By Greg Hazley
Glass Agency, Sacramento, is guiding a six-figure PR and social media push to keep the NBA's Kings in the California capital amid overtures from Anaheim, Louisville and possibly Seattle.
"Bottom line, we care about the culture of Sacramento and, in our book, a professional sports team is a part of that culture," said agency president Amber Williams, who noted the city was dealt a blow in December when the Sacramento opera canceled its season and suspended production because of poor ticket sales.
A billboard showing a deflated basketball former the "O" in the phrase "Game Over" has been erected on I-5 South in Sacramento pointing to a Facebook campaign dubbed SacDeflated.com.
The team, based in Sacramento for 26 seasons, is reportedly considering a move and has until March 1 to file a request with the league to relocate next season. It has been unable to get funding for a new arena in the city.
Williams said the owner of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks offered a $100M loan to cover moving costs to that city, which is bracing for the possible exit of the NFL's Chargers for Los Angeles. Louisville, meanwhile, has 7,000 citizens mobilized on Facebook thus far to lure to franchise. Williams noted Seattle is still reeling from its loss of the Sonics in 2009.
She added: "There is value in being one of a limited number of cities in this country to have a professional sports team. It’s something to be proud of – to have the option of going to a game, even if you never do."
So far, 2,100 people have signed on to a Facebook page, SacDeflated.com, leading the campaign, which will run for four weeks at a donation-funded cost of about $
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