898 Marketing and Youngstown Phantoms

Youngstown Phantoms Choose 898 Marketing

Youngstown Phantoms Chooses 898 Marketing as 2017-18 Marketing Partner

Firm will Handle Strategic Marketing Planning, Social Media Management, Video Production and Advertising Schedule for USHL Hockey Team

898 Marketing, a strategic marketing and creative consultancy based in Canfield, OH, has been chosen as the official marketing partner of the Youngstown Phantoms for the 2017-18 season.  The partnership will focus on developing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy designed to achieve core business objectives and goals of the locally owned USHL hockey team as well as develop the team’s video advertising creative.

“The Phantoms organization continues to offer an amazing option for families and fans to watch the future stars of professional hockey grow, while experiencing the fun and excitement of live sports in downtown Youngstown.  But as a strategic marketing partner of the Phantoms, 898 Marketing is committed to helping the organization maximize every opportunity to deliver a complete experience for fans, corporate partners and the community we call ‘home’,” said Jeff Ryznar, President and Owner of 898 Marketing.

898 Marketing will be responsible for assisting the Phantoms organization in formulating and delivering a marketing strategy to increase ticket sales, brand recognition and affinity of the team in the community, as well as maximizing revenue opportunities for the organization in all areas of operation.  The agency will handle the social media management of the team as well as their digital marketing efforts for their brand.  Additionally, 898 Marketing, through its video production division, TV Eye Productions, will develop video creative for the Phantoms to use digitally, in arena as well as on local and cable television buys to advertise upcoming games, with the theme for the season being, “It Starts Here.” 

“We are excited to expand our relationship with 898 Marketing into the 2017-18 season,” said Aafke and Troy Loney, Co-owners of the Youngstown Phantoms.  “The sport of hockey continues to grow as a sport in the Mahoning Valley area.  Through 898 Marketing, we hope to share the hockey experience to current and new audiences interested in fast paced, family friendly and community focused events.” 

898 Marketing is no stranger to the sports industry.  In addition to working with several sports properties, Ryznar was the Director of Strategic Marketing for the Cleveland Cavaliers (2007-2011) the VP of Marketing for Phizzle (2011-2015), a fan engagement solution platform for Sports and Entertainment organizations, and, currently, serves as a member for the Defiance College Sports Management Board of Directors.  898 Marketing also represents Drund, a Youngstown-based technology company, offering infrastructure for sports, educational and entertainment properties to create custom digital communities, including the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

“With our proven history in delivering actionable and accountable results within the business of sports, 898 Marketing is looking forward to continuing to grow the Phantoms brand among people in the Mahoning Valley and have a positive impact on their business.”

The 2017-18 Youngstown Phantoms season begins this weekend with home games on Saturday, October 7th(7:05 p.m.) and Sunday, October 8th (5:05 p.m.) against the Central Illinois Flying Aces at Covelli Centre in downtown Youngstown, Ohio.  For tickets, call 330-747-7825 or visit YoungstownPhantoms.com. The Youngstown Phantoms season is presented by UPMC.

About the Youngstown Phantoms

The Youngstown Phantoms are part of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the country’s top junior hockey league, classified as Tier I, which is the highest, and only junior hockey league in this category in the United States.  As an organization, the Youngstown Phantoms are dedicated to delivering quality, affordable entertainment through a “Complete Experience,” inspiring and empowering a championship culture for its community of “Phans,” partners, athletes and employees.  The team is co-owned by Bruce Zoldan, CEO of Phantom Fireworks, America’s largest fireworks company, and Troy and Aafke Loney. Troy, who played 12 years in the National Hockey League (NHL), won two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins and served as the inaugural team captain of the Anaheim Ducks, joined the ownership group with Aafke in March of 2014.  As an organization, the Phantoms have seen over 100 players take their championship culture on to NCAA Division I schools as well as to the NHL.  The team plays its home games in the Covelli Centre, located in downtown Youngstown, Ohio, which seats 5,000 fans.

About 898 Marketing

898 Marketing is a strategic marketing and creative consultancy delivering accountable, business development campaigns with a relentless commitment to brand growth and digital innovation.  To find out more about 898 Marketing and the list of partners who have experienced positive results through its expertise and services, visit 898 Marketing, or follow on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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