{"id":490,"date":"2013-04-02T09:39:33","date_gmt":"2013-04-02T09:39:33","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2020-10-06T08:27:18","modified_gmt":"2020-10-06T13:27:18","slug":"sports-fantasy-camps-offering-fans-a-more-immersive-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/article\/sports-fantasy-camps-offering-fans-a-more-immersive-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Sports Fantasy Camps: Offering Fans a More Immersive Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"
Mark Mitchell, Dustin Thorn, and Donald Rockey<\/div>\n

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ABSTRACT<\/strong>
\nToday\u2019s sport organizations have multiple ways of connecting with their fans, including social media, fantasy leagues, facility tours, and others.\u00a0 Many are developing Sports Fantasy Camps to allow fans an opportunity to fulfill their sports dreams.\u00a0 Here, for example, a Duke University basketball fan experiences a behind-the-scenes look at the basketball program including the opportunity to play actual games in Cameron Indoor Stadium.\u00a0 Fans benefit from the social interaction, networking and dream fulfillment of such experiences. Conversely, sport organizations are able to create a tighter bond with both fans and supporters while generating additional revenues by providing such immersive experiences.\u00a0\u00a0 The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of Sports Fantasy Camps as a form of Sports Experience Tourism.\u00a0\u00a0 Current practices among camp providers are discussed, the benefits for both participants and provides are offered, and the opportunities for growth (such as new markets served, new programs, and new formats) as provided as are the relevant NCAA limitations to ensure collegiate programs offering such fan experiences remain in compliance with NCAA regulations.<\/p>\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

In June 2012, Americans celebrated Father\u2019s Day.\u00a0 In addition to the usual Father\u2019s Day gifts (such as clothing, tools, or children\u2019s art work), dads were treated to more experience-driven gifts.\u00a0\u00a0 The National Retail Federation\u2019s annual Father\u2019s Day Survey found that 44% of consumers had planned a special outing for Dad, including special dinners, a ball game, or possibly a sports fantasy camp (13).\u00a0 Consistent with this trend, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers) offered their fourth annual Father\u2019s Day Baseball Fantasy Camp for Dads.\u00a0 Here is how it was described in a press release for the event (22):<\/p>\n

MYRTLE BEACH, SC – Are you a dad? Have you ever wanted to feel the heat of a fastball and euphoria of a homerun? This Father’s Day is your chance! The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are hosting a Father’s Day Fantasy Camp on June 17th at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Fantasy Camp will give all fathers the chance to play a round robin tournament on the same field as the Pelicans.
\nParticipants will be divided into teams, coached by Pelicans players, and will play against each other at 9AM on Father’s Day. Registration begins at 8:15. <\/em><\/strong>
\nParticipants will receive an official Pelicans New Era hat, official Pelicans batting practice pullover, an opportunity to hit in the batting cages at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark, four field box tickets for that night’s game against Potomac at 6:05pm. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The clinic also includes free lunch for all participants. The Father’s Day Fantasy Camp is just $125 per person.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

In September 2012, University of Kentucky (UK) men\u2019s basketball coach John Calipari will host his first \u201cJohn Calipari Basketball Experience\u201d at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY (25).\u00a0 Participants will pay $7,500 for a 4-day immersion with the defending men\u2019s NCAA National Champion UK basketball program.\u00a0 Participants will receive the following benefits:<\/p>\n