Facebook and MCG check-ins, what's the real goal?

[ignition. 1,426]

G'day again all,

To all who attended the QB match, how many of you noticed the advertisement to "checked in" to the MCG via Facebook as they strive to make it "the most checked in stadium in the world"?

I for one didn't do it, as I asked what is their true goal? and what happens if they achieve this?

I can only presume it will help make an excuse to maintain or again further increase ticketing and vendor pricing.

Maybe it's just the devils advocate within me, but surely there must be more to it than being able to say "Hey.... we have the most checked in stadium in the world.... isn't that just swell!"

So please, tell me your thoughts and if you noticed it or checked in.

Cheers!

Edited June 10, 2014 by ignition.

[Machsy 2,858]

Poll is missing an option.

Attended the game but I simply didn't notice the advertisement to check in at the G.

[ignition. 1,426]

Poll is missing an option.

Attended the game but I simply didn't notice the advertisement to check in at the G.

Thanks Machsy, the poll has been updated.

[Gorgoroth 12,431]

I spoke about this with the people around me at the game and all thought it was weird, as I said I can't get internet running well enough to even log in of I wanted to.

[autocol 448]

Melbourne prides itself on being the sporting capital of Australia, if not the southern hemisphere. We can justifiably make claims to that position by hosting the F1, the tennis, the Ashes, the grand final, etc.

Being able to say that the centrepiece of Melbourne sport - the MCG - is the most checked-in stadium in the world, would be an enormous boon to the people marketing Melbourne to international visitors. Just as Fenway Park and Wrigley Field legitimately help draw people to their respective cities, so too should the MCG attract sporting enthusiasts to Melbourne. With the title of "most checked-in stadium in the world" genuinely within reach, they'd be crazy not to try.

[Demonland 66,838]

I spoke about this with the people around me at the game and all thought it was weird, as I said I can't get internet running well enough to even log in of I wanted to.

I've noticed this too the last few games at the G.

I'm on 4G Telstra but when I am at the MCG I can barely get on the internet. I think they need a few extra cell towers in the area to cope with the load.

[Supermercado 2,660]

Presumably the end goal is that all your friends see you've been to the MCG and it promotes the stadium. What that actually achieves I'm not sure but it will tick off somebody's KPIs so good luck to them.

[Gipsy Danger 1,067]

It is used primarily for market research and targeted advitising

[Flying Cloud 152]

Need a "Yes - First time I have checked in" option.

[pantaloons 2,019]

I am aiming to be the last person left in Australia without internet access on their phone. On the plus side, it prevents me from being sacked after letting fly with a torrent of in-game vitriol on Facebook and Twitter.

[ox_5 163]

Just one point I would like to make is that the MCG/MCC don't set ticket prices, that comes from the AFL.

The reason was well answered by Supermercado, and why is a good point. But it's all about promotion of the stadium and in the end targeted advertising.

[praha 10,552]

Lol love the conspiracy theories here!

It's just brand management and it appears to have nothing to do with the AFL. They have played the ad at the cricket as well. The MCG should be recognised worldwide and an exercise like this just helps that cause. Some of you are overthinking this.

[monoccular 16,595]

For a troglodyte like me, what the hell does this mean?

[poita 3,735]

A pity the MCG don't put as much effort into keeping riff raff out of the MFC reserved seating areas as they do on gimmicks such as this.

The bloke at the top of M15 spent about 20 seconds scrutinising my ticket before letting me in, whilst the Collingwood supporters sitting behind me just wandered up from the lower concourse without encountering any staff on several occasions.