Today's "Online Drive" profiles the Rockies Web site,
located at www.coloradorockies.com. The site, which was
created in February '98, is hosted by Boulder-based XOR and
designed by Atlanta-based iXL. The team has had a year-to-
year contract with both iXL and XOR, but now will open
bidding for the rights, as Rockies Website Coordinator Mike
Kennedy said both have "have grown so much they are now
direct competitors" in their respective fields.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE: While the team has sold some
banner ads on the site, Kennedy said the team's marketing
department is "in the process of focusing" on selling
additional ads. Kennedy added that currently the site's
"main priority is providing information for the fans.
Obviously, we need to make some money. You don't want to
lose money." But he sees the site "definitely as more of a
communication tool" than a revenue builder. Kennedy: "Our
goal isn't so much to make money."
GET THE GOODS: The site's merchandise sales are
currently handled in-house. Presently on the site, Rockies
fans can order Starter gear for 50% off in the team's Dugout
Store Clearance. Kennedy added that merchandise sales have
"gone up on average" of 200% over last year's total sales.
The site averages "roughly" 200,000 visitors a month.
MORE MOVES: The site features real-time scoring, and
the team will add audio broadcasts after receiving multiple
fan requests. Asked if the team would ever consider
offering a premium service, Kennedy said he believes users
"should not have to pay." The site features an e-mail list
with 6,000 members, but the team will not sell the e-mail
addresses to team advertisers (THE DAILY).
