Phoenix Suns and Arizona sports betting are in the early stages of a successful partnership.
On Monday, a group of fans gathered around large screens in the air-conditioned retail sportsbook at Footprint Center. They were wearing orange and black clothing, seeking refuge from the intense early May heat in Phoenix.
Dan Costello is embarking on a new chapter as the FanDuel Sportsbook facility opens, making it one of the pioneering NBA arena locations of its kind.
Costello, as the executive vice president and chief revenue officer of the Suns’ Legacy Partners, played a key role in establishing the team’s Arizona sports betting collaboration with FanDuel.
Costello is consistently impressed by the enthusiastic support of Suns fans, as business has remained steady at the downtown Phoenix facility since its opening eight months ago on Sept. 9. This date also coincided with the beginning of legal sports betting in Arizona.
The arena was packed on Monday night as Phoenix geared up to kick off their Western Conference Semifinal series against Dallas. The Suns, who are the favorites to win the NBA championship, came out on top with a 121-114 victory. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday.
Costello told yengols.com that our collaboration with FanDuel has surpassed all of our expectations, especially in terms of heightened engagement with the game. Our TV ratings have seen a significant increase, not just because of the team’s success on the field.
We have seen an increase in ratings during the early stages of our games compared to past performances, and we are also seeing stable ratings throughout the entire game.
Experience games in a fresh and exciting way
The partnership between the Suns and FanDuel Sportsbook has been mutually advantageous for the New York-based company.
Noah Kirk, the general manager of the downtown Phoenix retail sportsbook, was instrumental in helping FanDuel launch retail sportsbooks in different markets. He was surprised by the incredible success of the Phoenix facility, which has far exceeded the company’s initial expectations since opening in September.
The Suns’ remarkable 2022 season, where they achieved a franchise-record 64 wins and sold out most of their home games, has played a significant role in their success.
Kirk enthusiastically noted the increasing crowds and positive atmosphere at the event. He highlighted a promotion for the Suns playoff run that offers new attendees a $20 free bet, which contributed to the strong turnout. Attendees have responded positively to the enhanced game-day experience.
Kirk is confident that the partnership between FanDuel and the Suns has been consistently successful, demonstrated by full arenas on game days and non-game days alike.
The long-time FanDuel employee was surprised by the high attendance at the Footprint Center sportsbook, even on non-Suns game days, such as during the beginning of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in mid-March.
Kirk noted that the fan-friendly events at the FanDuel sportsbook in Phoenix made their debut on Thursday and were a resounding success.
Kirk recalled that the standout moment was the 3-point contest, where customers were invited to take shots on the court during the tournament. He characterized it as a highly successful event with great participation and a unique promotional strategy.
Caesars Sportsbook will soon be opening its permanent retail location in the former Game 7 Grill near Chase Field, offering downtown competition to FanDuel.
An electronic answer for a cyber league
Costello stressed the importance of NBA teams connecting with fans on their mobile devices, as that is where they often spend a significant amount of time.
Costello expressed that partnering with FanDuel, which has a strong presence in both mobile and retail sports betting, is an ideal match for the specific market.
Costello is excited about the new Arizona sports betting apps, seeing them as the beginning of an exciting adventure. He thinks that fans will find more enjoyment and involvement by getting involved in the game and having a personal interest in it. This deeper level of commitment and genuineness enriches the overall experience for fans at physical sportsbooks.
We recognize that the NBA is predominantly a digital business, especially from a mobile standpoint. Fans are actively engaging with highlights on Twitter and streaming games in various ways, which has always been our main focus.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Author
Peterson Christopher, who has over seven years of experience covering sports and sports betting in Arizona for publications like ArizonaSports.com, Tucson Weekly, and Green Valley News, currently holds the position of lead writer at yengols.com.
According to reputable media sources such as: