From left to right: Myself, Chris Hiller, CEO Adam Aron, Michael Dicicco, Chris Mower
One night a couple of my buddies told me that Mr. Aron was hosting a “Sixers Watch Party” over at Chickie’s and Pete’s in South Philadelphia, and that the first 76 fans in attendance would receive free tickets to the Sixers Home Opener on that coming Friday. Being as hungry as I was and being as eager as I was to see the Home Opener, I figured why not? The event was planned to begin at 6:45pm, but due to my one friend’s Sixers obsession, we arrived a lot closer to 6pm. While we ate and waited for 6:45 (and Mr. Aron) to arrive, we discussed what we thought the event would be like. Everyone pretty much agreed. Probably a couple of nose bleed seats and a brief meet and greet with the CEO and then we would be on our own for the rest of the night as we watched the Sixers vs. Hornets game.
It turns out we were dead wrong. Upon arrival, Mr. Aron and the “Flight Squad” immediately began distributing free posters, t-shirts, thunder sticks, hats, and schedule magnets. After that, which put me in a much better mood after waiting 40 minutes for a chicken cutlet sandwich, they began the ticket distribution process. At this time it became obvious that the “first 76 fans” deal was not literal, and just promotional. Rest assured, if you were fan #77 in attendance or fan #300, you were leaving that place with a ticket. As they had us line up, they handed us a card that said “Thank you for attending the Sixers watch party, hosted by Sixers CEO Adam Aron. This voucher is good for one free ticket to the Sixers home opener on Friday. Give this voucher to the box office and you will receive your ticket.” Naturally, I was pretty pumped about getting the free ticket, but as sports fans, we all know what a “free ticket” is (more on this later).
After the ticket voucher distribution, there was a brief introduction session by Adam Aron that included World. B. Free, the great Sonny Hill, and many others. The giveaways ranged from individual free season ticket packages, to autographed basketballs, jerseys, and photos. As the game began on the big screens, Mr. Aron began to make his way around the room, stopping at each individual table. When he got to our table, he was as humble, friendly, and forthright as anyone in sports I had ever seen. He candidly discussed the recent trade of Marreese Speights, praised his “basketball genius” of a coach, Doug Collins, and told us how thrilling it was to own the Philadelphia 76ers. He took several photos with us, and towards the end of our chit-chat, decided to eat some of our crab fries. After he ate one, he said “How cool is that? The Sixers CEO just ate your crab fries”. After he left our table, we went back to watching the game, which the Sixers eventually won. It was a great night for all, no matter where those free ticket seats were. As we left, Mr. Aron stood at the door and personally thanked every person for coming, which was a truly classy move. It’s crazy the amount of positive thoughts and comments that were spoken during the 15 minute car ride back to South Jersey among my 3 friends and I. Truly a memorable experience.
As we arrived at the Wells Fargo Center Box Office on January 6th, we handed our vouchers to one of the Box Office representatives. He quickly got up and walked away to retrieve our nose bleeders, so I thought. As he came back he said, “Wow, looks like Mr. Aron left you guys $ 75 dollar suite tickets. Pretty good deal, huh?” This was absolutely mind-blowing. Suite tickets? For us? Amazing. As we excitedly walked to find our box, we were politely directed there by many different Sixers staff. Once we got there, it truly was a private club box suite. It had a private bathroom, two rows of seating down below, a refrigerator, and much more. The Sixers destroyed the Pistons, we enjoyed the box, and dollar dog night. It was a perfect sequence of events.
What this all comes down to is Mr. Aron just “gets it”. He understands how to engage a fan and how to transform a casual NBA and Sixers fan (me) into a person who legitimately cares about the results of each game. The way he has handled himself with dignity, class, and candidness has impressed me so much. I will support this team wholeheartedly as long as this man is running things in Philadelphia. As I write this article, the Sixers sit at 8-3 and 5-0 at home. Their wins have been in blow out fashion, and their losses have been nail- biters; the sign of a clearly elite team. The true childlike enthusiasm, Mr. Aron has for this city and this team is refreshing. So to Mr. Aron, I say thank you, sir. Thank you for everything.
Follow me @johnnyg523 on twitter.
Great article- this is something the Phillies should have done when they were mediocre. I used to go a few sixers games here and there- I almost went on Monday as there were good $17.76 first row of the upper level available.
It seems this is a normal fan who happens to be an owner, and winning starts at the top. great story!
Thanks Stan! Mr Aron is truly a great guy who has the fans behind this team. It doesn’t hurt that the team is fun to watch now.
Nice story Johnny, it sounds like a good time. It’s good when the so called elite are able to connect with the common fan and generate enthusiasm with the people. I wish more of the sports world would get a grip on pricing and availability to people. Sixers tickets are probably a bargain compared to the other sports.
thank you sir