Düsseldorf: "All-Inclusive Fortuna" Strives to Engage Fans and Attract Sponsors
Take a Whiff of Fortuna's New Strategy - Enjoy Free Stadium Visits in the Future
At first glance, the headline "Fortuna Düsseldorf goes new ways - stadium visit to be free in the future" sounds enticing, but lets dive deeper into the nucleus of this second division team's fresh strategy. Before the officious press conference on the 26th, juicy tidbits regarding Fortuna's new strategy were already leaked. Now, let's explore the grundies of their "Future Path."
Stepping onto the Red and White Path
Board member Alexander Jobst marched forth, elaborating Fortuna's new direction. Goals include becoming an entrenched heavyweight, showcasing what Fortuna's all about, and forging strong ties with Düsseldorf. As a previous member of the "Task Force Future Professional Football" of the German Football League (DFL), Jobst had previously contributed to helping clubs strategically pivot. In Düsseldorf, roundtable discussions took place involving fans, members, players, committees, sponsors, and the city. From these talks emerged the ethos of "Fortuna for all," intended to wow potential supporters through its revolutionary new approach.
This strategic shift consists of four cornerstones, financed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Targobank, Provinzial, and Common Goal, providing a hefty 45 million euros over the next five years.
- Feast your eyes on free admission to the arena for all fans during home games, with a pilot phase in the upcoming season featuring at least three games to test the waters.
- The funds will not be hoarded solely into professional football. The club vows to invest 20 percent in the youth sector and women's football. Another 20 percent will be funneled into digital infrastructure and the arena. Ten percent will be utilized to support grassroots sports in the city and projects within environment, social matters, and responsible governance. Collaborating with Common Goal, the club intends to implement these initiatives.
- The arena will become the hot, sweaty heart of Fortuna. City contracts still need to be sorted out to decide the best approach.
- The board places immense value on keeping the club in the clutches of the fans. Consequently, more opportunities - such as digital platforms or workshops - will be created for fans to dive into the action.
The Big Cheese of DüsseldorfDr. Stephan Keller, Mayor, attended the presser, expressing support for Fortuna on its new path and lauding the ingenious concept.
Biz as Usual? Nah, Mate!Board member Klaus Allofs hammered home that promotion to the first Bundesliga was more challenging than initially perceived. Consequently, "business as usual" was not an option. Gaps in TV income necessitated a fresh orientation, now equipped with a tailor-made model that showcases Fortuna's success, robustness, and serious focus.
Finance director Arnd Hovemann emphasized that the project is fully funded for the next five years, allowing it to kick-off post haste. The number of games one could attend for free would also hinge on attracting more sponsors; Jobst confirmed optimism regarding Henkel's continued support. Hovemann hosted a compare-and-contrast session with other clubs' responses to Fortuna's new approach, noting that some sport paywalls or subscriptions and others use alternative financing models.
Rest Easy, Season Ticket HoldersIn the new scheme, hodlers of season tickets can snuggle up knowing their seat rights are safe. During games with free admission, season ticket holders will have first dibs on tickets via a new platform, before members and everyone else. The guest fan quota remains at the previous ten percent.
In light of Fortuna's new strategic direction, one significant change involves the sports-betting aspect, as the club proposes free stadium visits for all fans during home games, starting with a pilot phase in the upcoming season. Furthermore, the club's strategic partnerships will also support grassroots sports, with 20% of the funds allocated to youth and women's football, digital infrastructure, and projects related to environment, social matters, and responsible governance.
