Or maybe the solution to the NFL sacking church Super Bowl ™ parties is to get organized. What if church Super Bowl ™ parties were officially sanctioned events?
A church registers with the NFL and reports all the needed details–screen size, capacity, accurate attendance numbers after the event, etc.–and follows whatever guidelines the NFL has (no charging admission, following copyright rules, etc.). Perhaps there’s a small broadcast fee the church pays (but c’mon, NFL, the church is simply boosting your numbers, don’t make them pay for that priviledge), perhaps to cover administration costs or to keep this on par with what sports bars have to do.
In the end everybody wins. The NFL can have its power. The TV network partner and advertisers get more viewers–and (perhaps more importantly) a count of those viewers. And the local church can go ahead and have its Super Bowl ™ party and use the communal event to connect with people.
The NFL could even go a step farther and offer promo artwork for mailers that churches can use, pre-produced DVDs in partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes featuring interviews with players who are Christians, and other promo and tie-in opportunities. If the NFL really wanted to go all out they could put together a women’s program for the women who come to the party but prefer to socialize than watch the big game. It could be a magazine-style handout with articles on how to stay married to a sports nut or a DVD with interviews of the players’ wives.
The possibilities are endless and really come down to the NFL being willing to work with the church so everybody can win. The NFL (and every other sport) is willing to work with bars and beer companies, why not expand their reach and work with a ready and willing partner like the church?
It sounds like a compelling church-business partnership where everybody can go home happy.
How about it, NFL? Can we play nice?
Eric Powell
February 4, 2007
This is close to the lines I was thinking after we cancelled our Superbowl party. If there were some way they could receive the credit for the viewership at our parties.
After all, many churches use CCLI in lieu of ASCAP & BMI. Perhaps there is some way to do the same in this instance…
Clif Guy
February 4, 2007
Yes, this is the obvious solution. Perhaps this could be part of the CCLI video license?
Matt
February 5, 2007
This is a great strategy. I know the media was having a hay day with this particular subject. Churches all over the country, including mine, were called by reporters who were hoping to trap them in a church vs. law conversation. Lets give the blood thirsty media one less weapon to use.
Andy Rowell
February 5, 2007
Thanks. Exactly. This is perfect.
Kurt Siscel
March 9, 2007
The one thing that I have to say about having a super bowl party at churches is that yes, it may build community but by showing it, you are exposing the viewers to nothing but pointless sports with around an hour or more of commercials that only show sex and terrible worldly things that do not need to be seen inside the church since many get too much outside of the church as well
GrooveHead
October 8, 2007
Amazing isn’t it. Your point is so valid, how can they pass it up. Brilliant thinking on your part.
Stephen
January 28, 2008
OfficialSuperBowlParties.com, SuperGameParties.com, OfficialSuperGameParties.com – Super Bowl Weekend is here, and so are the celebrity parties. If a Super Bowl Party is something that takes your interest, don’t worry about picking the right venue. The Wrigley Mansion is hosting three Super Bowl events. Dancing with Stars, the King of All Parties, and the Real PlayAZ Ball. All parties will be hosted on Super Bowl Weekend by various hot celebrities. Some of the celebrities that will be at the Wrigley Mansion this Super Bowl Weekend are Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Black Eyed Peas, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Kid Rock, Beyonce, and many many more! The celebrity list is SUPER big, just like the Super Game. Looking forward to setting the bar for Phoenix, nightlife.