Sports Business Journal

August 9th, 2004

Moving back to the high-tech arena, Ballena Technologies (www.seats3d.com) gives team and venue owners a truly unique fan experience with its Seats3D application. Fans can simply connect to the Web and get an amazing look at their seats, suites and the venue in general. But, notes CEO Rich Sherratt, Seats3D is more than an online seat selection tool.

"Seats3D is really a great sales and marketing tool to help sell not only seats, but suites, mini-plans and season ticket packages for clients," Sherratt explains. "You can get inside the venue, and in conjunction with the telephone, venue and team owners can qualify season ticket buyers, use it for promotional opportunities, as well as drive traffic to the website."

Professional teams, even ones who sell out on a regular basis such as the Philadelphia Flyers, are Ballena customers. Ballena has a presence in the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, NCAA, NASCAR and five additional sports leagues; examples include the Buffalo Sabres, Memphis Grizzlies, New England Patriots and San Diego Padres.

"So many people are getting away from the traditional way of doing things," Sherratt says. "With Seats3D, all you need is two minutes to show fans the seats they can choose in the arena, stadium or ballpark."

Another fan-friendly feature, Sherratt notes, is that the Seats3D tool can be a great way for someone to show a friend where their seats are located.

"They can send an e-mail to a friend or associate, and show them exactly where the seats are located," he says. "This helps generate fan enthusiasm and strengthens the emotional tie to the team and the venue."