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."
2900 4th Street SW (507) 536-4579
Rochester, MN 55902 FAX (507) 536-4597
www.northwoodsleague.com
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.
