Bulldogs membership has passed 5000 for the very first time, giving the club a major boost in the lead up to the 2009 Telstra Premiership season.
The record membership levels come on the back of competitive pricing, some innovative membership strategies and a new way of doing business for the Bulldogs.
Chief Executive Mr Todd Greenberg says the significant increase in membership also highlights the importance of sport to people’s lives, particularly in a challenging economic climate.
“This is no small achievement. Despite coming out of some tough times for the club we’ve managed to increase our membership numbers by 22% to take them to record levels. It’s a great way to start the season,” Mr Greenberg said.
“Research shows that we actually have one of the largest fan bases in the country. Converting that support into membership has always been the challenge."
“The progress we are making indicates that people are responding to some of the positive changes being made at the Club."
“I think people are excited by the calibre of players we’ve recruited and they can see the potential this team has."
“We are also seeing a gradual shift in mentality that sees people want to invest in the future of their club by becoming a member."
"Our research showed that price was the biggest barrier to people becoming members. We listened. We now have the most competitive membership pricing in the game."
Packages that have been particularly popular include the General Admission Membership, which at $95 for Adults and $215 for Families is the most affordable in the NRL. The new Interstate Package has been extremely well received with Queensland members signing up in droves.
Todd Lazare, a 24 year-old from Glenmore, signed up as the 5000th member and the Bulldogs will mark the milestone by presenting him with a signed jersey at the Bulldogs round one game against Manly.
A lifelong Bulldogs supporter Todd became a member for the first time this year and will take his 13 month old daughter along to the games.
“I’ve just been really impressed with the squad and the players they’ve signed, I think we’ve got a great year ahead of us,” Mr Lazare said.
“I heard Kevin Moore on the radio talking up memberships and was excited with the changes at the club and thought it was time to get on board and support the club financially.
“The packages on offer this season are great value for money which means that with a young family, I am still able to afford a Membership even in these tough economic times.”
Mr Greenberg says the membership recruitment campaign is not about to slow down for the Bulldogs
“This is a great result for us but we do have much loftier goals. It’s a long road ahead, but one day we’d like to be rivalling AFL Clubs with their memberships of 50,000.”
For further information on Bulldogs Membership packages please see: www.bulldogs.com.au
