In 2005 the world was just beginning for the Big Orange Army. If some people had any say in the matter, this was as far as the group would travel. But there were two men that had other plans, Gen. Jamison who you met in the last piece, and a colleague named John Black. Together these two men would make a group into a corporate model that will very soon be seen at most SEC schools in your area. Not to mention, the NFL, Nascar, and MLB. But they did not get there overnight.
What started out as a plan to get fans involved, began to grow into a way to bring "Fandamonium" to Knoxville, and everywhere that Vol fans went. Things started with a membership package. For around twenty dollars fans would receive a personalized Certificate of membership including your serial number and Rank. A set of personalized Dog Tags to be worn any time you entered into battle for Tennessee, and stickers to show you were proud to be enlisted. Enlistment began slowly, then Jamison began to get the Army involved in the community. Fund raisers, blood drives, telethons any way that he could show the public that this was not just a game day gathering, he was serious in making the BOA a vital tool for all the people that support UT, an outlet to support and build up the great state of Tennessee and do it in the name of the Vols.
In 2005 they enlisted the Mayor of Knox County Tennessee into the BOA, in doing so pledged to be a force in the pursuit of community pride and advancement. In the next couple of months the south was hit with many hardships as mother nature unleashed her wrath on the gulf coast. The BOA helped in efforts by the Red Cross in the Knoxville area to raise money for our fallen brothers and sisters. They helped establish a fund raiser with other local establishments, there was no BOA merchandise, No membership drive, No self promotion, just hard work that ended up raising over $6,000 in a short time that day. Which started earning some respect for the growing Army. On February 16, 2006 the Senate of the State of Tennessee issued a Proclamation stating that the Big Orange Army is an organization that "Enriches the lives of the people living in the great state of Tennessee."
In the fall of 2006 every thing drastically changed. For the better. The big Orange Army merged with Action Sports Media, a collegiate sports marketing company specializing in game day multimedia. Basically, all of the signage in the stadiums, commercials you see on the jumbo tron, and in the programs come to you compliments of Action Sports. If you have been in to games at Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Purdue, South Florida, Rupp Arena, or Kansas State you have seen their work. Action Sports Media holds the contract for all of these institutions. And is doing so, has the inside tract for bringing an Army of the fans , for the fans to each one of these schools. With emphasis on bringing a Fan Army to Alabama, Kentucky, and South Carolina in the Very immediate future, ASM is working hard to promote fan interaction on an "everyday" basis. Unified Armies of America was formed to bring such groups to wanting teams across the country. Using the BOA as the patented working model, the Armies are based on a five factor structure.
1. Membership
2. Merchandising
3. Rewards
4. Corporate Sponsorship
5. Community Involvement
This is a "for-Profit" group, that donates portions of its membership packages to Children's Hospital of Tennessee, along with other specific product based donations to the Vol Athletic Scholarship Fund, and the Robert Neyland Scholarship fund. They provide a full line of apparel that can be purchased online, in their two retail stores, online, or now in Wal-Mart as well. They have an extensive interactive rewards program that allows fans discounts in many Knoxville area businesses and restaurants. Corporate sponsor and partners like the TVA and their Credit Unions, allow greater numbers and abilities when it comes to membership and raising funds for the Large number of charities that the BOA supports. And Community involvement in charity work, fund raising, and local events that allow members to assist using the broad spectrum of strengths and resources our the members possess. Merge that with the powerful contacts that Action sports media brings with it and you get a partnership that can not only build fan support. but the community will see the positive benefits as well. In Knoxville alone they have started football magazines, purchased the ESPN radio affiliate, and a station for Espn DePortes. Those alone can bring endless promotional opportunities for the partners involved.
So check out the websites for these two great groups.
Look at them not as a Tennessee Site that makes you sick, but look at the possibility of your school having this same type Army. Could you imagine the Crimson Army invading the confines of Jordan-Hare stadium. Can you imagine the Army of blue rocking Rupp Arena? then email Gordon Whitener chairman and CEO of Action Sports Media at Gordon.whitener@actionsportsmedia.com and tell him you want to see an Army For the Fans, By the Fans at your school.
Next: what the BOA is pushing for this year.
