Termed the “Ultimate Standings,” ESPN has compiled its 7th annual franchise rankings list based on several components such as Bang for the Buck, Stadium Experience and Fan Relations (go here for full methodology).  All 122 teams in the four major sports get analyzed by way of fan surveys and expert analysis of team operations.  This year, Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels have prevailed as the decisive champion of the fans. 

Fans love the experience of going to Angels games, in particular the friendliness that extends from ticket takers to food vendors to parking lot attendants (Fan Relations: No. 8; Stadium Experience: 16). Even more, they love the 75 promotions in 81 home dates this year, with giveaways ranging from Rally Monkey banks to nacho chip platters to Bobby Grich replica jerseys.

All of these, of course, are very crucial aspects of business in sport as our current state of economic turmoil dictates how we fans spend our money; although ESPN does remark that the “Halos” have had a great handle on the needs and wants of their fans even before the country’s money crises.  The Angels rank highest in the Title Track category, which measures a team’s penchant and/or potential for championship contention (tied with 2 other teams).

Their complete rankings break down like this:

Affordability: 5
Coaching: 5
Fan Relations: 8
Ownership: 11
Players: 14
Stadium Experience: 16
Bang for the Buck: 6

Congrats to the Halos for excelling in fan-friendly and wallet-pleasing entertainment.  For the complete list of rankings with sortable categories, visit Ultimate Standings 2009.

Source:
Ultimate Standings: Los Angeles Angels [ESPN.com]

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