Chris Parker, Executive Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing for the Nashville Predators, spoke about keeping a professional sports team relevant during a lockout and how the team has stayed top-of mind with fans through promotions, social media, and community engagement.

So, how does an NHL team stay relevant in a lockout? Well, Chris admitted- it's no secret that you can't bring the game to the fans, which is really what the experience is all about - But you can have a plan in place that connects with the community and says "the team is still here, and we are a part of the community."

The Preds had a plan: Manage community expectations on and off the ice through fan and season ticket-holder events, sponsorship contests, charity events...And the best marketing idea of all: Do what they do best- Make Some Noise, Give the Fans a Show!

"Nashville Predators SMASHMOB"
video was a hit!  The Nashville Predators surprised a youth hockey game
by bringing the full NHL experience to the rink. The families and kids
were stunned to see and hear the NHL announcer, Paul McCann, the
national anthem, Gnash, and about 250 fans take over the game. Oh, and
then they put it on YouTube and promoted the heck out of it via social
media. (GO PREDS!!!)

The Preds show how even in a lockout, hockey lives...in the hopes of the little players. It's all about the experience. Bravo to the Preds for showing that in this video.

Their video got national attention! Another marketing win.
Sports.Yahoo.Com/Nashville Predators ‘Smashmob’ surprises youth hockey teams, becomes viral hit