southsider2k5 Posted November 8, 2006 Share Posted November 8, 2006 http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...tesox-headlines Sox basking in top-dog status The 2005 World Series champs leapfrog Bears, Cubs in a recent survey November 8, 2006 The White Sox didn't win the World Series in 2006, but they parlayed their 2005 title into an unprecedented distinction: the right to call themselves the most popular team in Chicago. The latest poll conducted by Scarborough Research, a syndicated firm used by numerous professional sports teams, reveals that 57 percent of Chicago consumers watched a Sox game on television, attended a game or listened to one on radio from September 2005 through August 2006. That tops the Bears, who came in at 56 percent, and the Cubs, who recorded 55 percent. The Scarborough poll measured interest among 4,281 consumers throughout the area. In the previous period from March 2005 through February 2006, the Bears and Cubs led at 56 percent with the Sox at 53 percent. The Sox shouldn't get too comfortable at No. 1, as the Bears are certain to move ahead of them during the next evaluation period. Their television ratings are up 27 percent through eight games, and the increase likely will be much higher with at least two prime-time games and the postseason still on the agenda. But the Sox will take it, even if it is a case of one-and-done. Also, it should be noted that the Sox prevailed during a period that included a 2005 Bears season extending into the playoffs. "Considering where we were, to be mentioned in the same breath with the Bears is quite an achievement," said Brooks Boyer, Sox vice president of marketing. The Sox were at a low of 32 percent in 2003. In 2004, the Cubs stood at 59 percent, while the Sox lagged at 35. The World Series changed everything. There's nothing like the first title in 88 years to boost marketing. "We're not kidding ourselves," Boyer said. "Winning the World Series was the key driver. The fan support was terrific and we created a lot of new fans." Publicly, at least, Boyer didn't gloat about the Sox overtaking the Cubs—an unthinkable notion a couple of years ago—although you can bet there was plenty of whooping in the corridors of U.S. Cellular Field. "Clearly the market can support two baseball teams," Boyer said. The Cubs had the attendance edge (3.12 million to 2.957 million) this year, but television and radio ratings helped move the Sox to the top in the Scarborough poll. The Cubs' television audience was off 23 percent in 2006. Meanwhile, Sox TV ratings were up 20 percent and their flagship station, WSCR-AM 670, garnered its highest ratings ever during the summer. But the Sox obviously can't count on winning the World Series every year. Can they maintain the current interest level in 2007, when they won't be the defending champions? "We'll see," Boyer said. "What we want to continue to do is provide a great entertainment outlet. Hopefully fans will continue to like our players and the way they play the game. We've taken a lot of steps forward. We don't plan on taking any steps back." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowand44 Posted November 8, 2006 Share Posted November 8, 2006 Wow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted November 8, 2006 Share Posted November 8, 2006 Awesome news, hopefully we can continue to grow and nothing could help out more than by making it back to the playoffs and seeing what happens from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steff Posted November 8, 2006 Share Posted November 8, 2006 If they keep growing... they better build more bathrooms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreatScott82 Posted November 8, 2006 Share Posted November 8, 2006 Happiness is being a sox fan. enough said White Sox have always been and always be #1 on my list. I'm happy the rest of Chicago finally opened their eyes!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_genius Posted November 8, 2006 Share Posted November 8, 2006 nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baines3 Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 Really nice. The Sox always were #1 with me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That funky motion Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 QUOTE(Steff @ Nov 8, 2006 -> 02:56 PM) If they keep growing... they better build more bathrooms. Thats why I got Club level and thats the only reason. Oh and the bar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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