Colin Blackwell

Tag: sports

  • Spurring on the Next Generation

    Spurring on the Next Generation

    By Colin Blackwell and his AI Assistants

    The San Antonio Spurs have long been respected for their consistent on-court excellence, but this season they struggled, missing the playoffs mostly due to their young, developing core and the injury to their star Frenchman Victor Wembanyama. Their true legacy, however, may lie in how they uplift the next generation off the court. With a deep commitment to community, the Spurs have created a wide-ranging youth engagement strategy that doesn’t just teach basketball, but builds character, connection and confidence in tomorrow’s leaders.

    At the center of these efforts is the Spurs Sports Academy, a year-round initiative that blends skill development with life lessons. Through basketball camps and clinics, the Academy provides structured programs for young athletes across Central Texas. It’s more than just layups and drills.The Academy fosters teamwork, leadership, and respect, values that mirror the Spurs’ franchise culture. Their 2025 summer camps spans 16 sessions across San Antonio and Austin, reaching hundreds of kids and offering opportunities many wouldn’t otherwise have access to. By integrating sports education with mentorship, the Academy turns moments on the court into memories and life skills that last.

    Image from: https://www.spurssportsacademy.com/camps

    The Spurs’ community work extends well beyond the gym. Through Spurs Give, the team’s nonprofit arm, the organization has invested millions in building safe, inclusive spaces for recreation. One standout project is their Futsal Court Initiative, which recently brought a vibrant new futsal court to Bonnie Conner Park. Built in partnership with San Antonio Parks & Recreation, the court reflects a broader commitment to the Play SA campaign, a mission to revitalize parks and athletic spaces around the city. These courts aren’t just a place to play; they’re a place where young people can grow, connect, and feel like they belong to something bigger.

    Image from: https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/spurs-give-nonprofit-unveil-new-futsal-court-20295942.php

    Another creative way the Spurs reach young fans is through cultural celebration and inclusion. Events like Heritage Nights and Pride Night help young people see themselves reflected in the team’s values. By acknowledging and celebrating the identities of their fans, the Spurs create a welcoming environment that lets young supporters feel seen and supported.

    Even their use of technology plays a role. The organization’s forward-thinking adoption of AI and augmented reality experiences, especially during initiatives like Spurs Week in Austin, where videos were created through AI to address fans by name. This introduction of new technology helps them meet the next generation where they are: digitally connected, socially aware and eager for meaningful experiences.

    Image from: https://www.kens5.com/article/sports/nba/spurs/spurs-enhance-fan-experience-spurs-week-with-ai-augmented-reality-nba-san-antonio/273-91298c2c-8959-472a-bb70-7777cc9d887c

    Through every camp, court and community program, the Spurs are making one thing clear: they’re not just building fans; they’re building futures. In empowering youth, creating access to play, and celebrating diversity, the Spurs continue to earn their place as one of the NBA’s most community-rooted franchises. They know the best way to win the future is to invest in it.

  • How to Keep Fans Coming Back: An Interview With Jon Jensen

    How to Keep Fans Coming Back: An Interview With Jon Jensen

    By Colin Blackwell and his AI Assistants

    When it comes to building relationships between sports franchises and fans, Jon Jensen knows the importance of making every moment count. Currently the Director of Ticket Sales and Service for the Rip City Remix, the G League affiliate of the Portland Trail Blazers, Jon brings years of experience in both collegiate and professional sports. His background includes roles at Portland State University and the Boise Hawks Professional Baseball Club, where he led ticketing and fan engagement initiatives that put people, not just profits, at the center of strategy. Connect with Jon on LinkedIn here.

    I had the opportunity to speak with Jon about what it really takes to make fans feel valued. His insight reflects a key truth: a great experience can’t be faked. It has to be curated with care.

    “We’re not just selling a ticket, we’re selling an experience.”

    Jon emphasized that building strong relationships with fans starts with ensuring they enjoy the product, and that means more than just what’s on the court. “It’s about making sure they’re having a good experience,” he said. Whether it’s their first game or their fiftieth, whether the team hasn’t won or is undefeated, fans should feel like they’re part of something special.

    From a business perspective, success in his role is often measured by revenue, but Jon says it’s not always that simple. “There’s definitely a strategic component to attendance,” he explained. “We’d rather have 1000 people in the building at a lower price than 100 people at high prices.” Packed crowds bring energy, and energy builds loyalty.

    Jon’s prior work at Portland State University offers a different lens. In college sports, traditions and generational loyalty often drive sales. Many fans are alumni or lifelong supporters. Still, even there, revenue is increasingly prioritized. “In the last 20 years, more focus has been on revenue because that’s the way the sports business world has gone,” Jon noted. “But it’s still important to get students in the building because the students set the tone for the fan experience at that level.”

    So, what’s the best part of the job? For Jon, it’s seeing the results in real time. “We sold them on having a great time, and then we get to see them have that great time.” Whether he’s walking the concourse or reconnecting with season ticket holders, those moments of connection are what keep him coming back.

    Final Takeaways

    Jon’s perspective offers a valuable reminder. Great fan experiences are intentional. Revenue is crucial, but so is creating a space where fans want to show up. For college sports especially, don’t underestimate the impact of student engagement. It sets the tone for the entire arena.

    And above all, listen to your fans. Feedback and criticism are tools for growth, not obstacles. Creating joy in the stands starts with understanding what fans want, and ends with the people behind the scenes, like Jon, making it happen.

    If you’re in the Portland area, the Rip City Remix would love to see you at a game. And if you’re curious about Jon’s path or want advice on breaking into sports, feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn. He’s always happy to share.

  • Access Granted: How the Nets are Opening the Game to Everyone

    Access Granted: How the Nets are Opening the Game to Everyone

    By Colin Blackwell and his AI Assistants

    Few teams spread the love of basketball quite like the Brooklyn Nets, who are turning passion for the game into a powerful tool for inclusion, education and community connection. Their efforts go far beyond highlight reels and game-day promotions, they’re actively reshaping how fans of all backgrounds and abilities engage with the game. At the heart of their mission is a commitment to accessibility, skill development and fan inclusion, both online and at the Barclays Center.

    One of the most dynamic examples of this is their Brooklyn Basketball program, run in partnership with the New York Liberty. These co-branded youth camps and clinics offer basketball training for kids ages 6–14, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, communication and confidence. Events like the Game Day Clinics give young athletes the opportunity to train with coaches, then take to the court at Barclays Center before attending a live Nets game. But the Nets’ commitment doesn’t stop when the lights go down in the arena. On the Brooklyn Basketball website, fans and aspiring players of all ages can access free skill training videos. These digital resources allow anyone, regardless of income or location, to practice fundamental drills and improve their game at home.

    Image from: https://www.brooklyn-basketball.com/

    Even more groundbreaking is the team’s recent partnership with Ticketmaster and OneCourt to enhance accessibility for fans with visual impairments. The Brooklyn Nets are the first professional sports team on the East Coast to offer tactile broadcasts at every home game. This revolutionary system uses a tablet-like device that translates live game data into touchable movement patterns across the screen, allowing blind and low-vision fans to physically “track” the action. An earpiece supplements the experience with real-time commentary and score updates. The result is a multisensory, immersive broadcast that transforms the way visually impaired individuals can experience basketball.

    Image From: https://www.nba.com/nets/news/brooklyn-nets-in-partnership-with-ticketmaster-and-onecourt-become-first-east-coast-professional-sports-team-to-provide-tactile-broadcast-at-all-home-games

    This program was successfully piloted in spring 2025, when the Nets hosted guests from VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired to try the technology during a live game. The overwhelmingly positive feedback led to a full rollout at Barclays Center, where tactile broadcast devices are now available to fans at no cost.

    “So many blind and low vision sports fans choose to not attend live games because they feel that they are missing out on the live visual experience that is happening…As a blind basketball fan myself, I found OneCourt to be a ‘game changer’ in how I experience a live game. Kudos to the Nets for incorporating this technology and giving blind and low vision basketball fans a fully immersive experience.”

    Mike Cush, Chief Program Officer at VISIONS

    And this isn’t even the Nets’ first venture into accessibility, as the Barclays Center is a KultureCity Sensory Certified Venue and was the first sports arena to open a designated sensory room for fans who may need a quieter, more secure environment during events. 

    Between all these innovations and initiatives, it’s clear that the Brooklyn Nets are serious about more than just winning, they’re building a culture that welcomes and empowers everyone. Whether you’re learning your first crossover or experiencing the game through touch, the Nets are ensuring that the love of basketball is truly for all.

  • Notes of Hope: How the Utah Jazz Are Playing for a Cause

    Notes of Hope: How the Utah Jazz Are Playing for a Cause

    By Colin Blackwell and his AI assistants

    The Utah Jazz are known for making noise on the court, but their impact doesn’t stop there. This season, the franchise is turning rebounds into real-world change through a CSR initiative called Rebounds for Hope, a campaign that blends performance stats with philanthropic purpose. In this post, I’ll break down how it works, evaluate their communication strategy and explore how it reflects Jazz’s evolving brand identity.

    What Is Rebounds for Hope?

    Rebounds for Hope is simple in structure but powerful in potential: $5 is donated for every rebound the Utah Jazz collect during the regular season. They partnered with Mountainland Supply, a Utah-based wholesale supply and piping company, to support children in need.

    With the season wrapping up, the Jazz raised $18,620 on their 3,724 rebounds. According to their official campaign page on givinghope.org, the goal is to “help children receive critical care and resources during times of need.” That direct quote underscores the campaign’s intention to create a measurable and tangible impact.

    How Is the Campaign Communicated?

    The Jazz have primarily focused on social media to promote the program. Posts on Instagram feature in-game highlights alongside donation updates. One example on their Facebook reads:

    “Racking up rebounds for a good cause. With every rebound we pull down this year, Mountainland Supply is donating $5 to provide critical and resources to children in need. 2,837 boards = $14,185 and counting. #TakeNote”
    (from @UtahJazz official Facebook page, March 2025)

    Through their NBA website, you can find evidence of this campaign, but with limited detail. You can click on a link to learn more, which is a painfully unlinked website name. If one were to type in the website to get to the extra information, they would find a page with minimal narrative depth, telling the information they had already read on the NBA page. This is an area with primed for improvement.

    Evaluation

    Strengths:

    • Clear, measurable CSR model tied directly to team performance
    • Visually engaging social posts that translate stats into action
    • Strong alignment with Jazz values: community focus, teamwork and social impact, the latter being an important focus of the new ownership team

    Areas for Improvement:

    • Minimal media coverage and storytelling elements
      • Could add featured interviews, child beneficiaries, or behind-the-scenes access
    • The campaign website lacks depth and interactive content
    • Missed opportunity to spotlight the families impacted

    Highlighting real stories, from children who’ve benefited to player reflections, could deepen emotional resonance and enhance transparency.

    Brand Alignment

    This initiative fits squarely within the Jazz’s larger identity as a community-first franchise. It reinforces their commitment to Utah’s cultural emphasis on collective well-being and positions them as more than just a basketball team, they’re a team for the people.

    Conclusion

    Rebounds for Hope stands out as a meaningful example of sports CSR done right. While the campaign has room to grow, particularly in storytelling and digital engagement, it’s a reminder that brand loyalty today is built not just on wins, but on purposeful impact. For the Utah Jazz, every board counts, on and off the court.