LexRides

Jess · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 12:20 pm Post subject: Attracting New Players

I was going to include this topic in the summer update thread, but I think it's more deserving of a solo thread. Everyone is aware that we have lost (and are about to lose) several players. Our numbers are definitely dropping at pick-up. I've noticed a lot of other cities talking about and hosting new player pick-ups. Somehow, someway, we should look into this. I don't know if it would be better to pick out a date and promote that or encourage people to come out to our normal wed/sun days. I will say, a lot of the newer players from Pittsburgh said they found newbie night less intimidating.
Also, if we're going to put up fliers, I'd like us to branch out from Al's/North of Center/WRFL.....there are so many other places! Think: the void, all the bike shops, lexington ice center, places on UK's campus, whatever! Once we get them out here to play, the rest should be easy!

alex · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 7:48 pm Post subject:

i can count as a newbie, right? I will be less intimidated if i can come on a newbie only night. thanks

iridetoobs · Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2011 5:39 am Post subject:

Nice butterflies

Shaft · training wheels Joined: 10 Apr 2011 Posts: 16

I would be a little less intimidated to play with some other newbz. I really felt like I was just getting in the way the time I did play. Not that everyone wasn't really nice and supportive, I would just prefer to be able to get my bearings with some peeps who have as much to learn as I do.

corbindioxide · training wheels Joined: 29 Mar 2011 Posts: 41

As a newbie myself, I would love to see more people on my level come out and play...besides there is nothing more disappointing than going to pick up only to discover there aren't enough people to play

DoFlo · townie Joined: 03 Aug 2009 Posts: 199 Location: Lex

I remember how frustrated I was when I started, too, so I sympathize with you guys.

Here's my 2 pennies-

I think that we should have "Newbie Night" once a month that's advertised as a night for those interested in trying it out. We'd have to supply mallets and suggest they bring a bike that they don't mind f'ing up or have a coupla extras. I remember the first time I played, I f'd up some girl's bike (and it was so fun), but she was pretty put off.
We should use the B court for regular newb pickup while experienced players use court A on regular nights. The problem when we tried before to have a separate night for newbs didn't seem to go well because the experience players didn't/couldn't show up. I think it's important we all play together on the courts no matter the skill level.

To advertise, posters are always good, but we should have some events like alleycats, rides, progressive dinners, etc., too. Maybe we could do something nerdy like print little cards like they have for baseball that show the dates we play...

DoFlo · townie Joined: 03 Aug 2009 Posts: 199 Location: Lex

This year's bike progressive dinner (oct. 22) will benefit lex bike polo in anticipation of ladies army. It will also be benefiting broke spoke. I think it will be an opportunity to attract new players since people will be coming for broke spoke and may not be aware of polo. There will prob be an afterparty at brokespoke, so I say we utilize the opportunity to try to recruit and let people know polo players are friendly. Let me know if anyone wants to help or has ideas. Spanks.

brokebike · cutter Joined: 21 Oct 2007 Posts: 2434 Location: local

Definitely going to need new blood and able bodies if we're going to keep hosting large tournaments. It's hard enough when you have a lot of players and volunteers to pull from. We probably have less than half the bodies we did back during the Midwest Open.
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sailorjames · cutter Joined: 15 Nov 2007 Posts: 329

The UK Cycling club is having their first meeting 9/14 @ 8PM, I contacted their pres, and he said it would be cool to come by and tell people about polo. Since it is on a Wednesday, maybe people could hang out at the courts a little longer that day and I'll try to bring some nooobs with me? Anyone else that would like to come to the meeting and preach polo gospel to college kids with me would be great.

rich1 · hipster Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 70 Location: The Burbs

should see if they would be interested in having their meeting at the court
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mofokuban · townie Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 172 Location: Dayton, OH

Yeah, that's a good idea seeing if they want to have their meeting at the courts.

sailorjames · cutter Joined: 15 Nov 2007 Posts: 329

corbindioxide · training wheels Joined: 29 Mar 2011 Posts: 41

Here is a thought, would any computer savvy guys or gals be interested in creating a flier for bike polo? Hanging up a few in strategic places might help and it certainly wouldn't hurt.

brokebike · cutter Joined: 21 Oct 2007 Posts: 2434 Location: local

Ive made a few that we've used over the years to try to attract new players. I can dig them up.
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corbindioxide · training wheels Joined: 29 Mar 2011 Posts: 41

Thanks! I would love to hang one up at Wildcat Wheels