Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Schedules – Both Art and Science
Many Madison moving pieces cause a complex math project
If you’ve ever been involved with orchestrating an event of any significant scope, you know the challenges scheduling can present. Those challenges can range from the global (which weekend do we hold our event?) to the local (we’ve chosen the weekend, but do we make it 2 or 3 days?) to the micro (should we start at 8:00, or 8:30 and how will that affect our ending at 4:00, or should that be 4:30?)
You get the idea.
Unlimited Hydroplane Racing and the schedules that accompanies it is not only “not exempt” from this discussion, it takes it to a whole new art form. Multiply thousands of fans, by hundreds of volunteers, by dozens of vendors by (pick any number you wish here) of other challenges, and the “challenge-math” gets huge fast.
One huge and hard-to-predict variable (remember math class?) is the final count of attendees at any event. With the Madison, Indiana race coming up July 5-7, it may be appropriate to showcase just how the experts have continually adjusted their scheduling formula to accommodate the crush of fans, for the best possible outcomes and the best fan experiences.
First, some history.
In 2011, the Madison Regatta took place on the weekend of July 1-3. The Kentucky Speedway, just 30 miles down the road, hosted the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series that took place July 7-9.
On the surface, that didn’t seem like a problem. However, it seems that NASCAR fans like to spend a number of days ahead of a race camping and… well… partying… ahead of a race. Our kind of fans! What better way to spend the time than to take a 30 mile drive to check out an even more awesome set of machines?
Unfortunately, the math equation was, well, unequal. The crowds far exceeded the capacity to accommodate them and it was, well, very challenging. A hat tip to Round About for a glimpse into the past.
Lessons Learned
Last year, Madison race officials appropriately responded to the deluge of fans the previous year. In 2012, there was increased parking, signage, traffic flow and an overall awareness of the volatility in attendance numbers. Math homework done well! Well played, Madison! If the attendance would have been the same, many feel the Madison brain trust were ready. Many speculate that the same size crowds did not materialize due to the challenges the previous year.
With aggressive changes to manage larger crowds, but actually seeing smaller crowds, the problems went away. Some see that as failure (smaller crowds in 2012), while I see it as impressive responsiveness.
Like a Fine Wine
Many things get better with age. Wines. Patina-permeated copper. Yours truly.
Madison is no exception.
For this year, they are taking advantage of previous math classes to make sure they have a sound financial equation. Not only are they ready for the influx of NASCAR fans from the Kentucky Speedway, they are partnering with them!
Since the races again take place within a week of one another, they have a special offer for NASCAR fans.
With the Sprint Cup race at Kentucky Speedway taking place June 27-29, the Madison Regatta has made it possible for NASCAR fans to receive a 20% discount to the Sprint Cup event. You can book online here – be sure to use the coupon code of VICTORY.
Hurry, you only have until June 25 to book your discount, and not all seating sections are discounted. This offer is ONLINE only and not retroactive on previously purchased tickets.
Moral to the Story
Instead of being afraid to recalculate their event, the Madison Regatta leadership embraced their early challenges and strengthened their formula for success. Not only were they NOT afraid, but they tackled their challenges head on and have created an even more value-packed existence.
- Many moving pieces? Sure.
- Many answers to the problem? Absolutely!
Go get ‘em Madison!
Dave