A lot of announcers work on their openings, their introductions, their in-game announcements, but so much is forgotten about the end of the night when fans have enjoyed themselves, the game is over, but something is still needed to give the night a complete closure.

There are some announcers who, once the game is over, pack up and leave.  There are game operations pros who do the same.  Though this is a perfect time to get one last announcement, and to thank all those who came out.  That’s the close.

Imagine you attend a party.  Several times throughout the night, the hosts made small talk with you and the other guests but when it comes time for people to leave at the end of the night, you just pick up your jacket and leave.  Seems like something is missing.  Well, the same thing is true for sports events.  At the end of the game, announcers should always, at the very least, thank fans for their attendance.  But this is a good opportunity to grab fans to come back.

After the game is over, the important points to a solid close are:

• Thank the fans for their attendance
• Next game
• Next home game
• Upcoming promotions
• How or where you can buy tickets
• Team’s web site

There are people who feel that this is unnecessary because the fans are leaving.  Most facilities have sound systems that extend further than the event floor and fans will hear this close on the concourse or even outside the gates.  In other cases, people will linger where they can still hear the announcer.  Even if people are having to ascend and descend stairs to get out, they’re still fairly captive as they wait for people in front of them to leave.

The key is to make it a soft sell, don’t hard-sell the fans to make it feel they have to come back, but let them know what they may want to know.

“The Stallions will be home next Tuesday for Dollar Night, get tickets, select concessions and a special souvenir item for just one dollar.  Purchase your advanced Dollar Night tickets tonight at the ticket offices located near all exits to the stadium, or get your tickets at the stadium Tuesday night.  For more information on all upcoming games and events, call (202) 555-1212 or visit www.SportsTeamWebsite.com.”

After you complete the soft sell, thank people for coming.

“Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the entire staff and crew here at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex and with USA Hockey, I’m Public Address announcer Jarrod Wronski.  We’d like to thank you all for coming out to tonight’s game, and we ask that you all please, drive home safely.  Thank you.”

Combine those and you have a solid ending that takes maybe a minute but gives the fans a feeling of completion, whether or not they notice it.  It’s always nice to thank people for coming to your event and wishing them the best.  It’s common courtesy!