Commitment to technology drives Northwoods League initiatives – Part 1 of 3
Rochester, Minn. – Online ticket sales for Northwoods League games and Affiliate-hosted events jumped 31% from 2016 to 2017, with all sales being processed through a ticket system built specifically for the League. The custom ticket application, owned by Reyka Technologies and licensed by the Northwoods League, is one of several technology-based initiatives that have come to define the Northwoods League as a leader in this area. Collectively these initiatives strive to maximize the operational effectiveness of its Affiliates, strengthen connections with fans, and support the development of talent on and off the field. This is the first release in a three-part series focused on how technology is an integral component of the Northwoods League mission.
Introduced in limited release in 2015, the custom ticket system now provides all affiliates with a comprehensive ticket platform for online and box office sales – processing nearly 1.2 million tickets this season. In addition to processing ticket sales, the ticket platform also includes customer relationship management (“CRM”) and sales reporting features integral to the sales process. The system was developed with input from League members, and continues to evolve through feedback from Affiliates. “By creating our own platform through Reyka Technologies, we can respond to the needs of our members and implement suggestions on an on-going basis to support their evolving ticketing operations,” said Gary Hoover, President of the Northwoods League. “Our Affiliates’ creativity in developing a wide-range of ticket packages and promotions, and hosting non-baseball events, requires a system that can grow right along with the League. The effectiveness of this approach is evident when we look at year-over-year results, specifically online sales, which maintained a double-digit increase after adjusting for the addition of two new teams.”
"It is vital to have an always evolving system that through its creation and use can undergo alterations that improve efficiency. The constant communication with the Northwoods League and affiliate clubs regarding recommendations directly from fans has streamlined ticket operations and increased the fan experience," said Peter Mock, Director of Tickets for the La Crosse Loggers.
Online ticket sales in 2017 accounted for 10% of overall tickets sales, continuing an upward trend the League expects to build on through additional enhancements to support the online buying experience.
According to Brian Colopy, Managing Partner for the Battle Creek Bombers and Kalamazoo Growlers, "The online ticket experience for fans is as important, if not more important today, than the experience at our box office. It sets the tone for their entire experience at a game. The ability to adjust our system as we see the consumer change their wants and needs is an invaluable advantage of the custom ticket system and CRM."
The Northwoods League also unveiled a Ticket Exchange during the 2017 season, further engaging online fan activity by providing eligible ticket package holders with options to sell or donate unused tickets. According to League President Gary Hoover, “The Ticket Exchange not only provides a vehicle for fans to access hard-to-get tickets, but also allows our customers to connect with charitable organizations by donating unused tickets, bringing communities together through the great game of baseball.”
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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. The 24-year old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 180 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including two-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champion Ben Zobrist (CHC) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM) and Lucas Duda (NYM). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
Reyka Technologies, LLC, provides technology-based products and services to the Northwoods League and its Affiliates. For inquiries related to Ticket System services, please contact customerservice@reykaticketing.com.