Don’t Get Mad, Get the PR Team Involved

Last night, the Golden State Warriors swept the Utah Jazz in the NBA Western Conference Semifinals (that’s basketball, Abbie and Rachel).
But though its basketball team lost, Utah’s capital city of Salt Lake City won big, thanks – no doubt – to some fast thinking and creativity by its communications team.
You see, during the series, some of the more colorful Warriors players (both with Arizona connections, by the way, and neither a starter) complained to the press about the “ lack of nightlife” in Salt Lake City.
Rather than get mad, the city’s tourism officials used the news pegs to launch a new website and video sarcastically titled, “There’s nothing to do in Salt Lake.” But, if you check it out here, there is SO MUCH to do. Thus far, the video has been headline news with ESPN, ABC, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, Business Insider, the Washington Post and about a million other traditional and new media worldwide. It’s a tourism campaign launch that literally no money could buy.
My hat is off to their team – I am already planning a trip out.
Oh, and despite the two Warriors’ comments, I am still cheering for them to win the championship because…Steph Curry.