Appearances Keeping Thunder Active In Community
May 16, 2008 - Intense Football League (Intense)
Frisco Thunder News Release
FRISCO, Tex. (May 15, 2008) -- It's a Frisco Chamber of Commerce function at Pizza Hut Park. The FC Dallas fan is a transplanted Wisconsinite who stopped by the Frisco Thunder's table on the mezzanine expo prior to the soccer game.
The Wisconsinite wasn't happy with the recent play of the Green Bay Packers. ``I go off on them all the time,''he said.
``So did he,''the Thunder employee replied, pointing to owner Jake Reed, the former Minnesota Viking who enjoyed torching his NFC Central rival.
``You're Jake Reed? No $%&? Can you sign this?''The Wisconsinite replied.
And so it goes when you're part of a football team that's already played its home schedule. Every opportunity to keep the team name in the public eye is taken advantage of and fully staffed.
Renovations to the Dr Pepper Star Center resulted in the Thunder having to play all seven homes game in a seven-week span. The team's now on the road for the final seven weeks and post-season.
It's a challenge, but one the Thunder has eagerly accepted-- chances are you won't see Jerry Jones manning a table at a consumer expo, but Reed knows it's part of the deal.
``We knew what we were getting into the schedule was made,''Reed said. ``But we've been able to turn it into a positive. When we explain the reasons behind the schedule, it's seen that we're committed to the long-term success of this franchise and the community.''
On one recent Saturday during a bye week, Reed and Thunder players Courtney Brooks and Shaylon Carter appeared at the Frisco Football League youth football registration, signing autographs and raffling off season tickets and an autographed football while Thunder co-owner Vinita Reed was judging the Mrs. Texas beauty pageant. Later that evening, the team's pickup softball game with family, friends and sponsors umpired by future Frisco Maher Maso (For the record: Carter's third-inning grand slam broke open a 5-3 game and led the players to a Twenty-something to 5 victory over the staff) helped raise over $100 for the Miracle League children's charity.
Every day's not that busy, but the goal is two appearances per week, be it a speaking engagement or cross-promotional appearance such as the May 28 event at McKinney Blue
Thunder baseball, where Jake Reed will coach first base and assistant coach Eric Jackson will make his professional debut, Crash the ThunderCat helping Texas tourism celebrate National Tourism Week or turning a youth birthday party into a training camp.
Thunder sales staff are also maintaining their weekly networking schedules with local Chamber of Commerce meetings and professional business groups.
``We're staying busy,''Jake Reed said. ``It's a matter ofbeing both creative and persistent.''
To have Thunder players, dancers or staff speak or appear at your group or company function, contact (972) 731-6968 or e-mail appearances@friscothunderifl.com
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