The New Orleans Saints and Pelicans have been throwing their marketing weight behind the re-airing of classic games, resulting, in some cases, in big TV ratings.
Take ESPN’s re-air of the 2006 Falcons-Saints game that was the first contest in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. The Saints marketed the game to fans as a virtual #BlackandGoldMonday tailgate. The result: It drew a whopping 10.9 rating in the New Orleans market.
The Pelicans have teamed with Fox Sports to show classic games that look a lot like MTV’s “Pop Up Videos” from 30 years ago. The game stops at certain points to allow the team’s executives and players to describe what’s going on. Commentators include rookie forward Zion Williamson; David Griffin, executive vice president of basketball operations; general manager Trajan Langdon; and head coach Alvin Gentry, among others.
“We have to do something to maintain the status quo and keep fans engaged while they shelter in place,” said Greg Bensel, senior vice president of communications and broadcasting for the New Orleans Pelicans and Saints. “We’re trying to stay engaged with our fans daily.”
