Just like the Red Sox "painted the town red" in 2003, the Thunderbirds do the same in 2018

By Zachary Baru

If there is one thing you can say about what the Springfield Thunderbirds have done since they were established in the summer of 2016, it's a sense of presence seen throughout the city. 

You can see it everywhere.  Their logo is everywhere.  Advertisements and banners throughout the city proudly show that this is Thunderbirds country, a strategy that teams have used for decades, and now brilliantly being used in our own backyard.

In 2003, the then-new Boston Red Sox ownership implemented a strategic marketing campaign to "paint the town red".  And paint the town red they did.  Within a matter of months, a much more streamlined and modern campaign of "Red Sox red" merchandise was available and being worn by many fans throughout the region.  Something somewhat similar is brewing here in Springfield.   

When the Thunderbirds came into town, there was a big need.  And that was support.  There was never a question of whether Western Massachusetts liked hockey, but there was a question of whether the region could support it. 

From the Boston Red Sox 2003 marketing campaign.

Fast forward to 2018, and the Thunderbirds' logo or banner can be seen everywhere.  Drive by Forrest Park, by MGM Springfield, or simply look at the car in front of you, it just might have a Thunderbirds bumper sticker, one of many that were distributed to fans since 2016. 

It is this excellent combination of traditional and grass-roots marketing that makes the Thunderbirds successful, and looks to lead to a bright future for the franchise.

The team has had commercials, both on television and radio, and even used billboards, but the marketing that can be seen everyday are the many logos that residents throughout the city see on a daily basis.  And regardless of whether you're a hockey fan or not, regardless of whether you are planning on seeing a game or not, you still are reminded of the Thunderbirds - a very important piece to the puzzle for any business.

It is this kind of marketing, in addition to an increased social media presence from three years ago, that will help carry the Thunderbirds into the future.  Just like the Red Sox "painted the town red" in 2003, the Thunderbirds are making their presence felt throughout the City of Springfield.

Zach Baru can be followed on Twitter @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.  Zach also writes for SportsBusinessBoston.com.

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