3 Ways to Stop Leaving Money on the Table with Fan Experiences

In today’s Instagram-driven world, fans expect more than just the game or show when they buy a ticket. They’re looking for special moments, shareable experiences, and those all-important photo opportunities. For teams, venues, and events, this presents a golden opportunity: By embracing these demands and rethinking their approach to fan experiences, organizations can unlock new revenue streams and build lasting fan loyalty.

Here are three proven ways to capitalize on fan experiences and ensure you’re not leaving money on the table:

1. Sell the Experiences

Too often, unique fan experiences are offered as added perks to group buyers, season ticket members, and sponsors without a clear revenue strategy. While these gestures build goodwill, they also represent a missed opportunity to directly monetize premium offerings.

Imagine charging for experiences like pre-game locker room tours, on-field access, or sideline warm-up viewing. By putting a price tag on these exclusive moments and marketing them effectively, organizations can gauge fan interest and test willingness to pay. This data-driven approach not only identifies the most in-demand experiences but also highlights areas where scaling up could drive significant revenue growth. Remember: If fans see the value, they’ll pay for the access.

2. Widen the Audience

Fan experiences often remain the domain of sponsors, corporate groups, or season ticket holders—a strategy that, while beneficial for cultivating loyalty, overlooks a vast pool of potential buyers. What about the single-game ticket holders who are just as eager to create unforgettable memories?

Expanding the availability of premium experiences to single-game attendees can open a whole new revenue stream. These fans may not commit to season tickets but are willing to splurge on a unique opportunity, whether it’s stepping onto the field, taking a behind-the-scenes tour, or enjoying an exclusive meet-and-greet. By broadening access, you not only drive incremental revenue but also deepen engagement with fans who may become more loyal over time.

3. Expand and Innovate with New Experiences

Many venues and arenas already have unique features—luxury suites, press boxes, or historical artifacts—that could be converted into memorable fan experiences. However, these opportunities are often underutilized, or limited to small, exclusive groups. Asking key questions like “Are we at max capacity for popular experiences?” or “What unique aspects of our venue could become sellable experiences?” can uncover untapped revenue potential.

For example, consider scaling up existing offerings like warm-up viewing, or introducing new options such as behind-the-scenes media area tours, interactive fan zones, or even virtual reality experiences. Every venue has something unique to showcase—the trick lies in making it accessible to more fans while maintaining an exclusive feel.

A Winning Strategy: Fan Engagement Meets Revenue Growth

By selling premium experiences, widening their availability, and continuously exploring new ideas, teams and venues can maximize the revenue potential of fan engagement. This not only adds a valuable revenue stream but also strengthens fan loyalty by making their time at the event truly unforgettable.

The future of fan engagement lies in viewing experiences not as a bonus, but as a core part of the business. By investing in this strategy, you’re not just capturing revenue—you’re building a foundation of devoted fans who will return time and again, eager for the next special moment. Don’t just play the game—win it with fan experiences that knock it out of the park!