The key is to announce a facility's arrival long before its doors open.
Ask some facility consultants, and they'll tell you that grand-opening preparations for a new athletic center or health club should begin months or even years before the doors are unlocked - or before the building is even erected. An early announcement is crucial to later success. Here's how to get a jump on your facility's grand opening:
Be sure to develop a strong list of contacts. This list should include community and civic leaders, local athletic and recreation program administrators, and area high school and college athletic directors. Let them in on the big news that you're planning to build, and keep them updated with regular postcards that denote "milestones of success" in the construction process.
Make a major announcement in local newspapers via press releases and advertisements. Do so well before the first shovel breaks ground, sending the message early on that big plans are underway. Residents might even make a point of driving by the facility's site to monitor progress.
Post progress reports on the future facility's new web site. Also be sure to add signage at the construction site, helping generate additional excitement.
Don't fret. If, for some reason, groundbreaking is delayed after the major media splash, simply leave visual reminders that the facility is still going to be built.
