Marquette University e-Publications@Marquette College of Communication Faculty Research and Communication, College of Publications 1-1-2011 Chicago Bulls James Pokrywczynski Marquette University,
[email protected] Published version. "Chicago Bulls," in Encyclopedia of Sports Management and Marketing. Eds. Linda E. Swayne and Mark Dodds. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 2011: 209-210. Publisher Link. © 2011 Sage Publications. Used with permission. Chicago Bulls 209 Chicago Bulls cess in real estate, led an ownership group to buy the team. Season ticket holders went from 4,800 at When one thinks of the Chicago Bulls and sports that time to 10,800 by 1987. The marketing staff marketing, the name that epitomizes each is Mi- continued to grow as well, reaching a size of over chael Jordan. From 1984 until he left the Bulls for 50 people today. good in 1998, Jordan’s time with the Bulls coincid- ed with six National Basketball Association (NBA) Enter Jordan championships, the beginning of an attendance The 1980s marked the arrival of Jordan, who was sellout streak that eventually reached 610 straight drafted in 1984. Attendance almost doubled from games over 14 years, and the building of a new the previous year, as Chicago and the rest of the arena (United Center) with three levels of luxury NBA experienced what was arguably the best play- suites, various fan and athlete amenities, and a seat- er in basketball history. By 1987, the Bulls began ing capacity of 20,917. Not only was Jordan, a Hall to experience sellout crowds that would last an as- of Fame inductee in 2009, synonymous with the tounding 610 consecutive games, finally ending in Chicago Bulls, but also with the marketing revo- 2001.