NM Stars provide a galaxy of economic opportunities



RR Mayor Tom Swisstack, left, NM Stars owner/gm Dart Clark,

 From the Rio Rancho Observer - BY GLEN ROSALES  - Expectations are high for the New Mexico Stars in this, their inaugural season. Not necessarily on the field — where the success remains to be seen — but in the box office, in the tills around Rio Rancho and even in the community. The Stars kick off their Indoor Football League opener at 3:05 p.m. today at the Santa Ana Star Center. But, in reality, Stars Owner and General Manager Dart Clark began the sales pitch for the team months ago. “First and foremost, Dart came into the marketplace and wanted feedback on the community,” said Matt Geisel, Rio Rancho Convention & Visitors Bureau manager, who helps oversee the Star Center. “He wasn’t afraid to admit what he didn’t know, instead of coming in and saying this is how it was done elsewhere. That’s a positive first step.” The Stars have been advertising locally and in Albuquerque for several months, and that has translated into verifiable numbers in terms of recognition, Geisel said. In a survey during the recent Taste of Rio Rancho event at the Star Center, the team registered a 67.3 percent awareness rating, he said. And the survey showed that 66 percent were highly likely, likely or somewhat likely to attend a Stars game, Geisel said Read more

NM Stars provide a galaxy of economic opportunities