Bucks unveil Speaker Series

[Captain Erv]

Pretty cool idea actually. I'd like to see who else they will get, but Cuban would definitely be interesting.

Bucks unveiling Speakers Series
By Don Walker of the Journal Sentinel
Nov. 3, 2009 12:01 p.m.

On Monday, I wrote about some of the new and different things the Milwaukee Bucks are doing to generate interest in the team.

Right now, Brandon Jennings, the flashy new guard for the Bucks, is the best marketing tool the team has. It's early, of course, but Jennings' third-quarter explosion last Saturday night should get any NBA fan excited.

That being said, the Bucks are unveiling another marketing gimmick that has great potential. It's a Speaker Series in which fans can buy a game ticket and get to meet and greet a well-known person.

The series begins on Nov. 15 and the first guest is Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks. Conveniently, that's the night the Mavs are in town to play the Bucks.

For one-half hour, Cuban will host a question and answer session with fans.

Here are the various offerings: For $20, you get a $37 game ticket and a ticket to see Cuban. For $60, you get a $96 game ticket, a ticket to see Cuban and a networking event in the Bradley Room.

And for $100, you get a $121 game ticket, a ticket to see Cuban and the networking event.

John Steinmiller, the Bucks' vice president for business operations, says the team hopes to stage two or three Speakers Series events.

As most basketball fans know, Cuban is not shy about his opinions and is one of the more accessible owners in all of professional sports.

http://twitpic.com/o1dh3

[LUKE23]

I'd love to talk to Cuban.

[Nebula1]

This is a cool idea and very reasonable financially. Nice to see something like this come out of that office.

[MickeyDavis]

The Bucks need to be creative to fill seats and this is a good idea. Cuban would be great.

[WEFFPIM]

The next step should be a student rush deal, especially for weeknight games.

[drew881]

Cuban did a Q and A during the preseason when the Mavs played the Cavs but I had class scheduled then. Very lame.

[drew881]

The next step should be a student rush deal, especially for weeknight games.

5 dollar seat deals, and get a player to make an appearance. Could probably attract a decent amount of students.