For the 2021 OTB Open, Innova served as the tournament’s presenting manufacturer. However, MVP Disc Sports will, however, be picking up where Innova left off this year, working in conjunction with OTB Discs and the Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT). The success of last year’s OTB Open, which was the first year the San Francisco Open was known as such, and 2) Innova’s stronghold on the manufacturing scene, few people saw this move coming.
On Wednesday’s episode of OTB’s official podcast, Jammin’ With the Best, the hosts discussed the various factors that led to the formation of the new partnership. Aaron Rowley and Danny Corbett of OTB welcomed Sean Jack of the DGPT and Shawn Mercy, the tournament director, into the studio for the express purpose of discussing this topic. According to Jack, the DGPT’s director of partnerships, a number of manufacturers have expressed interest in collaborating with the Pro Tour as well as OTB in Stockton, California.
What was the most important factor in MVP’s victory?
For starters, they understand the business model and fit the bill perfectly, as Jack pointed out: “OTB’s sponsorship of the OTB Open functions as a rev-share program.” We have a floor guarantee. But then we get a cut of the profits from the discs OTB sells. As a result, the more discs we have access to, the more money we can make. And the more money we make, the better the experience we can provide for spectators and players. “
Next, and perhaps most importantly, the forward-thinking, Michigan-based manufacturer understands what Jack, Mercy, and the entire OTB team are aiming for with their feature event: a positive, professional experience for all involved. If you’ve ever been to a PGA event, you’ll recognise this. This applies to all players, personnel, and spectators.A lot of money is required to make this happen.
Consider something similar to Ledgestone but set in California:
- There is live music.
- bleachers that are elevated.
- There are restrooms, vending machines, and a video wall.
- trailers for the media and staff.
- A private tent, medical support, locker rooms, and other amenities are available to players.
- MVP understands.
So much so that they’re offering over 20,000 discs with OTB branding. This alone is expected to bring in between $150,000 and $200,000 for the event. Additionally, cash and credit to support the amateur event, as well as access to limited-edition moulds, make fundraising possible. Both the otb discs and the DGPT are looking for a first-rate and unforgettable adventure. MVP is assisting them in doing exactly that.
Not even just in the year 2022, either. Jack claims that the target for the next five years is to have 5,000 spectators at live Pro Tour events such as the otb discs Open. In order to put things into perspective, Ledgestone and DGLO each drew in approximately 2,000 fans the previous year. Although it is an ambitious target, it is also one that can be achieved.
Things are getting bigger and better across the entire sport of disc golf, from the on-course product to event coverage to player contracts to gear, and so on. When MVP enters the fray, you can bet that the 2022 OTB Open will do the same thing.
