Competitive Analysis

Local and Regional Sports teams also pose a direct threat to the sales of CU athletic ticket sales. High Schools in the area, including Boulder High School and Fairview High School, often have sporting and other events during the same times as CU athletic events.  The 20% of Boulder’s population that is made up of families is therefor subject to conflicting school events with CU athletics. Colorado Sports Leagues also contribute to distracting potential consumers away from CU ticket sales.  The Colorado Gold Kings (Hockey), Colorado Comets (Soccer), and Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Baseball) are the three competitive leagues generating audiences in the Colorado area and account for approximately 9,000 fans per year.  These teams vary in their record successes, but ticket sales for all of these teams are on the incline each year. However, these league teams are not competitive with CU Athletics in respect of gathering sponsors.

Colorado is also known for its incredible range of outdoor activities.  The greater Boulder area alone is accountable for over 1,000 hiking, biking, and climbing trails.  The Rocky Mountains provide terrain for summer and winter outdoor activities; and with 300 days of sunshine a year, the great outdoors is one of CU Athletics’ biggest competition.  While hiking, walking, and biking are free, people are choosing to spend their money on their favorite outdoor endeavors in forms of season passes and fishing and hunting licenses. Colorado Ski Resorts alone generate approximately six billion dollars in ticket and pass sales annually. Additionally Colorado attracts such events as the X-Games, which contribute to the distraction from CU Athletic sporting events.

"City of Boulder, Colorado." City of Boulder Home Page. Web. 09 Nov. 2011. <http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content>.

Hiking Trails, Mountain Bike Trails & Trail Maps | Trails.com. Web. 09 Nov. 2011....