Membership breaks 10,000 at Tinkler's Newcastle Jets

The Hunter Sports Group owned Newcastle Jets have reached their goal of 10,000 members just weeks into the A-League season.

Using IMG STG's membership module, they now have the second highest membership numbers in the A-League, behind only the Melbourne Victory.

Hunter Sport Group have identified membership as a key driver to sustainable growth, and chose the IMG STG membership platform as the best option to take their membership offering to higher levels.

IMG STG worked closely with the Jets to build a comprehensive online membership portal. It provides easy access for fans to view the packages on offer, and complete their purchase online in the minimum number of steps.

The flexibility of the IMG STG membership module to cater for the various package and seating options was a key feature for the Jets.

The Hunter Sports Group consolidation in the Newcastle area saw Newcastle Knights become part of Nathan Tinkler's growing sport portfolio in early August

Despite media speculation that the deal was danger of falling through, final arrangements included a $20-million bank guarantee and a payment of more than $6-million in liabilities.

The handover was completed five days ahead of the revised 10th August deadline, but the Hunter Sports Group Chief Executive Troy Palmer said Nathan Tinkler's ownership of Newcastle's NRL club would ensure Knights members and supporters could feel confident of challenging for a premiership every year.

Palmer explained "whether we win the grand final or not, I want to make sure we're very optimistic at the start of each season, and with the base we have this year and what we're building for next year, I think you'll find that we will be competitive."

The Knights were now free of debt for the first time in their existence with Hunter Sports Group focussing on daily business operations.

Further growth within the Hunter Sports Group may well see Tinkler revive plans for a national league netball side in the Hunter region.

The potential club has been backed by Australian netball coach Lisa Alexander who says that the area is crying out for the intervention, citing the passion show by local netball fans during the recent Test against England at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

Alexander highlighted the great potential for an elite side in the region, stating "this area has such a history in terms of sporting teams, festivals and contests it seems that one day we could get a national league team here.

"I think the Newcastle population is crying out for top-level sport of this nature and we're mindful of that, and mindful of the history and culture of netball in Newcastle."

The Newcastle region last had a national league side, the Hunter Jaegers, in 2007.

For more information on the IMG STG membership module contact 03 9864 1111, E: sales@imgstg.com

18th May 2011 - HUNTER SPORTS GROUP UNVEILED

29th September 2010 - EDWARDS TAKES THE REINS AT NEWCASTLE JETS