As major league baseball gears up for its 2025 season, small business owners can expect an engaging lineup of games that could resonate well with their customer bases. Apple TV+ is set to restart its popular "Friday Night Baseball" series on March 28, offering businesses a fresh opportunity to attract patrons looking for communal viewing experiences centered around America’s pastime.
The exclusive weekly doubleheaders will feature teams like the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Houston Astros, broadcasted from multiple locations without local blackout restrictions. This season’s first match-up kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET, showcasing fan favorites and future hall-of-famers amidst state-of-the-art production quality.
"Fans can access games in 60 countries with enhanced production quality and expert commentary," said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports, and Beats. For business owners, this opens up a new channel for customer engagement. Whether hosting viewing parties or offering promotions tied to the games being broadcast, there are several ways to leverage this new content.
Key takeaways for small businesses:
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Increased Foot Traffic: Hosting game nights can draw customers in, fostering a community atmosphere. Owners of bars and restaurants may find the opportunity to promote food and drink specials particularly appealing on Fridays during the games.
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Social Media Engagement: Promote the upcoming games through social media campaigns to create buzz and encourage attendance. Businesses can showcase team spirit with themed decorations or contests to enhance the viewing experience.
- New Content to Share: Small businesses in content creation or media can collaborate with local baseball teams or use the highlight reels and exclusive access content to engage their audiences on platforms like YouTube or Instagram.
For those unsure about adopting this new viewing opportunity, several practical applications may suit your unique business strategy. Employers with significant foot traffic could consider offering special "game day" promotions and deals. Retailers could set up screens to attract customers and enhance their shopping experience. Overall, focusing on consumer needs is paramount.
However, there are potential challenges. Reliance on sports events can sometimes lead to inconsistency in foot traffic, fluctuating month-to-month based on team performance and ability to draw audiences. Additionally, not all businesses are equipped with the necessary infrastructure to host sports events, which could require investment in audiovisual equipment and seating arrangements.
Another aspect to keep in mind is the competition. Businesses may find themselves vying for customers as other venues also harness the power of Friday Night Baseball to promote their establishments. Selecting prime locations for screening games and strategies for unique promotions will be crucial for standing out from competitors.
In a bid to sustain interest, Apple has added layers to its offering, including a new docuseries titled “Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series,” which allows viewers to engage with behind-the-scenes action and interviews that add depth to the viewing experience.
In addition to exclusive game coverage, Apple’s new Apple Sports app enhances viewer engagement by synchronizing scores, stats, and personalized notifications, keeping fans on top of their team’s performance. Small business owners may consider promoting this app among their clientele, providing an added layer of engagement.
The business landscape continues to evolve, and with the "Friday Night Baseball" return, small businesses now have a compelling opportunity to enrich customer interactions, drive traffic, and enhance the overall experience for patrons.
For more details on the forthcoming game schedule, view the original article here. As baseball takes center field, small businesses can hit a home run in customer engagement.
Image Via Apple
