Blog Archives

Unpacking The Path To “Back To Normal”… Eleven Months And Still Counting

POSTED: March 23, 2021

Flying back from the cancelled PAC 12 basketball tournament, last March there were two significant thoughts on my mind. First, I was angry and concerned that pandemic driven shutdowns had dealt our core verticals of sports and travel a broadside hit that would leave them reeling. Secondly, there was a desire to develop a continuous […]

Poll Shows Majority Believe Once COVID-19 Vaccines Are Widely Available, Government Should Not Dictate Size Of Gatherings Outside The Home

POSTED: March 15, 2021

The latest Back to Normal Barometer shows a majority of Americans favoring the lifting of all COVID related restrictions, once enough vaccines are available for all who want them.

Goldilocks And The Return To Live Spectator Sports

POSTED: March 11, 2021

With Covid vaccines rolling out and attendance restrictions being rolled back, Here’s what sports marketers need to be asking once they get past the early latent demand. Our latest Back to Normal Barometer insights provide what you need to know to drive fans back into stadiums and arenas. SLRG President Jon Last in Media Post’s […]

Golf industry remains resilient

POSTED: March 11, 2021

SLRG’s Golf Market TrendWatch Study, conducted with the ASGCA, shines a light on some intriguing shifts in golf facility trends.

Vaccine Hesitancy: A Major Barrier to Getting Back to Normal

POSTED: March 4, 2021

Being quarantined for almost a year, many of us have had conversations about the first non-socially-distant experience we’ll have once we’ve all been vaccinated. Attending a concert, taking a vacation more than 50 miles from your home, seeing a ball game, going to eat indoors at a restaurant, or even having your first major family […]

TRUTH IN NUMBERS: Sports marketing research proves racing’s rise during the pandemic

POSTED: February 24, 2021

Thoroughbred Horse Racing’s leading trade publication features findings from recent SLRG research, showing a marked increase in COVID inspired fan interest in the sport, as well as a look at President Jon Last’s personal journey in the sport.

Driver$: Episode 7

POSTED: February 23, 2021

Driver$ Episode 7: Bob Levey on Celebrity/Charity Golf Events in the COVID Era: We welcome IEM’s President and Founder, to discuss how his firm has continued to drive philanthropically driven celebrity golf events during COVID constrained times.

Shock: Just half to get coronavirus vaccine, rest cite safety, effectiveness, needles

POSTED: February 17, 2021

Just half of the nation is planning to get the coronavirus vaccine, a surprising slap to the White House that has spent weeks urging the nation to get stuck. Just 50% said that they would get the vaccine, with the others citing concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the choices being pushed by Washington […]

New Poll Shows Just Half Of Americans Will Get Vaccinated When Vaccine Is Available; Safety And Efficacy Concerns Drive Unwillingness

POSTED: February 16, 2021

Wave 18 insights from the latest Back to Normal Barometer speak to America’s reluctance to aggressively pursue COVID vaccinations.

Continuity, Connection Key In Pandemic-Compromised Sports World

POSTED: February 11, 2021

As a lifelong student of football, I remain in awe and appreciation of Tom Brady, even though I believe it was the Buccaneers’ defense (and the injury-riddled Chiefs’ offensive line) that most affected the outcome of this year’s big game. But the real winner Sunday night was the NFL itself. For all the doomsayers in […]