American winner takes all

Chapter 221: Hosting a bowl game starts with scalping votes (22)

"The news that the Independence Bowl will be held as scheduled has been spread to major media. Tonight, the Alabama Crimson Tide will issue a statement stating that in view of the NCAA's blockade, Alabama will have no choice but to accept the invitation to the Independence Bowl in order to support itself. This year's final game will be presented to the fans. Out of respect for the NCAA, even if Alabama wins, it will choose to donate the prize money to the investment foundation of the tournament organizer. This statement should be issued before tonight."

"What foundation? You didn't mention this before. Also, isn't the statement released too soon? At least we need to go through the process, right?" Roger's voice came from the other end of the phone, vaguely still Mixed with the laughter of Yingying Yanyan.

This old guy actually went out to have fun during working hours. Of course, it can also be understood as having fun inside the office, which is an added crime.

At this time, Roger also discovered that the young man on the other end of the phone was more sexy than he imagined.

"Isn't giving such a quick response the same as telling the NCAA that Alabama is involved behind the Independence Bowl? This is too risky. We should wait for a few days after the news of the Independence Bowl's resumption spreads before confirming Alabama's participation in the event." Roger I think this is safer.

"You don't think that the NCAA can't find out, do you? There is no difference between the two. Don't worry, you will get the benefits you deserve. But the premise is that everything goes well in the Independence Bowl. We only have one month to prepare, and I will do it tonight We will contact some ticket agents and they will only take the tickets if Alabama confirms that they are participating.”

"Is this really safe? How much are you going to sell the tickets for?" Roger asked still worried.

"There is a game between Alabama and Nebraska, and the average ticket price is $70." Ethan said.

"Yes, it should be sold for this much, and printing has already started?" Roger sounded very satisfied with the price.

"The money printing press has started, just half an hour ago. In order for your banknotes to fall into your pocket, the declaration of participation cannot be delayed."

"But..." Roger still hesitated when he thought about the chain reaction after the statement was issued.

"Once you step on this boat, don't think about it anymore. Do you want the organizing committee to go bankrupt without being able to pay bonuses, and those reporters to trace your involvement?" Ethan asked rhetorically.

"I will take care of Nebraska. I will not agree to any other requests again. This is the last time." Roger hung up the phone.

Ethan put down his phone and started calculating.

Judging from Roger's reaction, he may not have wanted to get involved at all in the first place. He was probably instigated, or it could be said to be coerced or ordered, by SEC Chairman Roy Cramer.

Either way, it shows that Roy Kramer was indirectly involved even though he was not involved.

Ethan didn't care so much and called the management of the Independence Stadium directly.

In the United States, the vast majority of large stadiums are jointly constructed by private parties and local GOVs, but independent stadiums are different. Independent stadiums are jointly funded and constructed by local GOVs and communities.

The management of the stadium is also appointed by the local GOV and the community.

"Jason Powell, manager of the stadium management company, who are you?" A rich voice came from the other end of the phone.

"I am Ms. Grace's assistant. She assigned me to be responsible for communicating with the stadium. You can call me...J." Ethan said.

"What are you still discussing? Aren't you still raising funds? When will the competition be held?" Jason Powell looked a little impatient.

He had taken the initiative to ask Grace related questions before, but at that time the competition had just taken shape, and she had delayed it until now, citing the reason of raising funds.

"Yes, sir, the funds have been raised. The competition time is set for January [-]th." Ethan showed enough confidence.

"January [-]th? You should let Santa Claus host this game. I have informed you many times in advance that the staff of the stadium will be evacuated by the end of the year." He responded immediately.

At first glance, this sounds very abnormal. After all, as the stadium manager, it must be that the stadium has more games and earns more usage fees.

But this Jason Powell not only was not prepared to agree to the organizing committee's request, but was also making things difficult.

In fact, this has something to do with the sponsor of the stadium. The independent stadium only undertakes important games from Louisiana State University and some local high schools and middle schools.Just like this independent bowl, these are all tasks arranged by the above.

Ethan feels that most of the usage fees given by the event organizing committee are left to the local community, and Jason Powell and the stadium staff he represents behind him cannot get the compensation they deserve.It's even possible that these stadium workers are working part-time at all.

"I'm sorry you and the stadium staff can't have a relaxing Christmas break and we're willing to triple the cost of labor."

Ethan said that he would pay three times the labor cost, but he did not say that he would give three times the venue usage fee. The total cost was not much higher.

To take a step back, if others give up their vacation for the competition, they should also be given the money.

Sure enough, Jason Powell's attitude finally softened after hearing that the J on the other end of the phone was so generous and good at communicating.

"Grace had said this earlier, so it wouldn't have been delayed until now. It's January [-]th, right?"

"That's right. In addition, the stadium decoration work will start in a few days, and it will also include the dismantling of part of the stands..."

Jason Powell prices accordingly.All problems are solved in the face of money. "Last and most important, from this moment on, the news of the game will be scrolling on the big screen outside the stadium."

"No problem." Jason agreed.

After contacting Jason, Ethan called the head of the local tourism department.

"We have invested millions of dollars, but what has been done locally? You 'lulled' us here and then made us spend money over and over again. Now I can't even apply for a few free billboards. ? If the local area only thinks about counting money after the competition, the organizing committee will internally consider whether to suspend this year's competition." Ethan seemed quite tough. At this time, his tone must be serious and he must put on an angry look. Posture, tell the other party that you may overturn the table at any time, otherwise you will just wait for the other party to kick the ball.

The result was satisfactory, and the other party did not hesitate too much and promised to change the street signs at the stadium this week.

"Very good. I will ask the staff of the organizing committee to hand over the specific promotional design draft to the billboard contractor."

Ethan hung up the phone.

These are just initial publicity, considered a small effort.

At this time, Grace had sorted out the business cards she had received before, and Ethan came downstairs to the office and borrowed the phone at the front desk of the apartment to get in touch with these people.

Contact recipients are also specially selected to select those with the best business card material.

In an era when the Internet was not yet developed, business cards were the face of a business person, especially in industries like ticket brokers where no one knew much about each other.

What Ethan wants to discuss is not a small business, he only looks for the most powerful ticket agents.

"Mr. Ashkenazy, I think you need tickets for the Independence Bowl in one month. I happen to have a large number of first-hand tickets in my hand. There are enough tickets for good seats. I wonder if you are interested?" Ethan Look at the name on the metal business card in your hand.

Not only is this metal business card made of special materials, but its workmanship is also very exquisite, with hollow patterns. It is estimated that the price of one business card is worth as much as a box of others.

"Sorry, I don't know what you are talking about. You called the wrong number." The other party immediately denied it.

Ethan reconfirmed his name and phone number.

"I need to remind you that I am now located near the Independence Stadium." Ethan mentioned again.

"Can you federal agents be more professional? If you try to trick me next time, can you find a bowl game that is sure to be held? I said I don't do this anymore." The other party laughed.

"It seems that you are being targeted by federal agents. Let's talk about the game. I am absolutely sure that the Independence Bowl will be held on January [-]th," Ethan said.

It was only then that Ashkenazy on the other end of the phone was sure that the caller was really related to the Independence Bowl and not a federal agent.

"Boy, you must be a newbie. In our line of work, you have to speak code words." He reminded.

"In addition, I have no interest in the Independence Bowl right now. The people of Los Angeles have withdrawn their funding. This year's Independence Bowl is probably a mess. Who are you going to call? Where did you get my contact information? Do you have tickets to the Sugar Bowl? I am now We only sell Sugar Bowl tickets. According to reliable information, the NCAA will lift Alabama’s ban on bowl games..."

It seems that this Ashkenazy is indeed a professional insider. He knows that the education group has withdrawn its investment, and he still has some connections within the University of Alabama.

"Sir, I'm afraid your information source in Alabama is wrong. The University of Alabama will definitely participate in the Independence Bowl. The news was announced just a few minutes ago." Ethan laughed dryly.

"Real or false?" The other party hesitated and immediately used another mobile phone to confirm.

"Where did you get the tickets? Who is your last family member?" When the other party picked up the phone again a minute later, his tone was full of surprise.

"I didn't go home."

"Are you still interested in Independence Bowl tickets now? If you're not interested, then I have to hang up and make the next call." Ethan adjusted the posture of holding the microphone and said slowly.

It was not the first day that the other party had engaged in this business. From Ethan's few words, he immediately felt that he was not an ordinary ticket seller, but a real first party.

"I'm interested, of course I'm interested! Sir!" Ashkenazy said repeatedly.

"Please wait a moment, I have to go to a place with fewer people." He continued.

"Very good!" The corners of Ethan's mouth raised.

Hosting a bowl game starts with scalping...

(End of this chapter)