2012 Media and Partnership Guide

2012Media andPartnership

Guide

The NCFD Farm Club baseball complex and the Bowie Baseball Academy are striving to provide affordable andprofessional style baseball venues for youth and adult baseball players throughout the Central Texas community.

The creation of the NCFD Farm Club is to provide theAustin, San Antonio area communities with access tobaseball practice and game fields at a professional levelthat does not exist in this region. The NCFD Farm Clubcurrently has five pro-style practice infields with battingcages, six 12U age stadium baseball fields and a 6,000sq ft indoor training facility operated by former majorleague baseball player Micah Bowie.

The facility is built on farm land in the Zorn arealocated just outside the city limits of San Marcos, Texas.Our location is centrally located just off Hwy 123 andonly ten minutes from IH 10 in Seguin and IH 35 in SanMarcos.

The design of the NCFD Farm Club complex is basedon years of research and experience by NCFDʼs

president, Earl Studdard. Earl has interviewed designersof baseball complexes and grounds keepers throughoutthe country including Nolan Ryanʼs minor league RoundRock Express. Texas State University also played a bigpart in helping to shape the design of the complex. Earlʼscoaching experience and his coordination of the construc-tion of five baseball fields for the New Braunfels LittleLeague helped develop the knowledge of what it takes tobuild a player, coach and fan friendly baseball complex.The complex will enable a coach to use a practice infieldand batting cage to warm up their team before a game.The dugouts and stands will have water mist cooling fansto help everyone battle the Texas summer heat. Safetyfor the players and fans has been designed into everyarea of the complex to provide a great safe visit to thecomplex for all.

Teams currently playing in select baseball tournamentshave to travel to Houston or Dallas to play in tournamentsheld on fields comparable to our complex. Parents ofplayers on local teams arevery excited about havinga baseball complex of thismagnitude in our commu-nity. The San Marcos areaoffers many tourist interestsbut also that small towndraw that will lure teamsfrom outside our communityto come and play in ourtournaments throughout theyear.

2 • Farm Club/April 2012

INTRODUCTIONNorth Carolina Furniture Direct Farm Club

MISSION STATEMENT

By Betty TaylorThe Herald-Zeitung

ay Kinsella would be proud. The Iowa corn farmer,played by Kevin Costner in the movie “Field of Dreams,”

heard voices urging him to build a baseball diamond in hiscorn field.

If Kinsella heard whispers, Earl Studdard, president ofNorth Carolina Furniture Direct and founder of the newNorth Carolina Furniture Direct Farm Club, must have heardshouts.

On 88 acres along Old Zorn Road near San Marcos,Studdard is building a baseball complex that eventually willinclude 19 professional-grade stadium fields.

“This is a dream come true,” said Studdard, who playedhigh school baseball and whose son, Drew, plays baseball asa freshman at Texas Lutheran University. “The rewards willbe huge for the youth that will make lifelong memorieshere on the baseball fields.

“Baseball is a family game. It is a team sport. You win andlose as a team. You have fun as a team.”

Studdard wants that fun to extend beyond the players. Hewants the coaches and umpires to have fun, too. Knowingmost of the professional-grade baseball complexes foryouth were located in the Dallas and Houston areas, Stud-dard relied on his retail background to come up with a plan,and what a plan it was.

In 2008, he bought the 88 acres of cow pastures. TheKevin Costner baseball movie reference is not lost on him.“We talked about planting some corn just to have corn bythe stadium fields,” he said.

“This is a dream come true. The rewards will be huge for the youth that will make lifelongmemories here on the baseball fields.” ~ EEaarrll SSttuuddddaarrdd

FIELDINGA DREAM

Businessman buildingbaseball complex for allages near San Marcos

R

(Continued on page 10)

Farm Club/April 2012 • 3

Photo by David Short�San Marcos Daily Record

creo

Diamondsin theRough

Field View

Hanging the Sign Marking the Field

The Stands Concession

creo

Pressbox Dugout

Putting the Lights Up

creo

Youth baseball continues to grow despite the currenteconomic conditions. Currently over 2.6 million childrenplay organized baseball or softball nationwide, accord-ing to Little League Baseball.Youth baseball tournaments hosted by select teams

in our area now have to split their games between areahigh schools and limited city fields. This creates difficultlogistic issues for players, coaches,game officials and families. Thelargest Little League complex in ourarea is the New Braunfels LittleLeague, which does not allow selectbaseball to play at their facility.Our baseball complex will be the

largest baseball only complex in theGulf Coast region with room for ex-

pansion as demand requires it. Complex 1 was com-pleted in 2010 and has 5 pro-style practice infields withbatting cages, 8 prostyle bullpens, information centerand a 6,000 square foot indoor training facility.Complex 3 which was completed in 2012 has six 12U

stadium fields with 500 + seating at each field and a6,300 sq ft concession and office building. Complex 4

will be our next to build which will featuretwo 18U/ 13U stadium fields and four 12Ustadium fields. This should be completedby the middle of 2013. Complex 2 will fea-ture two 18U/ College stadium fields with2000 + seat capacity, two 18U/ 13U stadiumfields and three 12U stadium fields. Com-plex 2 should be completed by the end of2014.


Baseball As An Industry

Strengths and Core CompetenciesThe design of the NCFD Farm Club complex gives priority recognition to the needs of coaches,

players and parents. The coaches have access to warm up practice infields with batting cages toget teams ready for their game. Each game field features pro-style dugouts, bullpens, warningtrack and big league style lighting. The parents will have covered seating to protect them from thehot summer sun and South Texas heat. Parking is centrally located for each complex. Conces-sion stands and bathrooms offer many comfort features to provide a pleasant and enjoyable visit.

creo

Marketing PlanWe will have various avenues of marketing including local media cov-

erage on the web, television, radio and newspaper stories to promote ourevents and sponsors of the NCFD Farm Club. North Carolina FurnitureDirect has developed a great relationship with local media in San Marcos,New Braunfels, Seguin, Kyle, Austin and San Antonio that will be verybeneficial in promoting the Farm Club and itʼs activities. We will also bepromoting our complex via our electronic billboards at our NC FurnitureDirect retail store in San Marcos.

The growth potential of youth baseball in our market is huge. With the right marketing plan and vision for thebaseball complex we can become the center for all youth baseball in this area. We have no competition any-where in our immediate area consequently enhancing our very unique business as a profitable endeavor for all in-volved.

MarketThe NCFD Farm Club direct market includes the New Braunfels, Seguin, San Marcos, Kyle, Austin and San

Antonio areas. Teams from all over Texas including South Texas, Dallas and Houston have told us of their inter-est in playing at our new facility. Currently we have nearly every weekend scheduled from April to November tohost a baseball tournament with the top four select youth Baseball organizations in the country. These organiza-tions include the Super Series, USSSA, Triple Crown and Travelers. Each tournament will have at least 42 teamsand will have several thousand visitors for the 2 to 3 day events.

The San Marcos, Seguin and New Braunfels area combined have over 180 youth baseball teams active inleague play. Area high schools, colleges and select baseball teams have over 100 teams which are active yearround. As more families move to our communities the demand for baseball fields will far exceed the capacities ofthe local leagues.

Business PhilosophyThe NCFD Farm Clubʼs business philosophy is

to provide affordable and professional style baseballfacilities to the Central Texas area. We will upholda facility that offers the finest select baseball fieldsin Texas.


creo

G

I

FENWAYREPLICAFIELDS

Aerial View oCompletion of NC

DugoutBullpenCovered StandsDining AreaCovered Stands

ABCDE

creo

w of Projectedf NCFD Farm Club

WRIGLEYREPLICAFIELDS

PressboxBig Green MonsterScoreboardLights

FGHI

A

C

DF

E

H

B

creo


Studdard wants that fun to extend beyond the players. He wants thecoaches and umpires to have fun, too. Knowing most of the professional-grade baseball complexes for youth were located in the Dallas and Houstonareas, Studdard relied on his retail background to come up with a plan, andwhat a plan it was. In 2008, he bought the 88 acres of cow pastures. TheKevin Costner baseball movie reference is not lost on him. “We talked aboutplanting some corn just to have corn by the stadium fields,” he said.

The first thing Studdard did is build Complex 1 — the portion that in-cludes five practice infields, each with a covered batting cage. There also areeight bullpens, which like the infields, are designed to accommodate playersfrom the very young to adults.

It all blended into the NCFD Farm Club’s overall mission — to provide af-fordable, professionalstyle baseball venues for baseball players throughoutthe Central Texas community.

The practice infields were designed to mirror major league practice fields,allowing players and coaches to get the maximum benefits of practice time.“This is where the scouts will stand to watch,” Studdard said, pointing to aspot behind the bullpen fence.

Complex 1 also is the sight of the 6,000 squarefoot Bowie Baseball Acad-emy. The training building is owned and operated by former major leaguebaseball player Micah Bowie. The academy offers private instruction as wellas special events, such as last summer’s Legends for Youth Clinic that fea-tured former major league players.

Five youth select teams from New Braunfels already practice at the FarmClub, which has hosted practice for Texas Lutheran players and in the nearfuture will also host practices for Texas State University club baseballers.

Complex 2 will include four high school-college level stadium (profession-

algrade) fields. Complex 3 will include nine 12U (12- and-under division)fields. Complex 4 will include two high school fields and four 12U fields.

“When it is finished, it will include 19 stadium fields,” Studdard said.The projected completion date for the entire complex is 2014. Studdard

expects construction on Complex 3 to be completed by late April.Offering stadium-style seating, professional dugouts, a 6,300 squarefoot

concession building and a bullpen at every field, Complex 3 offers the com-plete baseball experience.

“This field will be our replica of Fenway Field,” Studdard said, pointing to afield on the other side of the concession stand he hopes mirrors the home ofthe Boston Red Sox. “We will have a replica of the Green Monster that willbe 16 feet high. This will be our home run park. York Creek is right on theother side. If they hit a home run, they will hit it into York Creek.”

The design of the complex pays attention to every aspect of the game.Part of the concession building will include a locker room for umpires.Grandparents will be able to enjoy limousine golf cart rides to and from thestadium fields.

“We got that idea in Phoenix, because the fields are so far away from theparking lot there,” Studdard said.

That won’t be the case at the Farm Club. But just the same, Studdardwants to make sure everyone who comes out to the complex enjoys the day... a day at the old ball game.

For information about North Carolina Furniture Direct Farm Club, 605 OldZorn Road, visit the Farm Club website at www.ncfdfarmclub.com.Teams will be able to rent the practice fields, which will also be available forevents and birthday parties.

• Dream(Continued from page 3)

Demographic info for NCFD Farm Club*Demographics pulled from a 100 mile radius of NCDF Farm Club

Total Population: 4,223,270

Median Resident Age: 31.3 years old

Average Household Size: 2.68 people

Median Household Income: $63,210

Average 25 + year olds with a Highschool Diploma: 85.4%

Average 25 + year olds with a Bachelors Degree: 35.64%

# of Kids 5 and under: 314,305 > 7.5% of total population

# of Kids 18 and under: 1,072,711 > 25.4% of total population*Direct demographics of our complex make up a combined total of over 33% of the total population in a 100 mile radius.

creo


RBI Package $750Field Sign4 x 8 Sign on one of 6 fields along the outfield fence.

NCFD Farm Club Website ListingYour business listing and link back to your website to make driving traffic back to your front door easier.

Program ListingBusiness categorized listing in our free-take home program that will be delivered to all participants and fans.

Promotional GiveawayGive away your company branded marketing pieces at the games and tournaments.This allows you to reach our fans and your new prospective customers in a fun and memorable way.

Additional Options will be available to you for purchaseas one of our Top Tier Sponsors.These options will include:

Sponsorship Packages2012 NCFD Farm Club Media Guide

• Concession Sign• Common Area Sign• Website Banner Ad• Program Advertising• Sponsorship of Childrenʼs Activity Book• Sponsorship of Tournament Score Books• Batters Eye Sign (8 x 8)

creo

Double Play Package $1,500Field Sign4 x 8 Sign on one of 6 fields along outfield fence.


NCFD Farm Club Website Banner AdAdvertise your brand and your business to our players, coaches, parents and all other spectators and fans.

¼ page Full Color Ad in NCFD Farm Club ProgramShowcase your business and gain new customers in this magazine style glossy publication with a full color ad inour free official program. The program will be passed out to all spectators and participants at no charge to takehome with them as a souvenir.

Program ListingBusiness categorized listing in our free take-home program that will be delivered to all participants and fans.

Promotional GiveawayGive away your company branded marketing pieces at the games and tournaments. This allows you to reach ourfans and your new prospective customers in a fun and memorable way.

Sponsorship of Children’s Activity GuideThis activity guide will serve as hours of fun for kids at the park and at home. This is a take home publicationfor little ones and their parents to stay entertained.

Additional Options will be available to you for purchaseas one of our Double Play Sponsors.

These options will include:


• Press Box Sign• Concession Sign• Common Area Sign• Batters Eye Sign• Sponsorship of Tournament Score Book

creo

Home Run Package $4,000NCFD Farm Club Website ListingYour business listing and link back to your website to make driving traffic back to your front door easier.


½ page Full Color Ad in NCFD Farm Club ProgramShowcase your business and gain new customers in this magazine style glossy publication with a full color ad inour free official program. The program will be passed out to all spectators and participants at no charge to takehome with them as a souvenir.

Program ListingBusiness categorized listing in our free take-home program that will be delivered to all participants and fans.

Promotional GiveawayGive away your company branded marketing pieces at the games and tournaments. This allows you to reach ourfans and your new prospective customers in a fun and memorable way.

Sponsorship of Tournament Score BookYour Business Logo in Full Color on the front cover of our Score Books used by tournament teams and coaches.

Batters Eye Sign (8 x 8)Our largest sponsor sign strategically placed on the green metal batters eye fence in Center Field

Additional Options will be available to you for purchase as one of our Home Run Sponsors.These options will include:

• Press Box Sign• Concession Sign• Common Area Sign• Scoreboard Sign/ Field Naming Rights• Sponsorship of Childrenʼs Activity Guide


creo

Grand Slam Package $7,500Field Naming RightsPress Box Signs (2 x 8)4 signs listing your business to every angle of the field and its spectators.

Scoreboard Sign & Field Naming RightsNaming rights to one of our game fields while showcasing your business front and center on its scoreboard.



Full Page Full Color Ad in NCFD Farm Club ProgramShowcase your business and gain new customers in this magazine style glossy publication with a full color ad in ourfree official program. The program will be passed out to all spectators and participants at no charge to take homewith them as a souvenir.

Program ListingBusiness categorized listing in our free take-home program that will be deliveredto all participants and fans

Promotional GiveawayGive away your company branded marketing pieces at the games and tourna-ments. This allows you to reach our fans and your new prospective customersin a fun and memorable way.

Choice Sponsorship of either Children’s Activity Guide or Tournament Score Book

Additional Options will be available to youfor purchase as one of our Grand Slam Sponsors.

These options will include:

• Concession Sign• Common Area Sign


creo


Diamond Food Sponsorship $5,000Press Box Sign (4 x 4)4 signs promoting your Food and your Business**** Designated/ sponsored eating areas at one of the Fields

Concession Signs (4 x 4)Signs placed either inside or out advertising your business and your food.

NCFD Farm Club Website ListingYour business listing and link back to your website to make driving traffic back toyour front door easier.

NCFD Farm Club Website Banner AdAdvertise your brand and your business to our players, coaches, parents and allother spectators and fans.

½ page Full Color Ad in NCFD Farm Club ProgramShowcase your business and gain new customers in this Magazine style glossy

publication with a full color ad in our Free official program. The Program will be passed out to all spectators andparticipants at no charge to take home with them as a souvenir.

Program ListingBusiness categorized listing in our free take home program that will be delivered to all participants and fans

Promotional GiveawaysGive away your company branded marketing pieces at the games and tournaments. This allows you to reach ourfans and your new prospective customers in a fun and memorable way.

**** Arrangements made to sell Sponsors food product at concession stand by NCFD Farm Club (allset up and take down will be provided by NCFD) **** Designated/ sponsored eating areas at Field

Additional Options will be available to you for purchase as one of our Diamond Sponsors.These options will include:

Press Box SignCommon Area SignScoreboard Sign/ Field Naming RightsSponsorship of Childrenʼs Activity Guide

creo

Earl Studdard PresidentKayla Royal

512-667-4642 cell512-353-2200 office

Complex 3 GrandOpening

Business Development

Documents

2012 Media and Partnership Guide