Harlem Globetrotters Zoltan Berencsi joins to talk about building game experience traditions. The Trotters have built their fame with on-court excellence and traditions that are shared over generations. We look at several traditions from the Trotters and sports, why they are important and how to build them.  Plus the fine art of knowing when to change up your routine.

Traditions set the tone for your event, lets fans know what to expect, builds anticipation and connect your fan community. These moments stitch together the show and let fans gain a sense of belonging.

Traditions are rituals, stories, beliefs, customs and routines that we share and pass on. They can be cultural, familial or religious and are unique to your family or tribe. It is the rituals, both big and small, that tend to create lasting memories.

Traditions are important in our lives and provide many benefits. We intentionally create and continue traditions because they provide a sense of belonging and meaning to our lives. Family rituals nurture connection and give us comfort. … Traditions also provide a constant for us in an ever-changing and fast-paced life. (RedTricycle)

The call topics included:

• When to retire old traditions
• How to log your current inventory of traditions (and the inside-Globetrotters’ term for it)
• Where to insert traditions in your show
• How to freshen up your traditions

We had lots of examples from teams like the Tampa Bay Lighting and Detroit Pistons. The Pistons have rebuilt their show around the 313 Detroit Theme, adding new traditions to honor and promote local artists. Claire Czerniuk from the Pistons shared their process in adding new traditions and building them up inside of one year.

Lost of links to traditions like:

• Chiefs Upgrade a Tradition – Chiefs give their Drum Deck Tradition a facelift.
• Play Ball Call in New Hampshire – Fishercats frame their Play Ball Call.
• Scarves Up Moment in Seattle – Seattle MLS fans go “scarves up” to united behind their team.
• Throw Another Log on the Fire – One the best traditions in sports from the Portland Timbers.
• Playin’ Ball in Lansing – Making a moment for fans is a tradition in Lansing.
• Carolina Siren Motivates a Bunch of Jerks – Basketball Coach Cranks a Siren to motivate a Bunch of Jerks.
• Ring My Bell in Philly – The Sixers are keeping two traditions for their fans despite the pandemic.

Our call included professionals from the MLR, MILB, NHL, NBA, and the AHL.  Full video from the call is available to Gameops.com Plus Members.