For two decades now, the Fan Experience Company has inspired improvement and innovation in sports fan experience.
This has led to millions of extra fans, especially younger ones, going to games. It has led to unparalleled improvements in the experience that fans have in the build-up to, during, and after games. We work with associations, leagues and clubs at all levels -in men’s and women’s sports.
But what do we actually do? And how can we help you?
Our website outlines the key areas where the Fan Experience Company can support the strategic and practical development of the experience for supporters: bringing more of them through the gates and, crucially, making them want to come back.
I have worked with the Fan Experience Company for many years to improve the experiences and thinking around the fan journey and the added value required. The team understands the fan and they offer a wonderful, committed service in understanding the gap between what the club believes is a good experience and more importantly, what the fan wants. They will help you to keep them coming back for more.
We have been working with The Fan Experience Company to identify areas within our match days and fan engagement that we can improve in order to attract a bigger and more diverse audience to games at Grace Road. We’ve already seen some significant results, and I believe their approach is the key to fully understanding what a fan really experiences on the day, and how it impacts on the likelihood of them coming back, which is - of course - what we all want, and need, them to do.
The EFL has had a long and productive relationship with the Fan Experience Company. As specialists in the area of fan engagement, for over a decade, their insight and expertise has been invaluable in helping Clubs to innovate and strategise, providing them with a range of tools to help drive value, advocacy and attendance growth.
They are extremely professional and knowledgeable in the area of measuring and improving the fan experience. Their expertise was vital to the success of the Qatar World Cup 2022 project. The team not only have the experience of dealing with global sporting events, but with leagues and clubs (especially smaller ones) to really understand their fans and to create innovative solutions to improve the overall journey that fans make.
Our experience of working with Mark, Darren and the team is that they are genuine experts in Fan Engagement. This was so important for us, because they were able to help us in our quest to make Eredivisie clubs' stadiums more family friendly. We are confident that, as a result of the Fan Experience Company's help, we will continue to attract, engage and retain more fans across the country. On a personal note, it's a pleasure to work with the Fan Experience Company team as they are so enthusiastic, willing to help and a motivating presence among our clubs.
The Fan Experience Company is helping URC and its clubs to elevate the live match day experience through a programme of research and analysis. We have already seen an attitudinal change in our Clubs that has resulted in some real tangible improvements in the stadium fan experience. Their expertise in this area is second to none, while their manner and work ethic has been a real hit with our stakeholders.
Here at OHL we are determined to look after and honour our existing supporters; appeal for the return of lapsed ones and also to diversify and grow our fan base by creating experiences that will appeal to more and more of the city's residents. Darren and Mark of the Fan Experience Company were our preferred partners in the creation and development of a new family stand (with all of the 'touch point' excellence they excel in). We're awakening a love for the club in the very youngest and you can't put a price on that. I would unreservedly recommend them for any other club, league or association wanting to create a more sustainable future.
The Fan Experience Company have been working with Leeds Rhinos for the last 10 years and have assisted in executing some really strong, fan experience initiatives that have proved fruitful and supportive for the club in decision-making and seeing things through the ‘supporters eyes’. With the knowledge and experience they have from the various sports clubs and governing bodies they work with - both nationally and internationally - it helps to draw upon that information and execute plans knowing what worked and what didn’t, which for smaller sports clubs and associations can be invaluable to make quick changes without having to ‘try and test’ methods before implementation. One of the biggest initiatives for us was bringing in all match day staff into one place ahead of the season, to bring them into achieving the club vision and ensuring fan experience was the forefront amongst all customer facing teams not just club staff. I would strongly recommend Mark and the team – we have become friends over the years and that is what you want for your sports club or business – you want to go that extra mile for your customers which is exactly what they do.
Darren’s workshop here at Lincoln City FC was exceptional. He spoke with a wide variety of our workforce which included SLO’s, stewards and match day volunteers highlighting the importance of fan engagement in football. He also highlighted the areas which we excel in and provided key recommendations for us to improve further. We’d recommend the Fan Experience Company to other football clubs looking to maximise their potential within this sector and we’ll certainly invite Darren back to speak with other members of our team.
To get over 1,000 responses is brilliant and we will be working alongside the Fan Experience Company to take a deeper dive into the data. We are committed to improving the matchday experience and the feedback we receive is essential if we are to achieve this. There are some things we have already implemented and there are many more initiatives that we are determined to deliver. Working with the Fan Experience Company, we feel we have made real progress in recent months and we’d also like to place on record our thanks to the matchday staff who have really bought into what we are trying to achieve as we look to make visits to the Poundland Bescot Stadium as enjoyable an experience as we can.
Middlesbrough Football Club met Mark Bradley and The Fan Experience Company over 10 years ago and were incredibly inspired by his enthusiasm and ideas for supporter engagement. Mark helped us set up our very successful Generation Red Family Zone, and we have expanded and introduced innovative ideas since meeting him. Like most people who work in the field of supporter engagement, he is available any time you want to speak to him and not Monday-Friday 9.00 am-5.00 pm and matchdays! Mark’s enthusiasm for ensuring supporters have an amazing experience is contagious and has ensured supporter engagement is high on football's agenda.