business plan for sports tournament

How to Organize & Run a Sports Tournament in 2024

Organizing sporting tournaments requires a combination of strategic planning and effective execution. The key to success lies in having a well-thought-out vision and applying the best practices in sports event management .  

According to Statista , the revenue of sports event tickets in the United States sits at around 15.4 billion dollars. This may make sporting event production seem like a difficult task at first, but having the right tools and knowledge makes all the difference in creating a smooth and memorable experience for fans, attendees, parents and athletes. 

This guide will walk you through the essential steps of how to run a sports tournament. From initial planning, like selecting the type of tournament and venue, to implementing effective participant management and ensuring a memorable event day. 

Each phase is important, so we’ll provide insights and practical advice to navigate them effectively, ensuring your sports tournament not only runs smoothly but also leaves a lasting impression on its participants and spectators.

Now, let’s start by setting you up for success.

How do you plan a sporting event?

Planning a sporting event begins with defining its purpose and objectives. You’ll need a clear understanding of the type of sport, the format of the competition and the target audience. Additionally, it’s key to understand the scope of the event, whether it's a local community game, a school tournament or a professional-level championship. 

Once you have your vision, your initial steps include selecting a suitable date, determining the budget and establishing the size and scale of the event.

The next stage involves logistical planning, which covers venue selection, securing permits, arranging equipment and facilities and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This means managing participant registrations, scheduling games or matches and organizing staff and volunteers. 

Effective communication is key throughout the planning process. Event management tools like EventPipe can save a massive amount of time and headaches by streamlining your tournament housing management. 

EventPipe can handle housing accommodation management , streamline your RFP process and simplify booking for attendees.

How to organize & run a sports tournament

Organizing and running a sports tournament has many moving parts that require careful planning and execution. Let's break down the key steps:

1. Choose your sports tournament type 

Selecting the right tournament format will shape the entire event. When deciding on the format, consider factors such as the skill level of teams, the intended competitive atmosphere and the overall duration of the tournament. 

The chosen format should cater to your audience's expectations and enhance their experience, while also being logistically feasible. The tournament type influences everything from game scheduling to prize distribution and should align with your event's overarching goals. Here are the most common tournament formats :

• Single-Elimination Tournaments: Ideal for a large number of teams, where each game's loser is immediately eliminated. Best for short-duration events.
• Round-Robin Tournaments: Every team plays against every other team. Suitable for ensuring more playtime for each team, emphasizing participation over competition.
• Double Elimination: Combines elements of both round-robin and single-elimination, offering a balance between fair play and competitive intensity.
• League Style: Teams accumulate points over a series of games, typically followed by playoffs. Great for longer tournaments with a focus on consistent performance.
• Knockout Tournaments: Similar to single-elimination but with a focus on progressing to the next round after each win.
• Hybrid Formats: Mixes various elements from different formats to suit specific tournament needs and preferences.

2. Organize sports tournament supplies

A well-organized sports tournament requires a comprehensive list of supplies . This includes not only sports-specific equipment but also general supplies for staff. Anticipate and meet the needs of everyone at the event – teams, officials, volunteers and spectators – to ensure a smooth and enjoyable tournament experience. 

Your checklist should include the following: 

• Sports Equipment: Ensure availability of quality, sport-specific gear like balls, nets and protective equipment.
• Operational Tools: Walkie-talkies and other communication devices for coordinating staff and volunteers.
• Medical Supplies: Stock first aid kits and have medical professionals on standby for emergencies.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Set up hydration stations and consider offering snacks or meals, especially for all-day events.
• Signage and Information: Clear signs for directions, schedules and other essential information.
• Seating and Shelter: Adequate seating for spectators and shelters or tents for outdoor events to protect against weather.
• Safety Gear: Depending on the sport, ensure the availability of helmets, pads or other safety equipment.
• Scorekeeping Tools: Scoreboards, timers and other necessary equipment to keep track of game progress.

Preparation should also include contingency plans for equipment failure. Anticipate the needs of your teams, officials and spectators to ensure a smooth experience.

3. Get sports event insurance coverage

Insurance coverage is critical to protect against unforeseen incidents. General liability insurance should cover injuries and property damage, while additional coverage may be needed for specific risks associated with your sport or event location. 

Work with an insurance provider who understands sports events and can tailor coverage to your needs, including participant liability and equipment insurance. 

It's important to ensure that your insurance covers the entire duration of the event, from setup to breakdown and includes provisions for event cancellation due to unexpected factors like adverse weather. 

This comprehensive approach to insurance not only protects you legally and financially but also adds a layer of trust and professionalism to your event.

4. Prioritize event housing management  

For multi-day tournaments, proper event housing management will factor into your attendees' overall experience and future participation. Consider locking in room block rates to make your investment better spent. 

Efficient housing management not only ensures comfort for participants but can also be a deciding factor in the event's success. When selecting accommodations, consider proximity to the venue, the comfort level of the hotels and the amenities they offer. 

This is where EventPipe’s platform can provide a tremendous amount of value! With Eventpipe, users can unlock easy access to:

• Event Management: Vast network of hotels with filters for optimal attendee accommodation.
• Custom Booking Sites: Easily create branded event sites with no coding.
• Revenue Streams: Enhance branded sites with ads and optional extras.
• Hotel Block Management: Manage multiple hotels, room types and live inventory.
• RFP Process: Simplified interface for room requests, concessions and negotiations.
• Easy Booking: Mobile-friendly site for attendee reservation management.
• Analytics: Comprehensive reporting on financial performance and booking trends.

5. Implement health & safety initiatives 

Establish protocols for emergency medical services, including on-site medical staff and clear procedures for handling injuries. Implement safety checks for all equipment and facilities. Consider environmental factors, like heat or cold and plan accordingly with hydration stations or warming areas. 

Communicate safety procedures to all participants and staff and have a clear plan for emergencies. Regular training sessions for staff on safety protocols can also be beneficial.

6. Find staff & sponsors 

Securing skilled staff and finding sponsors are key to making attendees, participants and families feel safe and engaged. Staff roles might include referees, logistical support and event coordinators. 

Approach potential sponsors with a clear value proposition, showcasing the visibility and reach of your event. 

Pro tips:  

• Offer sponsors meaningful ways to engage with your audience, such as branding opportunities or interactive booths. 
• Build a strong team and cultivate relationships with sponsors for not only a successful event but for future events as well.  Do not underestimate the power of great relationships.

7. Market your sports tournament

Develop a fun and engaging marketing strategy to promote your event. Use a mix of digital marketing, social media engagement and traditional marketing methods. Tailor your marketing efforts to reach your target audience effectively.  

For example, If you’re promoting a hockey tournament , you may have a better turnout by reaching out to hockey-centric entities, rather than general sports entities alone. Highlight the unique aspects of your tournament and leverage engaging content to build excitement. 

Collaborate with local sports clubs, schools and communities to broaden your reach.

8. Host your sports tournament

When the day of your sports tournament arrives, it's important to make sure everything runs according to plan. This stage will run smoother with effective management and coordination. Start by confirming that the venue is set up correctly, with all necessary equipment in place and ready for use. Ensure that all teams and participants are aware of their schedules, locations and any last-minute changes.

Keep a close eye on the event's timeline. Delays in one game or match can have a ripple effect on the entire schedule, so it's essential to keep things moving smoothly. Have a team in place to quickly address any issues that arise, whether they're related to the facility, equipment or participants.

Engage actively with staff, volunteers and officials to maintain a clear line of communication throughout the event. Their support is integral to the tournament's success, so ensure they have all the resources and information they need.

Finally, focus on creating a positive experience for everyone involved – from players and coaches to spectators. This includes adequate hydration and medical support for participants and maintaining a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for attendees. 

9. Determine the profitability of your sports event

To accurately determine the profitability of your sports event, start by compiling all revenue streams such as ticket sales, housing revenue (rebates and commissions), sponsorships, merchandise and any additional services offered during the event. Then, tally up all the expenses that went into producing your event, including venue rental, equipment, marketing, personnel and other operational costs.  Take the difference between the total cost and total revenue to determine your final profitability number.

If this sounds complicated, don’t worry!  Modern sports team management tools like EventPipe offer in-depth analytics to make this part a breeze. 

For a deeper exploration of determining profitability and employing effective strategies, refer to our detailed guide on how to measure event ROI .

More about hosting sports tournaments & events

What's the biggest sporting event in the world?

According to Lunar Group Charter , the Fifa World Cup and the Olympics are often considered the largest, encompassing numerous sports and attracting athletes and spectators worldwide.

How do you organize a local tournament?

Organizing a local tournament involves a deep understanding of the community and a focus on inclusivity rather than a competitive nature . Begin by selecting venues that are not only accessible but also have the necessary facilities to accommodate your event. These venues should be chosen with the size of your audience and participants in mind, ensuring they are near public transportation for easy access.

Engagement with the local community is important, so be sure to promote your event through various local channels, such as media, schools and sports clubs. Partnering with local businesses as sponsors can provide essential support and foster a sense of community involvement.

Remember : the goal is to create an event that caters to different skill levels and age groups, promoting team building and unity. Successful execution of these aspects will contribute to the tournament's success, leaving a lasting positive impact on the community.

How do you arrange a tournament?

Starting by defining the tournament's format. Decide whether it will be single-elimination, round-robin or a combination, as this will affect the number of games and overall scheduling. Choose a venue that suits the sport's requirements and can accommodate the expected number of participants and spectators. Ensure the venue has the necessary facilities, including equipment, seating and refreshments.

Organize the participant registration process, clearly communicating rules, schedules and expectations. Implement a reliable system for keeping scores and managing the progression of teams through the tournament. Safety is a priority, so arrange for first aid and emergency procedures. Consider the spectator experience, providing amenities like food vendors, entertainment and comfortable viewing areas.

Promote the tournament through social media, local sports clubs and community announcements to attract participants and audiences. Engage sponsors to add value to the event and provide prizes or equipment. Throughout the planning and execution, maintain clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable and well-organized tournament experience.

Start Organizing the Best Sports Tournament

Organizing a sports tournament brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. Tapping into the potential of EventPipe can be a time-saver and a game-changer in this endeavor. 

This innovative platform offers a suite of tools designed to simplify complex tasks such as:

• Event Management: Easily manage your event housing with features like quick event setup, extensive hotel selection with filters, customizable booking sites and real-time monitoring of room block pickups.
• Branded Housing Site Creation: Create a branded housing site in minutes, complete with your logo and imagery, without needing to code. This platform also allows for the generation of additional revenue through advertisements and other optional items.
• Group Block Management: Effortlessly manage group blocks with options for multiple hotels and room types, assign a group block manager, view live inventory and provide attendees with clear booking instructions and a unique link.
• RFP Process Streamlining: Simplify your Request for Proposal process with an easy-to-use interface for requesting nights, room types and more. Select preferred hotels for proposals and negotiate directly within your account.
• Simplified Booking for Attendees: Ensure a smooth booking experience for attendees with a mobile-friendly website, centralized reservation management and options for waitlisting sold-out hotels.
• Hotel Partner Management: Keep hotel partners informed with real-time access to pickup and reservation data, reservation confirmations and RFP management through a dedicated portal.
• Analytics and Tracking: Utilize EventPipe's Report Center to analyze event performance, track hotel cut-off dates and monitor reservation confirmations.
• Data Security: Benefit from best-in-class data security, with encrypted storage, secure data transit and multi-region deployments for disaster recovery.

Turn to EventPipe for a seamless, efficient approach to sports tournament organization. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features provide the support needed to ensure your event is both memorable and smoothly executed. 

Jeff Porter

Jeff is the Marketing Manager at EventPipe. He brings almost a decade of Marketing experience with a background in social media, events, SEO and content. Outside of work, Jeff is an independent Hip Hop artist who regularly releases and performs his music and loves to golf and play ice hockey in his spare time.

Recent Posts by Jeff Porter:

• 17+ Interesting Youth Sports Statistics to Know [2024]
• Tips for Successful Youth Sports Travel [2024]
• 16 Benefits of Youth Sports in 2024

Ready to level up your event housing management in 2024?

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How to Write a Youth Sports Business Plan

Understanding the youth sports market

Youth sports business plan template, executive summary, organization summary, market analysis summary, strategy and implementation, financial plan, marketing plan, performance metrics and evaluation.

• Growth Opportunities and Future Plans 
• Training Programs : Group and individual coaching sessions for various sports, focusing on skill development, fitness, and game strategy.
• Leagues and Tournaments : Organized competitions for different age groups, with emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play.
• Camps and Clinics : Specialized programs during school breaks and holidays, featuring guest coaches and experts in various sports disciplines.
• Sports Equipment and Merchandise : Sale of sports gear, uniforms, and Eastland Bobcats branded apparel.
• Community Outreach : Build relationships with local schools, community centers, and sports clubs to promote our programs and recruit new athletes.
• Marketing : Develop a strong online presence through our website, social media channels, and email campaigns. Use local media outlets and sponsored events to increase brand awareness.
• Partnerships : Secure sponsorships from local businesses and organizations to offset costs and provide additional resources for our programs.
• Continuous Improvement : Regularly evaluate our offerings, coaching methods, and facilities to ensure the highest quality and relevance for our athletes.
• Funding Sources : Membership fees, training program fees, league and tournament registration fees, equipment and merchandise sales, sponsorships, and facility rental income.
• Expenses : Facility maintenance and improvements, staff salaries, marketing and promotional costs, equipment purchases, insurance, and licensing fees.
• Financial Projections : Detailed projections for revenue, budget , expenses, break-even, and cash flow over a three-year period, with annual growth rates and profitability targets.
• Website : Develop a user-friendly and informative website that showcases our programs, services, and facilities. Include registration forms, payment options, and regular updates on events and achievements.
• Social Media : Share news and updates, and showcase our athletes' accomplishments on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Local Advertising : Place ads in local newspapers, magazines, and online community forums, targeting families with children in our age range.
• Community Events : Promote our programs at local events, such as fairs, festivals, and sports tournaments.
• Referral Program : Encourage word-of-mouth marketing by offering discounts or incentives to current participants who refer new athletes to our organization.
• Enrollment Numbers : Monitor the number of athletes enrolled in our programs and the retention rate of existing participants.
• Revenue : Track revenue generated from various sources, including program fees, merchandise sales, and sponsorships.
• Customer Satisfaction : Gather feedback from athletes and their parents through surveys, testimonials, and informal conversations to gauge satisfaction with our initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
• Athlete Development : Analyze our athletes' progress, both on and off the field, to ensure our programs are fostering healthy development.

Growth Opportunities and Future Plans

• Facility Expansion : Acquire additional land or facilities to accommodate a growing number of athletes and expand our range of sports and programs.
• Scholarship Program : Ensure equal access to our programs by providing financial assistance to athletes from low-income families.
• Coach Development : Implement ongoing training and professional development opportunities for our coaching staff to enhance their skills and stay current with industry trends.
• Partnerships : Explore opportunities to collaborate with other sports organizations and community groups to enhance our programs and reach a broader audience.

Tips for running a youth sports organization

1. get a youth sports management platform.

• Create a professional website using customizable templates. 
• Provide seamless online registration for parents. 
• Manage schedules for practices, games, and other events. 
• Communicate with parents and coaches through email and text. 
• Run background checks and manage athlete rosters. 

2. Choose a niche

3. find a good location and facilities, 4. market your league , social media, sponsorship opportunities, local events and networking, 5. get your licenses and permits, 6. obtain insurance, create your youth sports business plan today.

Sports Event Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Sports Sector

Do you want to start a sports event company and need to write a plan? If YES, here is a sample sports event business plan template & FREE feasibility report.

Starting up any business can be brutal in this socioeconomic climate and to be successful you have to accept the reality of hard work, long days (and nights), and a whole lot of networking. In this business, experience in the sports industry can be extremely useful, though it is not essential.

During your career you will have gained some transferrable skills that you can apply to your event planning career.  Remember to leverage your own personal experience when deciding what type of events you are going to specialize in. For example, if your background is corporate, then this is a great place to start, rather that organizing sporting events.

Also, in this industry, it is never about what you know but who you know. Although what you know is important, sometimes who you know carries a lot of weight too, and in the world of event planning knowing the right people is a priceless key.

Knowing your audience and your competition is crucial to finding your niche and in deciding how and where to promote your services. Once you have determined your target market and completed your competitor research, it is important that you think about what type of services you are going to offer your clients.

Are you going to offer full event planning services including event registration, venue hire, catering services, event promotion, etc or are you going to specialize in one or two areas?

It is critical that you consider the costs involved. The administrative costs and time constraints of paper based event registration for example can be a burden on a start-up as can event marketing and promotion which require special expertise.

A Sample Sports Event Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The united kingdom boasts of an unrivalled experience and expertise in sports economy, with its companies leading the way both at home and overseas. UK companies have a reputation for creative and ingenious solutions that respect tradition and leave a sporting and cultural legacy.

The UK has experience that is second to none, enhanced further by being involved in over seventy major sporting events since London 2012, as well as many events overseas.

From stadium design to communications, the UK has a proven expertise and reputation in every aspect of sports development and staging a major sporting event. Supported by a world-leading infrastructure, football’s global appeal showcases a compelling spectacle of talent and passion, and the UK’s globally-renowned offer of football expertise.

According to reports, millennial are behind a soaring growth in attendance at UK sporting events. Ticket-buyers aged 16-24 have increased proportionally from 15% to 23% in the six years since London hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games – a period during which UK sport attendance has grown an average 2.8% year-on-year.

In 2018, total attendances at live sports events in the UK hit 74.6 million, with revenues from ticket and hospitality sales contributing £1.9 billion to the economy. It represents an increase of 11.5 million attendances in 2018, compared to 2012, with the UK leisure economy growing 17% over the same period.

Although football continues to lead the way with a cumulative total attendance of 49.8m, American football, basketball, ice hockey, MMA and netball have experienced the biggest average year-on-year attendance growth since 2012. Despite economic pressures, experts predict that the live sports events market will continue to grow into the next decade, with the agency’s AI-powered modelling tools showing that attendances will exceed 77m in 2019.

2. Executive Summary

Premium professional events in the world’s capital require a spectrum of services for success. We at Sunshine Sport Events (SSE) rise to the challenge, offering full turnkey solutions that are approved by the most prominent bodies in sport administration.

Event logistics and production underpin the solidity of our offer, enabling us to procure sponsorship deals that contribute to our marketing strategy. In turn, we pursue growth in revenue through creative ticket sale tactics that balance pricing and the social experience of live events. Sunshine Sport Events (SSE) ensures that events help clients reach their sales, sponsorship and media objectives.

We will own, organize and produce a prestigious programme of top-tier events throughout the London. We are on the London’s playing fields throughout the year. Our ambition is simple – to create enjoyable experiences for fans and athletes that offer additional sources of revenue for our clients.

Through partnerships with tour operators, we maximize ticket sales and drive event visitation from international markets, helping governing bodies, municipalities and governments to achieve their goals. Corporate hospitality packages are also integral to our marketing mix. We offer services in PR and promotion to round out our offer and ensure exposure, awareness and event success.

Sunshine Sport Events is an equal opportunity business making its expertise and its services available to help its clients plan their own sport events. We make hosting a sport event easy, from plans and marketing, right down to the refreshments. Our event planning software brings interactive event planning as close as their personal computer. Through these and other affordable services, we aim to be the number one resource for any sport event in London.

London, being an ever changing, fast-paced city, success is determined by good choices. Communication is essential. SSE strives to be the best choice for clients in and coming to London by helping to ease their event planning burden. Through consistent, predictable professionalism, we will ensure a worry and hassle-free event at a reasonable rate.

Although, not all our clients will be internal. SSE has external clients to serve. We will always strive to provide the same predictable and professional working atmosphere for our employees and contracted workers, justly compensating them for their hard work and services.

It is also a priority to make a comfortable living wage for our owners, full-time staff, and their families. Staying in line with the needs of the market, utilizing the latest technology and trends, all the while ensuring the client receives the individual attention they deserve, is the vision and daily mission of Sunshine Sport Events.

3. Our Products and Services

Sunshine Sport Events is a sport event management company in London, England that will offer its clients and members the following services:

• Conception and Planning

We work with clients to turn ideas into events. Our teams create notary concepts to produce one-of-a-kind moments for athletes, brands and businesses. These ideas are then put into action with tight planning, organisation and stakeholder relations. Whether in the heart of a vibrant city or smaller venues, we can provide integrated solutions for events.

• Event Logistics and Production

We know that high calibre sports events demand well thought-out logistics and production management processes. To keep our clients’ events running smoothly, our specialists secure and manage fields of play, handling set up to take down to ensure seamless execution on the big day.

• Marketing, Ticket Sales and Corporate Hospitality

Marketing plays a key role in the success of an event. Through creating integrated marketing and media campaigns, we will align with clients to promote events to a wide range of audiences, helping businesses and events reach maximum brand awareness.

With a strong track record of combining sport and business we are also able to deliver valuable, corporate hospitality programmes at our events. Furthermore we manage all aspects of ticketing from fan engagement to sales, to help businesses strengthen customer relationships.

• Media Production and Distribution

With our experience, specialist knowledge and strong track record of working with broadcast partners in the national and international markets, we will ensure high-quality coverage with an extensive reach for events. Constantly in correspondence with our media partners, we will perpetually strengthen and build our network of contacts.

• PR and Promotion

With expert knowledge in sport marketing we utilise our client’s campaigns and projects to present brands, products and messages on target.

• Event Sponsorship, Procurement and Execution

To get the most out of their event investments, brands and companies need long-term partners who can effectively guide them through the event sponsorship process. We are a trusted expert, providing sponsors with original activation ideas. To strengthen the activation process, we work on direct marketing and sales opportunities with clear communication to reach target audiences.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision at Sunshine Sport Events is to build a highly competitive sport event management company that will become the number one choice for sport related event management in London.
• Our mission at Sunshine Sport Events is to provide our clients with comprehensive services and portfolios so that they can reach their sales, sponsorship and media objectives.

Our Business Structure

Our aim at Sunshine Sport Events is to provide the best platform, staff, and equipment to fully meet the various sporting event needs of our clients, while generating profits for the owners and investors. Our sport event management company will be well organized and managed in a creative and innovative way to generate very high levels of customer satisfaction, and to build a friendly conducive climate appreciated in this modern age.

In the near future, we plan to offer an employee benefit package which will include health and vacation benefits for everyone working for us. Everyone but the receptionist will be contract staff, and will be paid a sliding commission based on the amount of revenue created.  Our business structure is as follows;

Head of Business

Company Administrator

Sport Event Manager

Marketing Manager

Partnership Manager

• Client Service Executive/Front Desk Officer

Security Officers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

• In charge of providing direction for the company
• Creates, communicates, and implements the company’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall company’s strategy.
• In charge of handling high profile clients and deals
• In charge of fixing fees and signing business deals (partnership)
• In charge of signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of any sporting event
• Reports to the board of the company
• In charge of overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the sporting company
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out induction for new team members
• In charge of training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• In charge of arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily activities of the event company
• Responsible for setting up an organizing committee for sports events
• Takes care of ticket sales and marketing by making sure that they are readily available
• With the help of the organizing committee makes arrangement for guests’ accommodation and transportation
• Provides or sets up adequate security for the entire process of an event
• Creates or establishes emergency contingency plans for events
• Inspects the entire sporting facility so as to make sure that they are all up to standard
• Delegates different tasks to different members of the organizing committee so as to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
• Advertise upcoming sporting events.
• Secure sponsors for sports teams and specific events.
• Ensure that sponsors’ logos are printed on kits, banners, and posters at the event.
• Establish athletes as brand ambassadors for popular, relevant brands.
• Research marketing trends and innovations.
• Use analytics to gauge the success of campaigns.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with brand representatives.
• Leading the sponsorships strategy
• Set up + manage critical paths for events and brand activation
• Liaising and working the product teams around licensing + event timelines
• Development of mix marketing strategy associated with the events
• Stakeholder + partners relationships
• Creative Design vision – pop ups, POS, product placement
• Review + measure success of events + partnerships growth

Client Service Executive

• Welcomes clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In centre, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s services, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients
• Receives parcels/documents for the event
• Distribute mails in the event
• In charge of cleaning the floors at all times
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the company administrator
• Ensures that the facility is secured at all time
• Controls traffic and organize parking
• Gives security tips to staff members from time to time
• Patrols around the event on a 24 hours basis
• Submits security reports weekly
• Any other duty as assigned by the company administrator.

6. SWOT Analysis

London boasts of a diverse array of athletics stretching from football to tennis which have put the city in the spotlight. London’s most popular sport is football and it has five clubs in the English Premier League as of the 2019–20 seasons:

Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United. Apart from providing an excellent value to our customers, we are determined to establish an unmatched event hosting platform that will add to the enjoyment of every sports lover in London.

We also understand that we cannot do all these if we know nothing about our industry and our chances of survival. To find out these facts, we hired the services of well known professional in the area of business consulting and promotion with solid experience in the sports sector to help us in establishing a standard and competitive sport event management business.

They had to work with the management of our company in conducting our SWOT analysis. Outlined below is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted for us at Sunshine Sport Events.

We at SSE must establish our company as a distinguished name in London Sports Arena and creatively market our services to each of our market segments. Our SWOT analysis noted that by establishing an impeccable “exciting” atmosphere in our events through the use of first class equipment and targeting marketing strategies, elegant and comfortable process, colours and decoration, clients will frequently want our services and recommend it to others.

It also stated that by providing our clients with skilled and qualified staff to work with, they will feel comfortable and confident that we at Sunshine Sport Events can meet all of their sport event needs.

According to our SWOT Analysis, it might take some time for our sport event management to break into the London market and gain acceptance via reputation in the already saturated sport industry. This it is believed is our major weakness at Sunshine Sport Events.

• Opportunities

Our SWOT Analysis at Sunshine Sport Events noted that some of the threats we will be facing as a sport event management company will include unfavourable government policies that might affect the event planning documentation and system, the appearance of a competitor within our location of operation and global economic downturn which usually affects spending/purchasing power. We have made plans to curtail all possible challenges and threats.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trend

Sports events across the globe are undergoing transformations in the way they are organised, managed, broadcasted and consumed by audiences. These changes are heavily influenced by technology, which is affecting many functions, including ticketing, security, sustainability, workforce training and fan engagement.

The number one issue confronting organisers of major sports event is security. With threats to events becoming ever more sophisticated, experts expect organisers to step up their global collaboration and sharing of knowledge to combat these dangers.

New technology will include location-based social media monitoring for keywords, which will help security staff identify threats before they happen, via real-time alerts. Another measure to boost event security is anti-drone technology, which is being introduced to combat the threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles.

Sustainability is also becoming a huge issue around major sports events, especially after strong criticism of the damaging environmental legacy left by the Olympic Games in Rio years back. The IOC’s Agenda 2022 reforms have sought to address the problem by stating that sustainability be integrated into all aspects of planning for Games.

Tokyo 2022 organisers have responded with a blueprint which sets out water, greenery and biodiversity-related targets to mitigate the impacts on water, atmospheric environment, soil and the ecosystem. Strategic placing of water and greenery will combat the damaging effects of the Urban Heat Island phenomenon (UHI), which sees higher temperatures in densely-packed cities.

Admittedly, a seat isn’t enough for millennial spectators; they now hanker for a mix of physical and digital experiences when attending live sport events.

So in coming years more and more stadia will be supplying fast and reliable Wi-Fi that meets that demand, while club apps will give fans information on free parking spaces, traffic, finding their seat and, most excitingly, show instant high-definition replays from multiple angles on their mobile phone screens.

Also, Mobile POS (Point of Service) systems will enable fans to buy food, drink or merchandise online and have it brought to them wherever they are in the stadium, eliminating queues and increasing sales. Volunteers are also an important resource at major sports events and their recruitment is set to move on to the next level following a Sport England study entitled ‘Motivations for Sport Volunteers in England’.

This revealed that the sense of euphoria, camaraderie and once-in-a-lifetime ‘buzz’ generated by volunteering at events is the most attractive element, as it often leads to repeat volunteering. London’s Speed Volunteering app is removing the traditional barriers to volunteering by matching willing workers with appropriate events and charities.

This type of volunteer skill-matching portal points the way forward for planners and recruiters at sports events of the future. Technology is set to play a key role in event ticketing as well, with organisers looking to technological advances to keep one step ahead of counterfeiters and touts.

The rise of smartphone usage and mobile ticketing in the transport industry is leading to sport adopting digital ticketing, since it enables fans to buy tickets through apps (as well as food, drink and merchandise in stadiums).

8. Our Target Market

Our target markets are sports teams, sports agencies, middle to upper-middle class families, couples, individuals, or other private and public organizations. We chose these groups because they are most able to afford event planners, host a sport event as a branding strategy, and have the least amount of time to spare for event planning in general.

Families demand attention, employees are overburdened, and overwhelming detail needed to plan large events are too large a constraint to place on people not versed in the area of event planning. The fast pace of the world we live in leaves little time for extra things we would like to do, like plan events, outings , and social get-togethers.

We at Sunshine Sport Events plan to only make ourselves available to take on the burden of planning sports related events so that people can spend time on more crucial things, like family and friends. The demand for this service can only increase considering the growing interest in sports, the rise in incomes, population, and need for interpersonal relations in the workplace.

Our Competitive Advantage

Being a sport event management company in London, we at Sunshine Sport Events believe our company has a very large potential market. Due to the uniqueness of our services throughout London, we strongly believe we can become the main sport event planner quickly.

We plan to accomplish this actively and continuously promote our company and events through media as well as hosting and supporting various community events. We also believe our competitive advantage at Sunshine Sport Events is in three segments. First, our company is the only sport event management that offers our kind of planning services that will be available for our clients in the city.

The second segment of our competitive advantage is our business location, size, and appearance of the facility that will attract many people. We at Sunshine Sport Events strongly believe that by maintaining our focus in our strategy, marketing, program development and fulfilment, our event company will be known as the top sport planners in London.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Sunshine Sport Events is a company developed with the aim of generating substantial incomes from planning, organising and putting together sport events and we plan to do these by leveraging all available opportunities in the industry and within the proximity of the law in the United Kingdom.

We plan to sustain our business and make profits by charging a fee for each service we provide. We will strive to sustain relationship with organizations that require our services regularly to ensure a steady flow of income.

10. Sales Forecast

At Sunshine Sport Events, we assume that by the end of our first year, we must have planned at least 6 sport events that require our wide array of services. We also expect an enviable growth rate for several years, and up to 32 steady clientele bases. That will be the maximum number of clients that can be accommodated by this company. Further expansion of workforce and capacity shall be considered in future. We project that we will be able to generate sufficient capital from operation to meet our initial needs. However, our projections are based upon present real market conditions and data. Should revenue generated not meet projections, adjustments will be made in ordering and long-term commitments decreased or postponed. Below is our sales forecast at Sunshine Sport Events;

• First Year: $345,000
• Second Year: $1,193,990
• Third Year: $2,310,034
• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Note that our Sales (commission and equipment) at Sunshine Sport Events will be based on the services and amenities provided by our company. We plan to ensure that all the users of our services must feel they are getting the best possible value for their money. If there is a better value, for equal services, we at Sunshine Sport Events will strive to match or beat that value for customers.

We also plan to ensure that any person desiring our services will get an extensive break down of our products and options. During this brief discussion, the person will be also informed of all of the processes, past event and expertise we have to offer. We plan to build our marketing plan around the following;

• Focus on service and support.
• Establish a relationship business.

Focus on golf equipment as the key target market.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

At Sunshine Sport Events, we totally know the benefits of a good publicity, which is why even though we have no specific marketing plan, we hope to leverage a lot of strategies to boost our business through publicity. At Sunshine Sport Events, we are very ready to become the number one choice when it comes to sport related events.

Social media is a great way of networking. LinkedIn is a superb example, join appropriate groups and participate in discussions. Attending seminars, exhibitions, and trade shows are also great ways of expanding your contacts and network.

That is why Sunshine Sport Events has made provisions for effective and direct publicity and advertisement of our golf sporting Event. Outlined below are the platforms we hope to leverage on to promoting Sunshine Sport Events;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Establish relationships with sports clubs throughout London
• Develop ongoing relationships with sports agencies that will refer their clients to the Company on an ongoing basis.
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our Billboards in strategic locations all around London
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around London
• Passing general information via our company’s social media handles like twitter, Facebook, Google hangouts etc.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our company’s’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

At Sunshine Sport Events, we clearly understand that event planners charge clients a fee for each service they render. Our plan at Sunshine Sport Events is to keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.

We also hope to give out special discounted rates to all our clients at regular intervals. We also understand that there are some of our prospective clients that would need special assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such needs for the client.

• Our Payment Options

We at Sunshine Sport Events plan to establish different payment options that will suit our different clients at any given time and place. We have also made plans and partnered with a well known banking platform in London in other to offer these diverse services. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment with cash

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

Sunshine Sport Events will be a medium sized sport event management company that will provide a comfortable location for our clients to learn and practice.

We plan to spend our start-up costs on mostly equipment purchase, main building (which will be a wooden pre-fabricated building of good quality), office equipment, stationery, legal costs, advertising, land rent and expenses associated with opening our first office. Below is a detailed cost analysis of starting Sunshine Sport Events;

• Business incorporating fees in the united states of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $33,500
• Acquiring a large building and (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $300,000
• Equipping the office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $50,000
• Launching an official Website will cost – $500
• The budget for the payment of salaries for the first three months of operations: $120,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $50,000

From our detailed analysis above, we have come to the conclusion that we will need approximately $700,000 to start up Sunshine Sport Events.

Generating Funding/Start-up Capital for Sunshine Sport Events

Sunshine Sport Events will be a Limited Liability Corporation financed by direct owner investment. Alfred Simpson and Desmond Curtis will own 50% of the company each. Through careful planning on the part of the founders, the start up costs for Sunshine Sport Events is minimal.

The start-up cost and investment funds will be assets saved from prior earnings by the owners who did event planning on a part-time basis before establishing themselves as a business. It is the wish of the founders to remain a debt-free establishment. However, recognizing that in reality not all variables are controllable, outside financing is a viable option. Both founders own homes and have a perfect credit rating.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

At Sunshine Sport Events, our major goal is to be a profitable business starting from the very first month of our opening. Due to our elegance, approach to planning and vast expertise, we believe clients will be attracted to our company to see what we have to offer.

But, we do not plan to wait for clients to come to us first. Instead, we plan to focus our marketing strategies on those target audience that match our offerings. Note that our main objective with our early marketing strategy will be to get people and convince people that we can bring the best sporting events to London.

We believe that once people see what we have to offer, and feel the atmosphere that will be created, they will want to return and leverage the many services and programs we provide at Sunshine Sport Events. Some of the ways we plan to get people into our event include:

• Giving specialized tours and lessons to junior and senior students on the over 20 stadiums in London
• Hosting and/or supporting various community events that will attract many people who otherwise would not come.
• Mailing our free day passes to managers of sport clubs
• Offering special discounts for annual subscriptions.
• Hosting a big promotional event to open the event that will be free to everyone.

Checklist/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting feasibility studies: Completed
• Leasing, renovating and equipping our facility: Completed
• Generating part of the startup capital from the founder: Completed
• Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of software applications, furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company : In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with banks, financial lending institutions, vendors and key players in the industry: In Progress

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6. Adjust your marketing mix.

You could be selling tickets or a spot in the race. Either way, you’re not going to have success if you can’t get the word out. Here are a few tips for the three main areas you should be focusing on in your event marketing efforts: 

Local Partnerships

Getting the word out to both fans and participants means meeting them where they already are. Think: gyms, golf courses, sports bars, and beyond. Partner with these sorts of local establishments to put yourself on everyone’s radar. Some of these businesses may even be willing to share promotions with participants or sponsor the event. 

Social Media

Hyper-specific targeting makes social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram a great way to narrow your marketing to a more qualified audience that will be interested in your event. Use a custom audience to target users in a specific location by their interests (using sport, charitable cause, etc.). It’s a quick ticket to a pool of potential participants!

While email is crucial for communicating logistics, you’re probably only interacting with this channel if you hold an annual event. After all, if it’s your first year, you likely don’t have an email list to market to yet. For annual events, reaching out to participants and ticket purchasers from previous years is step number one in your event marketing playbook.

7. Work closely with the community. 

For races especially, this one is HUGE. Reach out to the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) if your host city has one and ask them to connect you with the proper contacts for discussing potential disruptions such as traffic and noise. Not only will this ensure a good relationship with the community, it also ensures that the event will unfold smoothly. After all, running a race through the middle of the city is an orchestrated effort that requires a helping hand from several departments in the municipality. 

8. Get crafty to find sponsors. 

Whether you’re planning a tournament, a charity game, or something else altogether, sponsorship is a quintessential piece of the sports event management puzzle (and it’s almost always a possibility!). Here are a few keys to landing sponsors and getting the most out of the partnership: 

• Cast a wide net – The more you reach out, the more likely you are to find a viable sponsor.
• Get creative – Sponsors can supply prizes, charitable contributions, equipment, uniforms, in-race refreshment, and beyond. The more open you are to creative spo n sorship ideas , the more likely you’ll be to land sponsors.
• Look to similar events – Reach out to sponsors from similar events to see if they’d be interested in sponsoring your event as well. They’ll be easier to work with and more likely to participate since they know the ropes.

9. Consult with a legal expert.

There’s always a chance that a participant might get hurt during your event, and that could spell trouble if they try to hold you liable. As such, consulting with a legal expert to lock down the right language in any waivers of liability is a must for sporting events open to public participation. And while you could always download a waiver template from the internet, consulting a legal expert is the most dependable way to make sure that your waivers will hold up in a court of law. 

Oh, and while we’re on the subject of injury: Make sure to have a first aid kit (or a medic for larger events) on hand.

10. Source as much volunteer help as possible. 

Nothing eats up a budget quite as quickly as having to pay for every single helping hand. Luckily, depending on the type of sporting event you’re planning, finding volunteers can be easy ” especially for charity events, fundraisers, and youth events (hello parent volunteers!). Volunteers can even be one of the many ways that businesses help sponsor your event, as it saves both parties money while still supplying your event with much needed manpower. 

11. Don’t forget about prize insurance. 

While it may be on your radar to insure your event, it might not be quite as evident to insure prizes and potential giveaways. So before you let someone try their luck at a $15,000 putt, it’s in your best interest to make sure that it won’t be coming out of your pocket.  Sure, the chances of your average Joe making a 50-yard putt are slim ” but a small fee up front is all it takes to make sure that a single stroke of luck doesn’t break the bank. 

12. Make a play for media coverage. 

Coverage during the event.

Word of mouth is your best bet for growing an event year over year, and there’s perhaps no better exposure than getting the media involved. With that being said, it’s not likely to happen all on its own. It’s up to your marketing team to track down contacts and connect with local media. For major outlets, this should be pretty easy ” but don’t stop there. Small-town publications and even college papers and radio stations can bring much-needed coverage and help boost event PR . 

Pre-Event Coverage

Local event announcements are a little different, as they’re normally handled outside of the newsroom. Get in touch with event editors to find out their guidelines for submitting your event details for an announcement. 

13. Not everyone is a referee. 

Whether it’s parents butting heads at a little league game or company teams clashing at an unsuspecting soccer event, sometimes competition gets the best of fans and participants alike. Why? Oftentimes, it’s because of a bad call. So while volunteer referees might sound like a great idea when you’re crunching the numbers, they might not seem quite as appealing when you’re in the middle of a startup melee. Save yourself a sports event management headache by turning to a solution like a referee rental service. 

14. Map it all out. 

The easiest way to keep everyone on the same page on the big day is showing them exactly what’s expected. By diagramming the venue, event space, and all the moving parts, you paint a picture that ensures everything unfolds smoothly. Event diagramming software makes this easy, in a collaborative, drag-and-drop way that spreadsheets simply can’t duplicate. 

Time to kickoff your planning¦

Pulling it together can be a little tricky. But as long as you keep these tips for sports event management in the back of your mind, you’ll be in good shape no matter your event purpose. Now go forth and knock your event out of the park.

Bring better sports events to life, no stress

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Have more questions about sports event management?

A sports event manager is in charge of coordinating a variety of events related to a sports team or organization. This can be anything from managing game day in a professional sport, to organizing the Olympic village, to planning an awards gala for a little league team.

Sports event managers average between $55,000 to $65,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and organization.

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Sports Club Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Whether you’re starting a sports club from scratch or expanding an existing one, having the right plan in place is essential for success. With the #1 Sports Club Business Plan Template & Guidebook, you have all the resources needed to create a detailed and comprehensive plan that will help you achieve your goals. From outlining strategies to mapping out financials, this template and guidebook provide everything you need to build a professional and effective plan that will help you guide your business towards success.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Sports Club Business [11 Steps]
• 25 Catchy Sports Club Business Names:

How to Write a Sports Club Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your sports club business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your sports club business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a sports club business:

The mission of [XYZ] Sports Club is to promote physical, mental and emotional health through sports participation, create a safe and nurturing atmosphere for the community, and encourage the development of life skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship. We strive to provide high-quality programs and services that support the healthy lifestyle of our members, athletes and coaches.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Sports Club Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your sports club business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your sports club business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your sports club business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your sports club business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a sports club business?

• Sports equipment and supplies
• Business licenses and permits
• Insurance policies
• Payment processing system
• Marketing materials
• Staffing requirements (contracts, wages, benefits)
• Membership management software or systems
• Facility rentals or use agreements (if applicable)

5. Management & Organization of Your Sports Club Business.

The second part of your sports club business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your sports club business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Sports Club Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a sports club business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a sports club business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your sports club business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your sports club business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your sports club business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Club Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a sports club business.

A business plan for a sports club business is essential for laying out the structure and vision of the business, setting objectives and goals, assessing the potential risks and opportunities ahead, identifying any funding needs and developing a strategy to achieve success. It also provides an invaluable tool for obtaining financial support from banks or investors when necessary.

Who should you ask for help with your sports club business plan?

Depending on the specifics of your sports club and the scope of your business plan, you may need to seek out help from a variety of sources. This could include a lawyer who specializes in corporate law, an accountant, business consultant, or even an experienced mentor who is familiar with the industry. Additionally, many professional associations exist specifically to support sports clubs and organizations, so they can also provide valuable advice and resources to help you create an effective business plan.

Can you write a sports club business plan yourself?

Writing a sports club business plan is an intensive process that includes researching the local market, creating financial projections, understanding licensing and insurance requirements, and developing branding. It is best to rely on the expertise of a professional business plan consultant or seek the advice of your local Small Business Development Center to develop a comprehensive and accurate business plan.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

Sports Club Business Plan: How To Do It [Guide]

Are you an enthusiast looking to start a sports club? Perhaps you dream of building a thriving sports community that brings people together and promotes physical activity.

As an industry professional in the context of sports clubs, I understand the importance of a well-crafted business plan.

In this comprehensive guide, I will share knowledge and insights to help you develop a winning sports club business plan that sets you up for success.

Table of Content

• Introduction
• Defining Your Vision and Mission
• Market Research and Analysis
• Building Your Sports Club Structure
• Financial Planning and Budgeting
• Marketing and Promotion
• Operations and Management
• Facilities and Equipment
• Risk Management and Legal Considerations
• Measuring Success and Growth

1. Introduction

Starting a sports club can be an exciting venture, but it requires careful planning to turn your vision into a reality.

A well-structured business plan is the foundation of every successful sports club. It not only outlines your objectives but also serves as a roadmap for achieving them.

Let’s dive into the essential steps of creating a sports club business plan.

2. Defining Your Vision and Mission

Before you start writing your business plan, it’s crucial to clearly define your sports club’s vision and mission. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the purpose of your sports club?
• What values and principles do you want to promote through your club?
• What are your long-term and short-term goals?

By identifying your club’s purpose and setting specific goals, you’ll be better equipped to create a focused and impactful business plan.

Setting Clear Goals and Objectives

To ensure your business plan is actionable, set clear and measurable objectives. Consider the following factors:

• The number of members you aim to attract in the first year
• The frequency of sports events or activities you plan to organize
• Financial targets, such as revenue and expenses

3. Market Research and Analysis

Understanding the sports industry landscape is essential for a successful sports club. Conduct thorough market research to gain insights into your potential target audience and competitors.

Analyzing the Sports Industry Landscape

Research trends and market demands in the sports industry. Determine which sports are popular in your region and how you can capitalize on those interests.

Identifying Your Target Audience and Competition

Define your target audience based on demographics, interests, and preferences. Identify your competitors and analyze their strengths and weaknesses to find opportunities for differentiation.

4. Building Your Sports Club Structure

The foundation of a successful sports club lies in its structure and offerings.

Choosing the Right Sports and Activities

Select sports and activities that align with your club’s vision and cater to your target audience’s interests. Consider offering a diverse range of options to attract a broader audience.

Selecting the Ideal Location

The location of your sports club can significantly impact its success. Choose a place easily accessible to your target audience and with sufficient space to accommodate your activities.

5. Financial Planning and Budgeting

Developing a sound financial plan is crucial for the sustainable growth of your sports club.

Estimating Initial Costs and Investments

Calculate the initial costs of setting up the club, including facility rent, equipment purchase, and staff recruitment.

Developing a Sustainable Financial Model

Create a detailed financial forecast to estimate revenues and expenses over time. This will help you ensure the financial viability of your sports club.

6. Marketing and Promotion

Effectively marketing your sports club will attract potential members and increase your visibility.

Creating a Brand Identity for Your Sports Club

Develop a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience. This includes creating a compelling logo, tagline, and mission statement.

Leveraging Digital Marketing Channels

Utilize online platforms and social media to reach a wider audience. Engage with potential members through content marketing and community building.

7. Operations and Management

Efficient day-to-day operations are vital for delivering a seamless experience to your club members.

Establishing Efficient Day-to-day Operations

Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline administrative tasks and ensure smooth club operations.

Building a Strong Team and Leadership

Recruit passionate and knowledgeable individuals to manage and lead your sports club. Effective leadership will drive growth and foster a positive club culture.

8. Facilities and Equipment

Investing in quality facilities and equipment is essential for providing a top-notch experience to your members.

Ensuring Adequate Facilities and Amenities

Ensure that your club’s facilities meet the needs of your chosen sports and activities. Offer amenities that enhance the overall experience for members.

Selecting Quality Sports Equipment

Invest in high-quality sports equipment that is safe and durable. Well-maintained equipment will contribute to a positive member experience.

9. Risk Management and Legal Considerations

Mitigating risks and complying with legal requirements protect both your club and its members.

Mitigating Risks and Liabilities

Implement safety protocols and insurance coverage to protect your members from potential accidents or injuries.

Complying with Legal Requirements

Ensure that your sports club adheres to all relevant legal and regulatory guidelines, including permits and licenses.

10. Measuring Success and Growth

Regularly evaluating your club’s performance and progress will help you make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement.

Setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Establish measurable KPIs to monitor the success of your sports club. These may include member retention rates, revenue growth, and event attendance.

Evaluating and Adapting Your Business Plan

Periodically review and update your business plan based on data-driven insights. This will enable you to adapt to changing market conditions and member preferences.

11. Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to create a successful sports club business plan. By defining your vision, conducting thorough research, and implementing effective marketing and management strategies, you are well-equipped to build a thriving sports community.

Remember that the journey of starting and managing a sports club may have challenges, but with dedication, passion, and the right business plan, you can turn your dream into a reality.

Good luck on your sports club venture! Here’s to a bright and prosperous future filled with sportsmanship, camaraderie, and success!

Hello! I’m Magnus Berglund , a seasoned trendspotter and proud founder of SportsBizTrends.com .

With over a decade of experience as an independent advisor and consultant, I have specialized in business development and creative marketing within the sports industry . This has, among other things, resulted in a book about sports sponsorship (only available in Swedish for the moment).

If you find my writing interesting, please share it with your colleagues and friends. It would be greatly appreciated!

And yes, I do freelance consulting and provide lectures at industry events, business networks, board meetings, and similar occasions. However, since I also work as a Marketing Manager for an industrial company, I choose the occasions wisely.

That said, don’t hesitate to contact me with your inquiry .

With experience from various assignments in strategy, tactical activations, and valuation of sponsorship (from the grassroots level to the English Premier League), I am happy to share my insights and ideas in this fast-paced industry.

For more information about me and my work, including my contact details, please visit the About page , or connect with me via LinkedIn .

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7 Essential Steps for Planning a Sports Event Fundraiser

• Event Fundraising
• Fundraising

Great Fundraising Events: From Experience to Transformation.

Organizing a sports event fundraiser requires preparation, logistical planning and a key understanding of the sport itself. From finding a venue and recruiting volunteers to arranging all-weather preparations and day-of logistics, a lot goes into putting together a successful sporting event.

But the effort is worth it when your nonprofit can plan a well-attended event that brings the community together to raise awareness of your mission and funding for your cause.

In this post, we’ll provide a checklist of everything you need to plan a successful sports event fundraiser. Here’s what we’ll cover:

7 steps to planning a successful sports event

8 sporting event volunteer roles to fill, how to promote your sports event fundraiser.

A well-run event can enhance your nonprofit’s reputation, helping you recruit more participants and attendees the next time you host a sports fundraiser. Let’s dive in!

1. Set event goals

Your goals will keep your event planning team on the same page and ensure they’re working to generate the most value possible for your nonprofit. To set your goals, answer the following questions when you first sit down to start planning your sports event:

• What type of sports event will you host? Whether it’s a spectator event, a 5K or a sports tournament, your fundraiser’s format determines the logistical requirements needed to make it successful.
• What is your fundraising goal? How much you hope to raise will impact your budgeting considerations and ticket-selling goals. Your revenue should exceed your expenses to achieve a positive ROI. Consult past fundraising event results to come up with an achievable but ambitious target.
• Who will attend the event? Who is your target audience for your event? Consider both your participant and spectator audiences. For example, if you’re hosting a youth sports tournament, your participants will be youth athletes and the spectators will be their families. If you’re hosting a 5K event, participants may be community members and spectators will be their family members, friends and other community members.
• When and where will the event take place? What type of venue will you need to successfully host your event? How much will the venue rental cost? Are there any weather conditions you’ll need to consider during your event planning process?

The more detail you can provide when answering these questions, the easier the rest of your event planning process will be.

2. Determine expected attendance and necessary staff

Review past fundraising events to understand the type of turnout you can expect for your sporting event. Research similar events that have been hosted in your community and check if you can get access to those events’ attendance numbers.

Once you have a good idea of how many attendees your event can bring in, determine how many event staff and volunteers you’ll need. Large sporting events might take place across multiple sites, meaning you may need a large volunteer team to keep the event running smoothly. Even smaller-scale events require several volunteer roles, from check-in to referees and concessions.

When it comes time to recruit volunteers , start by reaching out personally to past event volunteers to see if they’d be interested in helping out again. You can also put out a general call for help on your website, email newsletter and social media pages.

Be sure to offer volunteers perks for signing up, such as a free t-shirt or a free lunch on event day.

3. Choose a venue

Nailing down your event’s venue should be a top priority. Depending on the type of sports event you’re hosting, the number of venues in your area may be limited. For example, there may only be one or two gymnastics clubs with available space. In contrast, if you are hosting a soccer tournament, there may be multiple fields to choose from.

When selecting your venue, consider how people will get to and from your event and around the site on event day. For example, do you need to rent shuttle buses to move people from the parking lot to your event venue? Do you need to contact the local authorities for permission to block off a section of the street? Think through these considerations well in advance to get the sign-off you need ahead of your event.

4. Streamline ticketing and sign-ups

Invest in a convenient and simple ticketing tool to streamline the sign-up process. Customers should be able to purchase tickets directly from your website, whether they’re using laptops or mobile devices.

Ensure the athlete sign-up process is straightforward as well by using a simple online registration form. Communicate event logistics with participants, such as when to arrive and how to sign in, to ensure they are kept in the loop leading up to the big day.

5. Recruit sponsors

Sponsors can help cover the cost of your sporting event, giving you more flexibility when it comes to your venue and other overhead costs. Reach out to local businesses to ask if they’d like to sponsor your event in exchange for advertising on your event’s website, banner, t-shirts and other promotional materials. You can also reach out to local restaurants to see if they’d be willing to donate food or offer discounted event catering prices.

6. Prioritize safety

Have medical staff on-site and ready to treat injuries for players or fans. From first aid volunteers to hydration stations, make sure you have everything in place to help participants if and when the need arises.

Investing in volunteer management software that’s equipped with a volunteer app will allow you to manage your staff and communicate with volunteers quickly about emergencies. This can be critical for keeping attendees safe and event staff in the loop.

7. Prep for the weather

Many sporting events take place outdoors, meaning you may have to deal with unpredictable weather. Consider planning for a rain-check date in case inclement weather prevents you from hosting the event on the original date.

Some sporting events might be able to continue rain or shine, but bad weather could negatively impact the spectator experience. You might plan to place tents over the spectator bleachers to help people stay dry in the event of rain.

A particularly hot day can also present challenges for athletes and spectators. You’ll need to make sure there are plenty of places to sit in the shade and grab water to keep participants hydrated.

If you’ve planned a major fundraising event before, you know that winging the prep just doesn’t work. Before your event starts, ensure you already have designated duties and a complete schedule for volunteers.

To help out, we’ve made a list of eight essential volunteer roles for your next sporting-related fundraising event:

Designate a volunteer crew to arrive a few hours before your event begins (or the previous day if needed) to set up your event. They might set up your registration tent and concession stand or post signage around the venue to help direct attendees.

2. Registration and check-in

Assign volunteers to take tickets if your event is a ticketed experience and check in athletes or teams when they arrive. These volunteers will create a first impression for attendees. To facilitate a smooth check-in, make sure they’re equipped with the resources they need. This might include tablets to track athlete attendance or name tags for participants to use.

3. Information/first aid station

If your event’s venue spans multiple fields or courts, it can be helpful to assign volunteers to an information station. Participants will have a clear, central place to go to get their questions answered. It’s also helpful to put your first-aid station near your information desk and clearly mark the station with signs so participants who need medical aid can find help quickly.

4. Concessions/merchandise

Selling concessions can help your nonprofit raise additional funds throughout your event. Ask volunteers with cooking experience to help cook up classic sports-tournament grub like hot dogs and hamburgers. You might also offer snacks like chips and cookies, as well as soda and water bottles.

If your event has merchandise, such as branded t-shirts and hats, you can also assign volunteers to sell these items at your merchandise booth.

5. Scorekeepers and referees

Sporting events often require volunteer scorekeepers and referees. Reach out to local referee organizations to ask for volunteers for your tournament. Provide an online checklist of pre-game duties such as inspecting the field, meeting the coaches, completing reports and checking in players. Lastly, provide referees with a detailed list of the rules and regulations of your sports event.

Provide scorekeepers with scorekeeping technology and train them on how to update the scoreboard if you have one. You might also consider providing templates for keeping track of player statistics and standings and writing reports.

6. Floaters

There are always things that come up on the fly during a sporting event, so it’s worthwhile to assign a team of volunteers who are ready to help out anywhere. Make floaters their own role, rather than pulling volunteers off other roles when it gets busy. Volunteer management software can help maintain real-time communication with floaters so you can contact them wherever they are.

7. Parking attendants

Parking is often where attendees find the most frustration. Create a team of volunteers who can ensure that the parking process is as painless and easy as possible. Post parking maps online so your volunteers and attendees can familiarize themselves with the parking zones ahead of time.

8. Breakdown

Designate a fresh breakdown crew on the schedule instead of using the same crew that arrived early for setup. Post a checklist of breakdown duties on your volunteer app and provide printed lists. Make sure all breakdown volunteers follow appropriate safety procedures.

Finally, designate an official trash crew and assign them sections to monitor and clean during the tournament. Keep in contact with them in real-time if you need to call them for an emergency cleanup.

All of these volunteer roles contribute to the success of your event, meaning you should make it a priority to show appreciation to everyone involved. Send detailed thank you emails after your event concludes or give volunteers appreciation gifts such as gift cards or tote bags.

Social media is a staple of our everyday lives, and it’s fair to say that your event could benefit from drumming up some interest online. Leverage social media to make sure people know when and where your event takes place. Start by sending out teasers and, as the event gets closer, release more specific details.

The more you can spread the word before, during and after your event, the greater its success is likely to be. Here are a few of our favorite marketing strategies to roll out as you plan your sports event:

1. Create a Facebook event page

Facebook is a natural place to promote your sports event fundraiser because 35 million people view public events on Facebook each day. Use a high-quality banner image on your event page and provide information potential attendees need to know. This includes details about:

• What activities will take place at your event
• What you’re raising funding for
• Who can sign up to participate
• Where and when the event will take place
• Entry fee information

You can reach out specifically to dedicated supporters to invite them to your event. Be sure to post the event page widely within Facebook groups and on your news feed to keep your event on supporters’ radars.

2. Promote your event on other social media platforms

While Facebook offers great event promotion options, it’s important to promote your event through all your social media channels. Here are a few additional platforms to consider:

Regardless of the channels you choose, consider creating a unique hashtag, holding contests and ticket giveaways and encouraging user interaction to spread the word as far as possible. Sporting events can bring in a wide range of audience demographics, so the more channels you use to promote your event, the wider an audience you’ll reach.

3. Ask supporters to help promote your event

Your event will likely include participation from multiple organizations, such as local sports teams, food vendors and sponsors. Ask participating organizations to promote your event on their social media pages and other marketing outlets. In return, publicly thank them for their involvement on social media and share links to their social media pages or websites.

4. Consider paid advertising

All major social media platforms offer pay-per-click advertising as a way to reach your target demographics. These channels, as well as Google’s search advertisements, provide a streamlined way to better reach your target audience. Nonprofits can even apply for the Google Ad Grant program which provides $10,000 per month in free Google advertising to qualifying organizations.

5. Connect with the local news

Reach out to local news outlets like newspapers, radio stations and local TV stations to ask if they would be interested in promoting your upcoming sports event. Write up a press release with information local news outlets will need to have for your event, such as the date, time, location and how to register or purchase a ticket.

Wrapping up

With these tips, your nonprofit should be able to plan an engaging sports event that brings in new supporters and funding for your mission.

Every successful event starts with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers—and the right tools that empower them to take on their roles effectively. Bloomerang’s volunteer management software offers nonprofits the user-friendly tools they need to streamline volunteer recruitment, scheduling, communication and appreciation. Plus, Bloomerang’s volunteer mobile app centralizes communications on event day, keeping all volunteers in the loop about schedule changes or unexpected events.

Looking for more information about planning events and managing volunteers successfully? Check out these additional resources:

• The Ultimate Nonprofit Event Planning Checklist for Success . From planning your budget to lining up sponsorships, here is the full nonprofit event planning checklist for a successful fundraising event.
• The Smart Nonprofit’s Guide to Volunteer Management . Continually engaging with and stewarding volunteers can help you build long-lasting relationships. Follow the tips in this guide to enhance your volunteer management strategy.
• Volunteer Surveys: Tips and Best Questions to Ask . Asking volunteers for feedback is a great way to evolve your program and better appeal to supporters’ preferences. This guide offers tips and the best questions to ask.

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How To Create a Winning Esports Tournament Organizing Business Plan

By henry sheykin, resources on esports tournament organizing service.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan
• SWOT Analysis

Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for an esports tournament organizing service! Esports has been taking the world by storm and has become a billion-dollar industry. According to recent statistics, the global esports market revenue is projected to reach a staggering $1.6 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.3% from 2018 to 2023 . This booming industry presents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs to establish their own esports tournament organizing service and capitalize on the ever-growing popularity of competitive gaming .

Before diving into the steps of writing a business plan, it is crucial to conduct thorough market research on the esports industry. This will help you identify the target market and understand the demand for esports tournaments . By analyzing the current trends and market size, you can tailor your services to cater to the needs of small businesses in the US that are eager to host dynamic and high-quality gaming events .

Once you have a clear understanding of the market, it's essential to analyze your competitors and determine your unique selling points. This will give you a competitive edge in the industry and help you stand out . Additionally, you'll need to decide on the legal structure of your business and obtain any necessary permits or licenses to operate as an esports tournament organizing service .

The next step is to define the services you'll offer and establish your pricing strategies. Will you provide turnkey solutions, including equipment rental, venue selection and setup, participant registration, marketing, and on-site management? Defining your services and pricing will allow you to outline the value you offer to your clients and potential revenue streams .

Assessing the required resources and creating a budget is crucial for planning your operations. Consider the equipment, staff, and infrastructure needed to organize esports tournaments effectively. This will help you allocate resources efficiently and avoid any surprises down the road .

Developing a solid marketing and promotion strategy is key to attracting participants and sponsors. Identify the channels through which you will reach your target audience and employ engaging marketing tactics to promote your services . Finally, seek potential partnerships and sponsorships to enhance the visibility and credibility of your esports tournament organizing service .

Last but not least, create a preliminary financial projection to estimate your revenue and expenses. This will help you determine the viability of your business idea and guide you in making informed decisions .

With these nine steps, you'll be well on your way to writing a comprehensive business plan for your esports tournament organizing service. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts, where we will delve into each step in more detail .

Identify The Target Market And Demand For Esports Tournaments.

Before diving into the business of organizing esports tournaments, it is crucial to identify and understand your target market. By understanding who your customers are and their specific needs and preferences, you can tailor your services to meet their expectations, ultimately driving demand for your tournament organizing service.

Start by conducting market research to gain insights into the demographics and psychographics of your potential customers. Consider factors such as age, gender, location, and gaming preferences to create accurate customer profiles.

• Engage with local gaming communities and networks to gather information about their interests and preferences.
• Utilize online surveys and interviews to gather feedback directly from potential customers.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest gaming trends and developments to better understand the evolving demands of the esports industry.

Furthermore, assess the demand for esports tournaments in your target market. Research the popularity and growth of esports in your area, paying attention to existing events, participation levels, and media coverage. This will help you gauge the potential demand for your tournament organizing service.

Consider reaching out to local businesses and organizations operating within the esports or gaming industry to gain insights into their tournament requirements. Understanding the needs and expectations of potential customers will enable you to position your service in a unique and compelling way, differentiating yourself from competitors in the market.

By identifying your target market and understanding the demand for esports tournaments, you can tailor your offerings to meet their specific needs, ensuring a successful and thriving business in the exciting world of esports.

Conduct Thorough Market Research On The Esports Industry.

Conducting thorough market research is a crucial step in developing a successful business plan for an esports tournament organizing service. This step involves gathering valuable data and insights about the esports industry to make informed decisions and position your business in a competitive market.

Here are some key areas to focus on during your market research:

• Size and Growth: Determine the size and growth rate of the esports industry in the US. Identify key trends and projections to understand the potential demand for tournament organizing services.
• Target Audience: Identify the target audience for esports tournaments, such as gamers, esports enthusiasts, and local businesses. Understand their preferences, interests, and motivations to tailor your services accordingly.
• Competitor Analysis: Analyze existing esports tournament organizing services in the US market. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, and strategies to differentiate your business and offer unique services.
• Tournament Formats: Research different tournament formats and popular games in the esports industry. Understand the rules, prize structures, and player expectations to design engaging and competitive events.
• Technology and Equipment: Stay updated on the latest gaming technology and equipment requirements. Determine the necessary equipment for organizing professional esports tournaments and consider partnerships with equipment suppliers or rental services.
• Industry Associations and Events: Explore industry associations, esports conferences, and events where you can network with professionals and gain insights into emerging trends and opportunities.
• Engage with the esports community by participating in online forums, social media groups, and attending local gaming events.
• Interview potential target customers, gamers, and local businesses to understand their needs and pain points in organizing or participating in esports tournaments.
• Stay updated on gaming and esports publications to stay informed about industry news and developments.

By conducting thorough market research, you will gain valuable insights that will shape your business strategy and help you position your esports tournament organizing service effectively in the competitive market. This step is essential for identifying opportunities, understanding customer preferences, and developing a unique value proposition that sets your business apart.

Analyze Competitors And Identify Unique Selling Points

When starting a business in the esports tournament organizing service, it is crucial to thoroughly analyze the competition in order to identify your unique selling points. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors, you can position your business to stand out in the market.

Begin by researching other esports tournament organizers in your target market. Look at their event offerings, pricing strategies, and target audience. Identify what sets them apart from one another and determine the aspects that resonate with your own business goals.

Tip 1: Look for gaps and untapped opportunities in the market. Identify aspects that competitors may be overlooking or not providing to their customers. This can become your unique selling point.

Tip 2: Consider conducting a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of your competitors. This will allow you to have a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape and help you leverage your strengths.

After conducting a thorough analysis of your competitors, it is essential to identify your unique selling points. These are the factors that differentiate your business from others in the market and attract customers. Consider the following:

• The quality and variety of professional equipment you offer
• Your ability to choose and secure unique and appealing venues
• The seamless participant registration process you provide
• Your expertise in marketing and promoting esports events
• Your exceptional on-site management and customer service

Tip 3: Highlight your unique selling points in your business plan and use them as a key selling proposition when pitching to potential clients and sponsors.

By thoroughly analyzing your competitors and identifying your unique selling points, you can position your esports tournament organizing service as a standout player in the market, attracting both small businesses and local talent looking for exceptional gaming events.

Determine The Legal Structure And Necessary Permits/Licenses

Determining the legal structure and obtaining the necessary permits and licenses is an essential step when establishing an esports tournament organizing service. This ensures that your business operates within the legal framework and maintains compliance with local and state laws. Here are some important considerations:

• Choose the appropriate legal structure: Consider the pros and cons of different legal structures such as sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Consult with a business attorney or tax professional to determine the most suitable structure for your esports tournament organizing service.
• Register your business: Once you have decided on a legal structure, register your business with the appropriate government agencies. This typically involves filing the necessary paperwork and paying the required fees. The registration process may vary depending on your location, so it's crucial to research and understand the specific requirements in your area.
• Obtain permits and licenses: Research and identify the permits and licenses required to operate an esports tournament organizing service. This may include general business licenses, event permits, entertainment licenses, and any other specific licenses applicable to your industry or location. Contact your local government offices or visit their websites to obtain detailed information on the necessary permits and licenses.
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements: Ensure that your business adheres to all relevant legal and regulatory requirements. Familiarize yourself with labor laws, tax obligations, privacy regulations, and any other applicable laws affecting your business operations. This will help you avoid legal issues, penalties, and potential disruptions to your esports tournaments.
• Consult with a business attorney or legal advisor proficient in esports and event management to ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations.
• Stay updated with any changes in laws or regulations that may affect your business to avoid any compliance issues.
• Maintain proper documentation of permits, licenses, and legal agreements to demonstrate compliance and for future reference.

Define The Services Offered And Pricing Strategies.

When establishing an esports tournament organizing service, it is crucial to define the services you will offer and how you will price them. This will not only help you to differentiate yourself from competitors but also ensure that you are providing value to your clients while generating a profitable revenue stream.

1. Determine the core services: Start by identifying the essential services you will provide as part of your turnkey solutions. This could include professional equipment rental, venue selection and setup, participant registration, marketing, and on-site management. Clearly define the scope of each service to avoid confusion.

2. Add optional services: Consider offering additional services that can be customized to meet specific client needs. These could include live streaming, custom branding, video production, and event photography. By providing a range of options, you can cater to a broader client base and increase your revenue potential.

• Stay updated with the latest trends in the esports industry to identify new services that can add value to your offerings.
• Regularly gather feedback from your clients to understand their needs and preferences, and adapt your services accordingly.

3. Define pricing strategies: Pricing your services appropriately is essential for the success of your business. Consider factors such as the complexity of the event, the number of participants, the duration, and any additional services requested by the client. Assess the market rates and competitor pricing to ensure your prices are competitive yet profitable.

4. Offer tiered packages: To cater to different budgets and event sizes, consider offering tiered packages with varying levels of service and pricing. This allows clients to choose the package that best suits their needs while providing you with flexibility in terms of pricing and customization options.

5. Provide transparency: Clearly communicate your pricing structure to your clients. Create a pricing guide or package brochures that detail what is included in each service package, any additional costs, and any discounts or promotions available. Transparency fosters trust and helps clients make informed decisions.

6. Consider value-added services: Apart from the core services, think about incorporating value-added services that can enhance the overall experience for participants and spectators. This could include hosting pre-event workshops or offering post-event analysis and feedback sessions. These additional services can set you apart from competitors and further justify your pricing.

7. Build flexibility into your pricing: Consider providing flexibility in your pricing options to accommodate different types of clients. This could include offering discounts for non-profit organizations, early bird registrations, or recurring clients. Flexibility can attract a wider range of clients and build long-term relationships with them.

By defining the services you will offer and implementing a well-thought-out pricing strategy, you can position your esports tournament organizing service competitively in the market while ensuring profitability and meeting the diverse needs of your clients.

Assess The Required Resources And Budget

Assessing the required resources and budget is a crucial step in establishing your esports tournament organizing service. It allows you to determine what you need to successfully run your business and allocate the necessary funds for each aspect. Here are some key considerations:

• Human Resources: Determine the number of staff members needed to operate your business effectively. This may include event managers, technical experts, marketing professionals, and administrative support. Assess their qualifications and estimate their salaries to include in your budget.
• Equipment and Technology: Identify the gaming equipment and technology required to host high-quality tournaments. This may include gaming consoles, PCs, monitors, headsets, controllers, and networking hardware. Research vendors, compare prices, and factor in regular maintenance and upgrades.
• Venue and Facilities: Evaluate the need for a dedicated venue or if you can partner with existing spaces. Consider factors such as accessibility, capacity, soundproofing, lighting, and internet connectivity. Allocate funds for rent, utilities, and any necessary renovations or modifications.
• Marketing and Promotion: Assess the resources required for marketing and promotion, including designing and printing marketing materials, running online advertisements, managing social media accounts, and hiring influencers or content creators.
• Legal and Permits: Research the legal requirements and necessary permits or licenses needed to operate your esports tournament organizing service. Consult legal professionals to ensure compliance and allocate funds for any associated fees.
• Insurance: Consider obtaining insurance coverage for your business to protect against potential liability claims, property damage, or equipment theft.
• Operational Expenses: Estimate ongoing operational expenses such as office supplies, utilities, internet services, software subscriptions, and administrative costs.
• Research suppliers and negotiate pricing to get the best deals on equipment and gaming peripherals.
• Consider alternative funding options such as loans, grants, or crowdfunding if your initial budget is limited.
• Regularly revisit and update your budget as your business grows and evolves.
• Allocate contingency funds to account for unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Assessing the required resources and creating a comprehensive budget will provide a solid foundation for your esports tournament organizing service. It will ensure that you have the necessary means to deliver high-quality events and meet the expectations of your target market.

Develop A Marketing And Promotion Strategy

As an esports tournament organizing service, developing a strong marketing and promotion strategy is crucial to attract participants and ensure the success of your events. Here are some key steps to consider:

• Define your target audience: Identify the demographics and preferences of your target market, such as age groups, gaming preferences, and geographic location. This will help you tailor your marketing efforts and create targeted campaigns.
• Create a strong brand identity: Develop a unique and captivating brand identity that resonates with your target audience. This includes designing a professional logo, selecting brand colors, and creating cohesive visual elements for your website, social media, and promotional materials.
• Build an online presence: Utilize various online platforms to engage with potential participants and showcase your services. Create a user-friendly website that provides information about your tournaments, highlights past events, and facilitates participant registration. Additionally, establish active social media accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Twitch to interact with the gaming community.
• Utilize content marketing: Develop valuable and engaging content to attract and retain participants. This can include writing informative blog posts about esports trends, tactics, and strategies, creating video content featuring interviews with professional gamers, or publishing guides and tutorials on popular games.
• Collaborate with influencers: Partner with popular gamers, streamers, and esports influencers to promote your events. They can help create buzz and reach a wider audience by endorsing and sharing information about your tournaments on their social media platforms or through live streaming.
• Organize offline promotions: Engage with the local gaming community by organizing offline promotions such as gaming conventions, community meetups, or exhibition matches. Sponsoring or attending other gaming events can also help raise awareness about your tournament organizing service.

Tips for Developing a Successful Marketing Strategy:

• Stay updated with industry trends and adapt your marketing approach accordingly. Esports is a rapidly evolving industry, and it's important to be flexible in your strategies.
• Engage with your audience through interactive and gamified social media campaigns. Run contests, offer prizes, and encourage user-generated content to increase participation and excitement.
• Monitor and analyze the performance of your marketing efforts using tools like Google Analytics and social media analytics. This data will help you understand what works and make informed decisions for future campaigns.

Identify Potential Partnerships And Sponsorships.

When establishing an esports tournament organizing service, finding potential partnerships and sponsorships is vital to ensure the success and sustainability of your business. These partnerships can provide financial support, brand recognition, and access to resources and expertise in the esports industry. Here are some key steps to help you identify and secure potential partnerships and sponsorships:

• Research potential partners and sponsors: Begin by researching companies, organizations, and individuals that have a vested interest in the esports industry, esports tournaments, or the specific games you plan to feature. Look for brands that align with your values and target market.
• Reach out to potential partners: Once you have identified potential partners, establish contact and communicate your business idea, the services you offer, and the benefits of partnering with your esports tournament organizing service. Showcase how partnering with you can help them reach their target audience and boost their brand visibility.
• Create customized partnership proposals: Tailor your partnership proposals to fit the goals and needs of each potential partner. Highlight the specific benefits they can gain from partnering with your business, such as exposure to a relevant target audience, opportunities for brand activation at events, and potential collaborations for cross-promotion.
• Nurture existing relationships: If you have already established relationships with businesses or individuals in the esports industry, consider cultivating these relationships to explore potential partnership opportunities. Collaborating with existing connections can often be more successful since there is already a level of trust and familiarity.
• Offer incentives: To entice potential partners and sponsors, consider offering incentives such as exclusive branding opportunities, discounted rates for their own events or services, or access to participant data and analytics. These incentives can make your partnership proposals more appealing and increase the likelihood of securing collaborations.
• Attend esports industry events and conferences to network with potential partners and sponsors in person.
• Utilize social media platforms, forums, and online communities related to esports to connect with potential partners and sponsors.
• Consider creating mutually beneficial partnerships with local businesses, such as gaming cafes or gaming equipment retailers, to enhance your reach and support the local esports ecosystem.
• Regularly evaluate and reassess your partnerships to ensure they continue to align with your business goals and provide value to both parties involved.

Create A Preliminary Financial Projection.

Creating a preliminary financial projection is an essential step in the business planning process for your esports tournament organizing service. It will help you assess the financial feasibility of your venture and demonstrate to potential investors the profitability and potential return on investment.

To create a preliminary financial projection, you will need to consider various factors such as revenue streams, expenses, and projected growth. Here are some key points to focus on:

• Start by identifying your potential revenue streams, which may include registration fees, sponsorship deals, ticket sales, merchandise sales, and advertising revenue.
• Estimate the volume and pricing of each revenue stream based on your market research, competitor analysis, and demand for esports tournaments.
• Next, calculate your expenses, including venue rental costs, equipment rental or purchase, staff wages, marketing expenses, legal and administrative costs, and any other operational costs.
• Research and gather quotes or estimates for each expense category to ensure accurate projections.
• Consider the projected growth of your business over the next few years. Will you expand to host larger tournaments or cater to a wider geographical area? Factor in potential market growth and adjustments to your revenue and expenses accordingly.
• Use industry benchmarks and market trends to estimate your growth rate and adjust your financial projections accordingly.

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you can create a preliminary financial projection using spreadsheets or financial planning software. This projection should include a detailed breakdown of your revenue and expenses, as well as key financial indicators such as profit margins, return on investment, and break-even points.

Remember, a preliminary financial projection is just that—an estimate based on available data and assumptions. It will serve as a starting point for your business plan and can be adjusted as you gather more accurate information and refine your business strategy.

By creating a solid financial projection, you will be better equipped to make informed decisions, attract investors, and steer your esports tournament organizing service towards long-term success.

In conclusion, starting an esports tournament organizing service for small businesses can be a lucrative venture with the right planning and execution. By following the nine steps outlined in this checklist, you can ensure that your business plan covers all the necessary aspects to create a successful and profitable operation in the esports industry.

Identifying your target market, conducting thorough market research, and analyzing competitors will help you understand the demand and unique selling points of your business. Choosing the appropriate legal structure and obtaining necessary permits/licenses will ensure that your operations are compliant with regulations.

Defining your services offered, pricing strategies, and assessing required resources and budget will help you determine the feasibility and profitability of your venture. Developing a comprehensive marketing and promotion strategy, as well as identifying potential partnerships and sponsorships, will help you reach your target audience and boost your brand's visibility.

Lastly, creating a preliminary financial projection will give you an idea of your revenue streams, expenses, and potential profitability. By following these steps, you can lay the foundation for a successful esports tournament organizing service that not only promotes local talent and fosters community engagement, but also capitalizes on the ever-growing popularity of esports. Good luck with your business planning!

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ESports Business Plan

After getting started with upmetrics , you can copy this sample gaming business plan into your business plan and modify the required information and download your esports business plan pdf and doc file. It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

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Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go;  download our free esports business plan pdf  to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your esports business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

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How to write a business plan for your esports bar establishment.

Starting an esports bar establishment is a great idea because it would provide a space for gamers to come together, socialize, and enjoy their favorite games in a fun and competitive atmosphere.

It could also attract a wider audience to the esports scene, helping to promote and grow the industry.

Nevertheless, the first step is to develop a business plan.

A business plan is essential for any new project, as it allows you to assess the potential success of your project and plan out a roadmap for success. It also helps to identify potential risks and create strategies to mitigate them.

In short, a good business plan will help make sure your esports bar establishment is profitable .

What should you consider when writing a business plan for an esports bar establishment? What should be the overall layout? Which performance indicators should be included in the financials? How can I write a business plan in the most efficient way?

The article you're reading will cover all these questions and provide answers!

One last thing: it's not mandatory to start your business plan from scratch.

Feel free to download our business plan for an esports bar establishment and adapt it to suit your business needs.

How to develop a business plan for an esports bar establishment

Is it worth considering a business plan for your esports bar establishment.

Yes, you should definitely consider creating a business plan for your esports bar establishment.

Structuring a reliable business plan will give you the means to:

• get familiar with the esports bar market
• stay abreast of emerging trends and apply them to your project
• find what makes an esports bar establishment solid and successful
• understand gamers' preferences for gaming setups, food, and atmosphere to create an immersive and enjoyable esports bar experience
• come up with a unique value proposition for your gaming lounge
• monitor competitor activities and tactics
• explore competitive edges for your esports bar establishment
• find a business model that make you breakeven
• formulate and implement a sustainable long-term action plan
• assess potential risks involved in running an esports bar establishment, such as gaming equipment malfunctions, liquor licensing, and customer satisfaction

Our team has created a business plan for an esports bar establishment to help you accomplish all the elements mentioned

How to structure a business plan for an esports bar establishment?

There's a wealth of information, content, metrics, and financial data in a business plan. There should be a clear outline, to make easy to read and digest.

When we built our business plan for an esports bar establishment , we made sure to structure it propertly.

We've categorized it into 5 sections (Opportunity, Project, Market Research, Strategy and Finances).

1. Market Opportunity

The opening section is labeled as "Market Opportunity."

In this section, you will find valuable data and insights about the esports bar establishment industry, helping you understand the market and target audience.

Twice annually, we review and update this section to maintain data accuracy.

2. Project Presentation

The "Project" section provides an opportunity to describe your esports bar establishment, highlighting the gaming atmosphere, state-of-the-art gaming equipment, multiple screens for tournaments, gaming events, food and drink offerings, and the unique value proposition that creates a social and immersive experience for esports enthusiasts.

Also, provide a self-introduction at the end of this section.

Discuss your passion for gaming and esports, your understanding of the gaming community, and how you plan to create an exciting and immersive esports bar experience for enthusiasts. Highlight your state-of-the-art gaming equipment, your vibrant atmosphere, and your dedication to providing a welcoming space that brings gamers together to enjoy competitive gaming, live streams, and social interactions at your esports bar establishment.

We included pre-written content in our business plan. Adjust it to match your idea exactly.

3. Market Research

Next up is the "Market Research" section.

The purpose of this section is to introduce the market segments for your esports bar establishment.

It includes a competition study, outlining other esports bars in the area. Your bar's unique gaming setup and competitive advantages are also highlighted. A customized SWOT analysis is included.

4. Strategy

In the "Strategy" section, a detailed 3-year action plan is provided, which highlights all the crucial steps and initiatives to transform your esports bar establishment into a highly profitable venture.

Furthermore, this section encompasses a comprehensive marketing plan for an esports bar establishment, a strategy to handle risks, and a filled-in Business Model Canvas.

5. Finances

Lastly, the "Finances" section is dedicated to illustrating the financial plan and data for your project.

How to write an Executive Summary for an esports bar establishment?

The Executive Summary provides an initial glimpse into the business plan of your esports bar establishment.

Make it short and straightforward, with a maximum of 2 pages. Focus on the key elements.

When you bring your business plan to a bank, this is the part they will read first. It should grab their interest and make them want to read the rest of the plan.

In the Executive Summary of your esports bar establishment, provide responses to the following: what is your esports bar establishment about? who is your target audience? are there any other esports bars in the area? what sets your bar apart from them? how much funding do you require?

How to do the market analysis for an esports bar establishment?

The market study of your esports bar establishment helps you understand external factors such as customer demands for gaming and entertainment venues, competition within the hospitality industry, and emerging trends in esports culture.

By conducting a thorough market analysis, an esports bar establishment can understand the preferences of gaming enthusiasts, offer a vibrant gaming environment and entertainment, optimize pricing strategies, and execute targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately leading to a loyal customer base, increased sales, and a prominent presence in the local esports and gaming scene.

This is what we've outlined in the "Market Research" section of our business plan for an esports bar establishment :

• market trends and data about esports bar establishments, including esports viewership, gaming events, and the integration of food and gaming experiences
• a list of potential customer segments for an esports bar establishment
• the competitive analysis
• the potential competitive advantages for an esports bar establishment

The key points of the business plan for an esports bar establishment

What's the business model of an esports bar establishment, business model of an esports bar establishment.

An esports bar establishment's business model centers around providing a venue for gamers and esports enthusiasts to gather, play video games, and watch esports tournaments while offering food and beverages. Revenue is generated through food and beverage sales, potentially offering additional services such as esports event hosting or merchandise sales.

The business model focuses on creating a gaming-friendly environment, providing quality gaming equipment and internet infrastructure, effective marketing to target gamers and esports enthusiasts, and building strong customer relationships based on the gaming community and experience.

Success depends on delivering exceptional customer service, hosting engaging gaming events, fostering a vibrant gaming community, fostering positive customer reviews and recommendations, and continuously adapting to the evolving esports industry and gaming trends.

Business model vs Business plan

Don't confuse "business plan" with "business model."

A business model shows how a company operates and turns a profit.

In a business plan, you demonstrate your business model using a structure called the Business Model Canvas.

Rest assured, we offer a completed Business Model Canvas in business plan for an esports bar establishment .

How do you identify the market segments of an esports bar establishment?

Market segmentation for your esports bar establishment involves dividing your potential customers into different groups based on their gaming interests, esports fandom, and demographics.

These categories may include factors such as competitive gaming, casual gaming, esports events, or customers seeking specific gaming experiences or community engagement.

By segmenting your market, you can offer specialized gaming experiences and events that cater to each segment's specific requirements. For example, you might focus on competitive gaming and host esports tournaments or leagues for skilled players and enthusiasts, offer casual gaming opportunities for individuals who enjoy relaxed and social gaming experiences, specialize in esports events and provide live streaming of major tournaments or organize watch parties, or focus on specific gaming experiences or community engagement initiatives to accommodate customers with specific gaming interests or desire for a vibrant gaming atmosphere.

Market segmentation allows you to effectively target your marketing efforts, create an exciting and inclusive esports bar environment, and provide a dynamic and entertaining gaming experience that meets the unique needs and preferences of each customer segment.

In the business plan for an esports bar establishment , you will find a comprehensive market segmentation that helps you know and understand your customers.

How to conduct a competitor analysis for an esports bar establishment?

It's clear that you won't be the only esports bar establishment in your city. There are other venues offering gaming experiences, tournaments, and a social environment for esports enthusiasts.

Make sure to include a comprehensive competitor analysis that highlights their strengths and weaknesses in your business plan.

Ensure to uncover their weaknesses (such as outdated gaming equipment, limited event offerings, or poor customer engagement).

Why is it important to address these elements? Well, these weaknesses can hinder the esports bar experience for patrons.

By focusing on these areas, you can create a vibrant and immersive gaming atmosphere, offer a diverse selection of games and consoles, and provide top-notch food and beverage options, establishing your esports bar establishment as a premier destination for gaming enthusiasts.

It's what we call competitive advantages—strengthening them helps your business excel.

Here are some examples of competitive advantages for an esports bar establishment: state-of-the-art gaming equipment and technology, immersive gaming atmosphere, variety of gaming titles and tournaments, comfortable viewing areas, delicious food and beverage options, gaming-themed events and promotions.

How to draft a SWOT analysis for a video game bar?

A SWOT analysis can help identify potential opportunities and threats and inform decisions that will maximize the chances of success for an esports bar establishment.

As you can guess, there is indeed a completed and editable SWOT matrix in our business plan for an esports bar establishment

The strengths for an esports bar establishment

The letter "S" in SWOT stands for Strengths, signifying the project's internal capabilities or resources.

For an esports bar establishment, strengths could include an experienced staff, a variety of gaming stations, a strong online presence, and a focus on customer experience.

The weaknesses for an esports bar establishment

The "W" stands for Weaknesses, referring to the project's areas or aspects that require enhancement.

For an esports bar establishment, potential weaknesses could include lack of knowledge about the esports industry, limited seating capacity, lack of experienced staff, and insufficient financial resources.

The opportunities for an esports bar establishment

The letter "O" denotes Opportunities in SWOT, signifying the potential advantages or positive external conditions for the project.

In the case of an esports bar establishment, potential opportunities could include offering a venue for tournaments, providing gaming consoles and PCs for patrons to use, creating an online store to sell merchandise, and hosting viewing parties for major esports events.

The threats for an esports bar establishment

T represents Threats in SWOT, highlighting the external risks or vulnerabilities that the project may face.

How to elaborate a marketing strategy for a video game bar?

A marketing strategy is a crucial aspect of a business plan as it maps out how a business will attract customers and drive profitability.

A strategic marketing approach will attract gaming enthusiasts to your esports bar establishment, offering them a vibrant atmosphere and exciting gaming experiences.

Customers won't stumble upon your esports bar by chance; you need to ensure its visibility both online and offline.

Have you explored marketing techniques to attract more customers to your esports bar establishment? Consider hosting esports tournaments, offering special gaming-themed promotions, and collaborating with popular gaming influencers to amplify your reach.

If you're completely clueless about marketing and communication, don't worry.

How to build a solid financial plan for a video game bar?

A successful business plan must include detailed financial information, such as income and expense projections, cash flow statements, and a break-even analysis.

When developing your business plan, you'll need to estimate the projected revenue for your esports bar establishment.

It's crucial for this revenue forecast to be clear and straightforward.

Our financial plan for an esports bar establishment is easy to use and includes built-in checks to help you identify and correct any assumptions, ensuring you create reliable projections with confidence.

It goes without saying that you should create a preliminary budget for launching your esports bar establishment. Don't overlook any expense. By the way, we've listed them all in our financial plan!

The break-even analysis is a crucial tool in your financial plan, providing insight into whether your esports bar establishment will be profitable or not.

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How to Plan a Sports Tournament

To help you with planning your next event, here are the basic steps to plan a fun and enjoyable sports tournament:.

Have an RFP for your sporting event? Fill out the form below.

Simi Valley is host to dozens of sports tournaments and events throughout the year. Organizers and athletes are drawn to our excellent facilities, convenient location, and amazing weather. To help you with planning your next event, here are the basic steps to plan a fun and enjoyable sports tournament:

1. Get Organized

The first thing to do is to create a committee and assemble volunteers. It is not an easy task to organize a sports tournament, so the more help you can get the better. Make sure the volunteers are well organized and committed to making your event a success.

2. Select Your Dates

Select the date of the tournament so that you may finalize the venue and send out invites.

3. Choose a Venue

Finalize the venue that meets your requirement. Many venues in Simi Valley also offer assistance in organizing the sports tournament like catering services, volunteer services, and other details. Enquire about the services you can receive within your budget.

4. Determine Tournament Style

Decide on the type of tournament you want. Should it include multiple sports or a single sport? How many teams will be needed?

5. Plan Supplies

Make a list of items and supplies that will be required for your tournament like score cards, posters, timing clocks, medals or awards.

6. Promote Your Tournament

Advertise and promote your event. Make sure your community or regions are aware of the tournament. Set up a website or an event page where interested individuals can register to participate. Invite teams or sports personalities, use social media, send out flyers or emails, and advertise in a local newspaper or a sports magazine. Contact sport managers and college or university coaches so that they can encourage their teams to participate.

7. Finalize Details Ahead of Time

Get the medals, awards, certificates, or souvenirs prepared well before the event.

8. Reserve Officials and Referees

Reserve the sports officials you will need in the tournament. Contact referee organizations at least a month or so before your event so that they can send enough officials to cover your event.

9. Reach Out To Participants

Finalize the teams participating in the tournament and send them the details of event including the rules and regulations of the tournament. Make sure they know the right timing and venue of the event, including the nearby accommodations so that they can book in advance if they are attending from a different region.

10. Review The Plan

Go through all the details with the venue management, organizing committee, and volunteers so that everyone understands how the tournament will proceed. Assign all tasks beforehand and ensure everyone knows their roles and what you expect from them.

Follow these steps and you will be able to hold a successful sports tournament.

Sports Venues in Simi Valley

We have the perfect venue for your sports tournament in Simi Valley!

Conejo Valley Archers

Harley’s Simi Bowl

Harley’s Valley Bowl

Simi Hills Golf Course

Sinaloa Golf Course

Sycamore Park Disc Golf Course

Wood Ranch Golf Club

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What’s It Like to Be Cinderella in March? These Schools Know.

As administrators at universities like St. Peter’s, Fairleigh Dickinson and Florida Gulf Coast can attest, upset victories bring attention, alumni donations and a lot of work.

By Santul Nerkar

When Oakland University’s 14th-seeded men’s basketball team defeated No. 3 Kentucky on Thursday night, delivering the first shocking upset of this year’s N.C.A.A. tournament, it cast a spotlight on the relatively anonymous university in Rochester, Mich.

And if history is any indication, the next few days and weeks — and perhaps longer — promise to be a lucrative time for the school.

Upset victories by double-digit seeds are not just a big deal for busted tournament brackets. They also raise the profile of the schools that pull off the shockers. Big wins routinely lead to spikes in applications, enrollment and, as the university community rallies around its team, alumni contributions. Media coverage leads to attention that is otherwise hard to come by, and the name recognition can be long lasting.

“It was a bit surrealistic,” said Eugene Cornacchia, the president of St. Peter’s, whose men’s basketball team also upset Kentucky in 2022. “It was exciting to win, but I didn’t necessarily understand the onslaught of the attention that would ramp up so quickly.”

After the victory, Cornacchia said, his phone was ablaze with text messages from friends, alumni and members of the media. His school, a Jesuit university in Jersey City, N.J., with an enrollment of around 3,000 students and an endowment of less than $40 million, had previously been to three tournaments and won zero games.

The team went on to win its next two games, before falling in a regional final to North Carolina.

The tournament run was good for business. In the eight months before the win by St. Peter’s over Kentucky, the university sold roughly $58,000 worth of merchandise, Cornacchia said. After the upset and through the end of that month, it sold more than $300,000 worth of merchandise and ran out of its supply in a matter of days. Yearly commitments from donors rose from $450,000 to more than $2 million.

In 2006, after George Mason’s improbable run to the Final Four, a professor at the university estimated that the school had received more than $600 million worth of free publicity and a 22 percent increase in applications. For public schools that make runs in the tournament, a subsequent jump in students coming from out of state boosts receipts from tuition.

In the initial hours after its win over Kentucky, St. Peter’s was caught flat-footed. Unlike their counterparts at larger schools who are usually detached from menial tasks, officials at the university found themselves personally handling ticket requests for the team’s next game, as well as season ticket orders for the next year.

Brad Hurlbut, the athletic director at Fairleigh Dickinson, whose men’s basketball team defeated top-seeded Purdue last year, described “lugging boxes and vacuuming trash” at his office in Hackensack, N.J., a far cry from the duties of his peers at larger schools.

University staff members, inside and outside athletic departments, are less plentiful than at the schools that typically dominate the N.C.A.A. tournament. So when a team scores its biggest win in program history, a skeleton crew of employees is left to handle media requests, craft new marketing campaigns and otherwise seize the moment.

David Vazquez was the director of budgets at Florida Gulf Coast when it defeated Georgetown in the 2013 tournament. The school followed up that surprise win with another in the next round, becoming the first No. 15 seed to make it to the round of 16. All the while, Vazquez said, employees in public relations and marketing were “burning the midnight oil because everyone wanted to learn about us.”

By the time the team arrived back to campus after its first two games, the school was already changed. The university’s “dunk city” moniker, a reference to the team’s athletic style of play, caught on. The next year, its applications spiked, particularly from out of state.

With an enrollment of about 16,000 students, Oakland is considerably larger than some other March darlings. But compared with Kentucky, it’s in a different stratosphere athletically. Oakland’s athletic department spent $15 million in 2022, about one-tenth of Kentucky’s expenses last year.

Cornacchia, the president of St. Peter’s, acknowledged that the school was limited by its size and reach, and that recreating the magic of 2022 was a tall order for future teams. (St. Peter’s returned to the tournament this year and lost Thursday night in a rout to Tennessee.)

For Hurlbut, the athletic director at Fairleigh Dickinson, the long hours after the win were worth the payoff: It meant a new locker room for the team, a naming rights deal for its arena and an agreement to have some of its games broadcast on the YES Network.

“This is just so much more satisfying and gratifying to me to be at a small school, and provide your university with all those great things that winning can do,” Hurlbut said. “You can sleep when it’s over.”

Santul Nerkar is a reporter covering business and sports. More about Santul Nerkar

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Game time set for Iowa basketball vs. UConn in 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament Final Four

Note to readers: This story has been edited from its original publication to correct the starting time of Friday's Iowa vs. UConn game. The Final Four game will start at approximately 8:30 p.m. CT.

Caitlin Clark and Iowa women's basketball are set for Final Four March Madness matchup on Friday against UConn.

The Hawkeyes (33-4) are a No. 1 seed and UConn (33-5) is a No. 3 seed.

Here's when and how to watch Iowa vs. UConn in the Final Four of the women's 2024 NCAA Tournament:

Chad Leistikow column: 'She was locked in' – inside the unstoppable night for Iowa and Caitlin Clark

What time does Iowa women's basketball play UConn in the 2024 NCAA Tournament?

Iowa vs. UConn will tip off at approximately 8:30 p.m. CT Friday at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

What channel will show Iowa women's basketball vs. UConn in the 2024 NCAA Tournament?

The Hawkeyes vs. Huskies Final Four matchup will be televised by ESPN.

More: Watch Iowa vs. UConn on FUBO (free trial)

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Gus Martin is a Digital Producer/Content Director for The Des Moines Register. Follow him on X at  @GusMartin_DMR .

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Duke vs. NC State odds, score prediction, time: 2024 NCAA Tournament picks, Elite Eight bets by proven model

Sportsline's model has made its march madness 2024 picks for north carolina state wolfpack vs. duke blue devils in the elite eight on sunday.

An in-state rivalry will take place in the Elite Eight on Sunday when No. 4 seed Duke (27-8) faces No. 11 seed NC State (25-14). The Wolfpack needed to win five games in five days to win the ACC Tournament and earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament field. They have capitalized on the opportunity, stringing together three wins to make the Elite Eight. Duke is seeking its 18th Final Four appearance in school history after knocking off No. 1 seed Houston in the Sweet 16.

Tipoff is set for 5:05 p.m. ET from American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Blue Devils are favored by 7 points in the latest Duke vs. NC State odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 143. Before making any NC State vs. Duke picks, be sure to see the college basketball predictions from the advanced computer model at SportsLine . 

The model simulates every Div. I college basketball game 10,000 times. It entered the Sweet 16 round of the 2024 NCAA tournament on a 152-109 roll on all top-rated  college basketball picks  dating back to last season, returning more than $1,800 for $100 players. It also has a strong 32-21 (+890) record on top-rated spread picks this season, and it called 13 Sweet 16 teams this year. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Duke vs. NC State  and just locked in its March Madness predictions. You can  visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks . Here are several college basketball odds and betting lines  and trends for NC State vs. Duke:

• Duke vs. NC State spread: Duke -7
• Duke vs. NC State over/under: 143 points
• Duke vs. NC State money line: Duke -304, NC State +244
• DUKE: The Blue Devils are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games. 
• NCST: The Wolfpack are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games. 
• Duke vs. NC State picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why Duke can cover

Duke has rarely been under the radar heading into the NCAA Tournament, but that was the case this year. The Blue Devils are 11-3 straight up and against the spread in their last 14 games, including a 54-51 win over No. 1 seed Houston as 4.5-point underdogs on Friday. Sophomore center Kyle Filipowski had 16 points and nine rebounds against the Cougars, and Duke never trailed in the second half.

The Blue Devils crushed the Wolfpack in the lone regular-season meeting, as senior guard Jeremy Roach scored 21 points to lead his team to a 79-64 road win. They were caught off guard by NC State in the ACC Tournament, but they will be fully focused on Sunday's showdown. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack are getting set for their ninth game in the past 20 days, so fatigue could be an issue for them down the stretch.  See which team to back at SportsLine .

Why NC State can cover

NC State is on a remarkable postseason run, rattling off eight consecutive wins since the beginning of the ACC Tournament. The Wolfpack were underdogs in six of those games, including their 74-69 win over Duke as 11-point underdogs in the ACC Tournament semifinals. Their latest win came against No. 2 seed Marquette in the Sweet 16, as senior guard DJ Horne scored 19 points and grabbed five rebounds.

Senior forward DJ Burns Jr . was held to just four points, but he had seven assists and four rebounds to make his presence felt. He scored in double figures in the first seven games of the winning streak, posting a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double against Oakland in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The Wolfpack have covered the spread in nine of their last 13 games against the Blue Devils.  See which team to back at SportsLine . 

How to make Duke vs. NC State picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 149 points. The model also says one side of the spread is the better value. You can only see the picks at SportsLine . 

So who wins NC State vs. Duke, and which side of the spread is the better value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Duke vs. NC State spread you need to jump on, all from the model on a 152-109 roll on its top-rated college basketball picks , and find out.

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College Sports

Subscriber only, college sports | men’s ncaa tournament winners and losers: the west fails, uconn sizzles, edey shines and n.c. state surprises, the western half of the country was eliminated early.

It wasn’t just the teams from the West Coast. Or from the Pacific Time Zone. Or from west of the Rockies.

Nope, the entire western half of the country was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament before the Elite Eight even began — a complete and utter wipeout, the likes of which we have never seen.

As announced on Selection Sunday, the field featured 30 teams from campuses west of the Mississippi River, from Iowa State to Arizona and Grambling to Oregon.

But by the close of the Sweet 16, they were gone. Every last one of them.

It’s the first time in tournament history that no teams west of the Mississippi reached the Elite Eight, according to Stats Perform .

Some were blown out, like Utah State and San Diego State.

Some were a basket or two short, like Texas and Colorado.

And some were eliminated by each other, as when Iowa State bounced Washington State and Creighton sent Oregon packing.

No single factor explains the wipeout, but weakness at the blue-blood level stands atop the list. UCLA and Kansas have combined for 45 appearances in the Elite Eight, but the Bruins didn’t qualify for the NCAAs, and the Jayhawks were bounced in the second round.

Even the light blues were unable to muster lengthy runs: Arizona, the No. 2 seed in the West, bowed out in typical fashion — against a lower seed — while No. 5 Gonzaga lost to top-seeded Purdue.

No. 2 Iowa State lost to No. 3 Illinois in the East, and No. 3 Creighton lost to No. 2 Tennessee in the West.

Injuries also played a role. Houston lost point guard Jamal Shead, its heart and soul and the best guard in the country, to an ankle injury in the first half of what became a close loss to Duke.

Luck was involved, as well. San Diego State, which reached the championship game last year, ran into Connecticut in the Sweet 16. Had they been placed in any other region, the Aztecs might have moved on.

For the schools west of the Rockies, in particular, the collective performance was merely the continuation of an extreme drought. The region hasn’t claimed a national championship since Arizona back in 1997.

Other winners and losers from the second week of the tournament …

Winner: Fresh faces. The Final Four in Glendale, Ariz., will feature the defending champion, Connecticut, and some unfamiliar participants. Purdue reached the big stage for the first time since 1980; N.C. State is appearing for the first time since its miraculous title run in 1983; and Alabama is in the semifinals for the first time. Ever.

Loser: Mountain West. The conference sent six teams to the tournament but failed to perform at an adequate level once again. No league flops as consistently in March as the MW, and even the exception, San Diego State, was sent home with a 30-point loss to UConn. Add the 39-point humiliation handed to Utah State by Purdue and four other early exits, and the collective showing was an embarrassment.

Winner: ACC. Maligned for much of the season and the recipient of just five NCAA bids, the conference sent four teams into the Sweet 16, three into the Elite Eight and one, N.C. State, to the Final Four. Its total record of 12-4 is the best of any conference, and it’s not close. Put another way: The ACC has been so good, we almost forgot Virginia scored 42 points in the First Four.

Loser: Big 12. The conference staked claim to being the best league in the land for five months, sent eight teams into the NCAAs — and then fell on its face, unable to even produce an Elite Eight participant. The disappointing March showing will loom over the Big 12 during the 2024-25 regular season.

Winner: The Hurley family. Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley, one of the greatest point guards in NCAA history, won back-to-back national titles as a player with Duke in 1991 and 1992. Now, his younger brother, Danny, is two wins from back-to-back titles as Connecticut’s coach.

Loser: The Pac-12. After a sizzling start that featured all four teams advancing to the second round, the conference collapsed. Arizona’s loss to Clemson in the Sweet 16 left the Pac-12 without an Elite Eight participant for the third consecutive season and the fourth time in the past five tournaments. The stellar showing in 2021 was, it seems, the outlier of outliers.

Winner: N.C. State. Three weeks ago, the floundering Wolfpack was on the outside of the NCAAs — not even a bubble team, in fact. Then coach Kevin Keatts and Co. won five games in five days for the ACC tournament title just to qualify for March Madness. Now, the Pack is headed to the Final Four after taking down Duke. And even better: NCSU’s women’s team also qualified for the Final Four.

Loser: North Carolina. The Tar Heels experienced the ultimate horror show in the Sweet 16, losing as the No. 1 seed (to No. 4 Alabama) as their two biggest rivals, Duke and N.C. State, advanced to the Elite Eight.

Winner: Big men. From Purdue’s 7-foot-4 Zach Edey to UConn’s 7-2 Donovan Clingan to Oregon’s 6-11 N’Faly Dante and even N.C. State’s DJ Burns — he looks to be on the high side of 300 pounds — the centers have flexed their muscle and delivered the goods.

Loser: Blue bloods (both light and bright). UCLA didn’t qualify. Neither did Syracuse, Indiana or Louisville. Michigan State, Kansas and Kentucky departed early. Arizona and North Carolina went home midway through, and Duke exited in the Elite Eight. All in all, a poor showing from many of the proudest names in the game.

Winner: Zach Edey. Purdue’s big man averaged 30 points and 16.3 rebounds in four games in the Midwest regional — a run of dominance reminiscent of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton during UCLA’s dynasty days.

Loser: Duke. How many blue-chip recruits does it take to lose by double digits to an 11 seed that relies heavily on transfers and second-tier prospects? Too many.

Winner: TV ratings. Despite the poor showings from marquee basketball schools, the tournament was a hit in homes across the country. Ratings are up year-over-year, although the Final Four will weigh heavily. If UConn wins twice in blowout fashion, viewership could suffer.

Losers: Cinderella. Only one double-digit seed advanced to the Sweet 16, and it was the ACC tournament champ: N.C. State. The 2023 Final Four included two teams from outside the Power Six conferences (San Diego State and FAU). The 2024 Final Four will feature teams from the ACC, Big East, Big Ten and SEC.

Winner: Alabama. The Crimson Tide beat No. 1 North Carolina and No. 6 Clemson to advance to the Final Four and become the rare school to participate in the national semifinals in football and men’s basketball in the same year. Let’s hope the semifinal against UConn is as riveting as the Tide’s loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

Loser: Auburn. Because Alabama. (Also, because Auburn lost to Yale in the first round.)

Winners: No. 1s that lose to 16s. Virginia (2018) and Purdue (2023) are the only top seeds in history to lose first-round games. The Cavaliers bounced back to win the national title the following year, and the Boilermakers are two wins away from doing the same. In other words, No. 1s that lose to 16s are 10-0 (and counting) in tournament play the following year.

*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to [email protected] or call 408-920-5716

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*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.

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Couple plan wedding for exact time of total solar eclipse

HOULTON, Maine (WABI/Gray News) - A Maine couple are turning two once-in-a-lifetime events into one giant celebration: their wedding and the total solar eclipse.

Chris Selmek says he was on a cross-country road trip when he realized he belonged in Maine with Stephanie Sennett.

“I proposed to Stephanie on the front porch before I even got into the house. It was the first thing I did when I got here,” Selmek told WABI .

For their wedding, Sennett had a stellar idea: the ceremony would be on April 8, the date of the total solar eclipse.

“I just thought, ‘Oh, that would be such a cool day to get married,’” she said.

At first, Selmek was a little wary, but then, he thought about the once-in-a-lifetime experience and was hooked.

“It just felt like the biggest party in the world. How could you celebrate your wedding in a bigger way than that?” he said.

So, the couple got right to planning, embracing the eclipse theme. Their wedding dress code requires eclipse glasses, and each guest received a pair with their invitation.

“Our colors are navy blue and gold,” Sennett said.

During the ceremony, Sennett will walk down the aisle at the moment of totality when the sun is completely obscured by the moon.

With thousands expected to visit Maine for the eclipse, timing is key.

“I keep thinking about, what if there’s so much traffic, I can’t get there in the time that we want to start the ceremony?” Sennett said.

But she and Selmek agree that the most important part of the day is starting their lives together.

“I came up here, not knowing what I would find, and I found the sweetest girl in the world,” Selmek said.

The couple say they plan to get married April 8, no matter what the weather is like.

Copyright 2024 WABI via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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ALBANY, N.Y. — Was there ever any doubt?

Caitlin Clark certainly didn’t act like it as she got to the rim at will and handed out assists like candy on Halloween. Angel Reese didn’t act like it as she recorded her 26th double-double of the season and proclaimed: “The best team won tonight. Also the best individuals on the team won as well.”

The most anticipated matchup of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament is officially set after both Iowa and LSU took care of business Saturday, setting up a rematch of last year’s national championship game in the Albany Region 2 final. Iowa was never in danger during a 89-68 landslide over Colorado at MVP Arena, which came after LSU weathered a second-half rally by UCLA to earn a 78-69 victory. The teams will tip off at 7 p.m. Monday.

“We’re excited,” Clark said. “Anytime you have a chance to go up against somebody you lost to, it brings a little more energy. … I think overall it’s just going to be a really great game for women’s basketball.”

Now the two most recognizable faces in college basketball — Clark and Reese — will meet one last time as amateurs with a trip to the Final Four on the line. They have been here before, when even more was at stake and last year’s victor walked away with a ring. That would be Reese — who pointed to her ring finger in the waning moments of the title game — and the Tigers. The final score read LSU 102, Iowa 85.

“We have a purpose, and our purpose is to get to the championship,” Reese said. “We’re the good villains. Everybody wants to beat LSU. Everybody wants to be LSU. Everybody wants to play against LSU.

“You’ve got to realize, like, we’re not any regular basketball team. Like Coach [ Kim Mulkey ] talks about it all the time, she calls us the Beatles. … We’re impacting the game so much, and all of us are super competitive and want to win and do whatever it takes to win. We’re just changing the game.”

Meanwhile, Clark has at most three games left in the most prolific collegiate career in the game’s history . The NCAA’s Division I all-time leading scorer for men and women finished with 29 points, 15 assists and six rebounds against Colorado. She also surpassed Courtney Vandersloot’s 1,118 assists to move into third on the all-time list. The four-time all-American probably will be named Associated Press player of the year for the second consecutive season and has accomplished just about everything possible on the college basketball court. The only thing missing is a national championship.

“This is where I’m supposed to be,” Clark said. “I have 13 amazing teammates that have my back. These are the moments you’ve worked so hard for. This is what you’ve put the time in for in the gym all by yourself and with your teammates. I guess it’s just kind of like go let your work shine, go have fun, go have a blast, and win or lose, there’s a lot to hold your head high about.”

Iowa fans, who have taken over arenas all over the country , did so again Saturday and started streaming down the aisles to closer seats before the LSU-UCLA game had even finished. An audible inhale of anticipation can be heard when Clark crosses half-court and pulls up from the logo. There’s an audible sound of shock when it doesn’t go in, as if every one of her attempts is expected to rip the twine. The consternation among the group was minimal Saturday because the game was never in doubt. The Hawkeyes had a muted celebration at center court afterward, and Clark and Co. waved to all the black and gold that blanketed the stands, but they expected to be in this position.

All five Iowa starters scored in double figures, and the Buffaloes led for all of 14 seconds. Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder was thrilled with her squad’s complete performance, but she also knew people outside the program were more focused on the possible duel with the Tigers.

Iowa will enter Monday’s game as the top scoring team in the country (92.0 points per game), with LSU second (86.1). Reese is expected to be a first-round WNBA draft pick whenever she decides to leave school, and sophomore Flau’Jae Johnson has developed into one of the most dangerous two-way guards in the country. Clark will be the No. 1 pick in a couple of weeks, and sophomore Hannah Stuelke has grown into a needed sidekick in the post.

The meeting may not have been inevitable, but it was certainly expected.

“I think everybody is pretty excited for it,” Bluder said. “Twelve million people tuned in last year to see this game. Might be the same this time. Who knows. I know that these are two really good basketball teams, and it’s almost unfortunate they’re meeting this early.”

March Madness

The NCAA tournament is underway. Get caught up with our March Madness cheat sheet .

The brackets: Defending national champion U-Conn. returns as the top overall seed in the men’s bracket . In the women’s tournament , undefeated South Carolina leads the way. Read our picks for the best bets to win the tournament .

Analysis from our team: Heading into the tournament’s second weekend, U-Conn. looks every bit the powerhouse we expected . North Carolina continued its tournament dominance over Michigan State , and Gonzaga, written off by many, is back in the Sweet 16 for the ninth time in a row . Get all of the latest tournament updates in our March Madness hub .