WS Chronicle

Bobcats Sports have launched the “Back The Buzz” marketing campaign to get fans excited about the team’s pending name change.

The Bobcats organization has applied to the NBA Board of Governors to change its name to the Hornets beginning with the 2014-15 season. The Hornets was Charlotte’s NBA team in the 1990s, before relocating to New Orleans.

“(The) announcement has been received with great enthusiasm, and we want to keep the momentum going,” COO Fred Whitfield said.  “We hope all fans of Charlotte basketball will continue to show their support as we begin this process of returning The Buzz to its home in the Carolinas.”

The campaign, which is being produced internally by the organization’s marketing and creative group, kicked off with digital billboards around Charlotte, along with online advertising on local news, television and radio web sites.  On Sunday, the team took out a two-page ad in the A section of the Charlotte Observer that included a full-page letter from Bobcats Chairman Michael Jordan.  Additional activations in the coming weeks will include television and radio advertisements, billboard trucks and direct mail.

The campaign also promotes a two-year ticket plan that includes both the 2013-14 season and the 2014-15 season, when the Hornets nickname would return to Charlotte. For a limited time, fans who sign up will receive a limited edition Jordan Brand “Buzz City” warm-up jacket and an exclusive invitation to a VIP event with Charlotte basketball greats.
Season tickets start at only $8 per seat and are available now by calling 704-688-8000 or visiting BackBuzzCity.com.