Service Connects Ropers with their Favorite Arenas for Upcoming Events
HOLDEN, UTAH (August 13, 2008) -- The premier online magazine and Web site for ropers - The American Roper (www.theamericanroper.com) - has recently launched a new text messaging service that allows arenas and event/rodeo producers to send text messages to subscribed ropers. The service provides another means for arenas to communicate with potential participants and makes it easy for busy ropers to stay aware of upcoming events. The service is completely free for subscribers to receive the text messages (subscriber's existing cell service provider's text messaging rates apply).
"We're launching this service because we found a communication gap between ropers and event producers. Not everyone can get online or access email all the time and not everyone picks up a local roping publication each week to see what events are coming up," said Jennifer Powell, director of marketing for The American Roper. "We felt like almost everyone has a cell phone and knows how to view text messages so it seemed like a great way to connect ropers and arenas."
The text messaging service will allow arenas to communicate upcoming events and event results, and even allows subscribers to participate in live raffles.
"I wish someone had thought of this sooner!" said World Champion roper Jhett Johnson. "This is a great way to stay connected to what's going on at your favorite arenas. I am definitely signing up."
Participating arenas or event producers are given a specific word or number that ropers send as a text message in order to subscribe to receive the arena's text messages. The arena publicizes that word or number to ropers in their advertisements, fliers, emails and on-site at events. To subscribe to the arena's list, the roper simply sends number or word to that arena's assigned number (similar to voting on American Idol). Arenas gain access to a Web interface that allows them to view their subscriber list and send messages to the list at anytime.
The service also allows for multiple enrollment numbers or words to be assigned to one arena or event producers. This allows the arena/producer to track subscriber response rates from different publications or advertising vehicles. Ropers can also sign up for multiple arenas at once using an online form found on The American Roper Web site - www.theamericanroper.com/txtwire.
"I check my email whenever I get a chance, but I have my cell phone on me 24-7," said Greg Kesler, owner of the Double Dollar arena. "Text messages are a much better way to get time-sensitive information. This gives me a whole new way to keep in touch with my event participants."
For more information or to sign up for the text messaging service, please contact The American Roper at info@theamericanroper.com or call 832-656-5519.
