old talent, and while I'm not a fan of Alex Smith, he wasn't pulled from the Packers or Eagles tree (even though they had opportunity to get Kolb and Matt Flynn).

History indicates that both the Eagles and Packers drafted QBs and drafted them often. Reid in particular understands the importance of the QB position. So no, I am not at all convinced they believe Alex Smith is a long-term answer, especially since they haven't extended his deal. Dorsey himself already pointed out Smith's limitations in an interview. Think it's fair to worry, too soon to panic.

**gblowfish** · 04-14-2013, 02:42 PM

I'm still hoping they trade out of the first spot and pick up a second round pick. If we're going to take a tackle, if we get the best, next best, or next to next best, it won't make much difference. How good your left tackle is, well, that's important, but isn't the lynchpin to winning a SB. QB is, absolutely. As long as we keep playing re-treads, we'll keep being also rans.

OrtonsPiercedTaint · 04-14-2013, 02:49 PM

OH MY GOODNESS Alex Smith beat the Saints in a playoff game(@ home). Who else beat the Saints, and in their dome? A team that would win only one other game all season. Who might that team be?

crossbow · 04-14-2013, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

So far, the Chiefs have done a lot of things different than what we're used to. We hired a coach outside of the tree, he built a staff that pulled quite a few guys off of the tree, our new GM did not fire *****'s scouts, they hired a defensive coordinator to adjust to our existing talent instead of force-fitting their old talent, and while I'm not a fan of Alex Smith, he wasn't pulled from the Packers or Eagles tree (even though they had opportunity to get Kolb and Matt Flynn).

History indicates that both the Eagles and Packers drafted QBs and drafted them often. Reid in particular understands the importance of the QB position. So no, I am not at all convinced they believe Alex Smith is a long-term answer, especially since they haven't extended his deal. Dorsey himself already pointed out Smith's limitations in an interview. Think it's fair to worry, too soon to panic.

They will do what all of the other guys before them did here...trot that loser out there every game and make excuses for him.

Grbac, Bono, Cassel, Smith <--maybe a 4th QB from another team will be different this time.

**RealSNR** · 04-14-2013, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

OK.

So you think this is still happening with a class equal to last years talent of QB class.

Probably not with Andrew Luck at the top, but that doesn't matter. Andrew Lucks should NEVER be expected in a draft class.

You heard Andy Reid. You heard him talk about Alex Smith and what he wanted to do all along on his new team. If say a Matt Stafford (whom I like Geno more than, but that's beside the point) were at the top of the draft, Reid probably would have traded for Alex. I'd bet money on it.

chiefzilla1501 · 04-14-2013, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Probably not with Andrew Luck at the top, but that doesn't matter. Andrew Lucks should NEVER be expected in a draft class.

You heard Andy Reid. You heard him talk about Alex Smith and what he wanted to do all along on his new team. If say a Matt Stafford (whom I like Geno more than, but that's beside the point) were at the top of the draft, Reid probably would have traded for Alex. I'd bet money on it.

I'm not sure what you expect Andy Reid to say. And there's plenty of reason to not overhype any QB prospect, seeing how they may be trying to wheel and deal. Dorsey's comments were more telling. He said Alex Smith was accurate on short to intermediate but pretty average in accuracy beyond that. Not a ringing endorsement. They also don't seem to have negotiated anything long-term.

It's way too soon to judge this for what it is. It's very reasonable that this was only a short-term move to win games today, but that they're still very serious about getting a young QB. Nothing has been sealed shut yet.

chiefzilla1501 · 04-14-2013, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crossbow

They will do what all of the other guys before them did here...trot that loser out there every game and make excuses for him.

Grbac, Bono, Cassel, Smith <--maybe a 4th QB from another team will be different this time.

I will wait for them to extend his contract and/or refuse to draft QB and/or refuse to suggest there's any kind of QB competition.

I don't like the Alex Smith trade. But we have no idea what their long-term plan is for him. None.

DTLB58 · 04-14-2013, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Dorsey is unknown.

I like his background, thus, his potential.

I would have preferred a pairing with a different coach.

Agreed. I see it this way. Reid coaches the Chiefs for let's say 2-3 years and then albeit successful years will have to step down for health reasons ala Parcells and a young up and comer on the staff maybe Pedersen will be ready to take over.

Then Reid will too make this his team.

DTLB58 · 04-14-2013, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crossbow

The Alex trade is a totaly bad move because they will now win enough games to be out of reach to draft a franchise QB. I wouldn't be so angry if they hadn't done this so many pathetic times and failed at it.

Then pick a new team and quit bitching about this one.

**DaFace** · 04-14-2013, 03:56 PM

Oh, look a thread about the Chiefs' front office changes they're considering to try and make the overall fan experience better. Nothing to do with the players, the draft, or anything like that. I wonder...

Yep. Completely overrun with Alex vs. Geno BS like very other thread. Not sure why I even consider this place worth reading for Chiefs news anymore.

**Bugeater** · 04-14-2013, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFace

Oh, look a thread about the Chiefs' front office changes they're considering to try and make the overall fan experience better. Nothing to do with the players, the draft, or anything like that. I wonder...

Yep. Completely overrun with Alex vs. Geno BS like very other thread. Not sure why I even consider this place worth reading for Chiefs news anymore.

Is there something else you'd like to argue about?

KCinNY · 04-14-2013, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gblowfish

If they draft a tackle, and Geno becomes a star, that will be typical Chiefs.

This is pretty much what I'm expecting to happen.

**BossChief** · 04-14-2013, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFace

Oh, look a thread about the Chiefs' front office changes they're considering to try and make the overall fan experience better. Nothing to do with the players, the draft, or anything like that. I wonder...

Yep. Completely overrun with Alex vs. Geno BS like very other thread. Not sure why I even consider this place worth reading for Chiefs news anymore.

We have suffered through a 6 season stretch that has given us 4 top five picks and after the 2013 draft, we STILL won't have drafted a quarterback.

The team just had the worst season in franchise history and we are supposed to be excited about season tickets being harder to sell if the team is terrible again?

Calm down, everyone...your cell phones will work at the stadium now!!!

Woohoo

I'm not gonna act excited about things till there is something to be excited for and it looks like that may be awhile.

**DaFace** · 04-14-2013, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

We have suffered through a 6 season stretch that has given us 4 top five picks and after the 2013 draft, we STILL won't have drafted a quarterback.

The team just had the worst season in franchise history and we are supposed to be excited about season tickets being harder to sell if the team is terrible again?

Calm down, everyone...your cell phones will work at the stadium now!!!

Woohoo

I'm not gonna act excited about things till there is something to be excited for and it looks like that may be awhile.

My point is just that's ALL some of you guys will talk about anymore. It's making Chiefs talk on this site boring as hell to read.

04-13-2013, 06:47 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $532813	Hunt outlines changes the Chiefs are making to get the red back in Arrowhead Chiefs owner outlines changes to get the red back in Arrowhead By SAM MELLINGER The Kansas City Star Clark Hunt is sitting at a small table in his enormous suite at Arrowhead Stadium, hands in his lap, his voice steady and professional. But really, he may as well be standing in front of you all, arms outstretched, his words as sweet as he’s capable of making them sound: Hug? The Chiefs owner is here, talking to you, emphasizing a philosophy shift in the franchise he holds so dear. Hunt wants you to expect something very different from the Chiefs you came to know in recent years. Some of what he is doing sounds very cool for fans, some of it will help the team make more money. Some of it will do both. Hunt knows it won’t mean much if the team doesn’t win, but while the new football men he hired work on that part, it’s significant that the man who took so much heat last year — taunting banners flying over the stadium, nasty name-calling, stacks of angry letters — is extending a hand. “Certainly the football side of the Chiefs the last four years was more guarded in how information was shared externally,” he says. “There’s still teams in the league that operate like that, but what I’ve seen in the last 12 months, attending ownership meetings and being on the digital committee, is an understanding that, hey, the model is shifting and we have to be more open.” Hunt is doing everything he can to make sure the hiring of coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey is the end to a brutal four-year run marked by arrogance and detachment, bottoming out with a 2-14 thud last season that made Arrowhead quiet and fans wearing bags on their heads. Hunt won’t blame the problems on anyone. He doesn’t bring up any names. But when Scott ***** was hired and given total football control four years ago, he brought a hyper-secretive and isolated style that — especially as the losses piled up — turned off many loyal fans. But it was more than just losing that turned off many fans, so Hunt and club president Mark Donovan know that more than just winning is needed to bring them back. Consumers fans — have more power and more options than ever, so everyone lost with that old model. The Chiefs had empty seats, quiet or booing crowds, and fans who felt pushed away to prove it. That’s not how the Chiefs became Kansas City’s passion. That’s not how they became a wildly profitable business. Without a strong sense of connection, many fans drifted, and the Chiefs are now trying to woo them back with gifts and technology. The Chiefs were the first NFL team to use paperless tickets last year, and going forward, this is will be their vehicle of choice. “Really, we want the experience with our fan base to be one where they’re an insider,” Hunt says. “Where they feel like an insider. Where they’re getting to see things, and hear things, and learn things that people generally don’t have an opportunity to do.” The key to this is the season-ticketholder card the Chiefs created last year. Paperless tickets make it easier for fans to transfer seats or replace lost items. Now the club is adding a loyalty program that is part Foursquare, part frequent flier account and the first of its kind in the NFL. The buzzword here is value. Part of winning back fans is to create more value in that card than mere admittance to the stadium. For instance, go to team events like next week’s draft party, and you’ll earn points. Show your card at various club sponsors and you’ll receive a discount. You get the idea. Collect enough points and you can “buy” experiences that otherwise aren’t for sale, like pregame sideline passes or dinner with Reid. The card is also important to the Chiefs, because they can gather data. Scanning those cards tells them all sorts of information — how early you arrive at the stadium, what you buy when you’re there, how often you attend club events during the week, etc. You can look at this part in two ways. The Chiefs can use the information to maximize their profits (when and how to better staff the stadium, for instance) or to improve the efficiency of a fan’s game day experience. Both are true. All NFL teams are working to bring fans into their stadiums instead of having them home on their couches. There are league-wide initiatives, like certain replays in the stadium that aren’t shown at home, and the Chiefs are working on other ways to enhance the stadium experience — cameras following players from their cars to the locker room, better cell phone reception, more fantasy football stats, etc. This is all coming at a crucial time for the Chiefs. They still call Arrowhead “the loudest stadium in the NFL,” but that has been more of an outdated reminder of better times than an honest point of pride in recent years. They have fallen behind. Again, the best way to change that is for the Chiefs to win. But fans have been disappointed by far more than losses in recent years. Heck, the Chiefs still haven’t won a playoff game since January 1994 so this isn’t a front-running fan base. Just one that wants to feel their love reciprocated. The Chiefs think this is the way. They’re trying to replace the disconnect of the past four years with something closer to the party of the 1990s — and they’re doing it with the latest technology and a more open philosophy. In other words, they want you back. And they’re changing to do it.
Posts: 42,170

04-14-2013, 02:42 PM	#108
gblowfish Be Kind To Your Pets Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Glorious Independence, MO Casino cash: $17596178 VARSITY	I'm still hoping they trade out of the first spot and pick up a second round pick. If we're going to take a tackle, if we get the best, next best, or next to next best, it won't make much difference. How good your left tackle is, well, that's important, but isn't the lynchpin to winning a SB. QB is, absolutely. As long as we keep playing re-treads, we'll keep being also rans.
Posts: 40,843

04-14-2013, 02:49 PM	#109
OrtonsPiercedTaint MVP Join Date: Dec 2012 Casino cash: $10004980	OH MY GOODNESS Alex Smith beat the Saints in a playoff game(@ home). Who else beat the Saints, and in their dome? A team that would win only one other game all season. Who might that team be?
Posts: 5,994

04-14-2013, 03:56 PM	#116
DaFace Kind of a mod Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Donkey Land Casino cash: $1646899	Oh, look a thread about the Chiefs' front office changes they're considering to try and make the overall fan experience better. Nothing to do with the players, the draft, or anything like that. I wonder... Yep. Completely overrun with Alex vs. Geno BS like very other thread. Not sure why I even consider this place worth reading for Chiefs news anymore.
Posts: 51,984