Did Doc Brown fire up the DeLorean because this feels like the 1950’s.
On Thursday, August 6, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers introduced their “RED” program targeted toward connecting female fans to the NFL team.
The “groundbreaking women’s movement” strives to appeal to women through “original design projects, fashion forward team apparel, and creative culinary creations.” After the announcement, the team’s website featured its first “RED Term of the Week,” which was “play clock.”
Okay, I can only play nice for so long. When I first read about RED, I was skeptical. After checking it out some more, I was insulted (and I’m not even a Buccaneers’ fan). Where should I begin?
Let’s start with the fact that in their announcement, the Buccaneers say that they want to change the way football is enjoyed by all women. Yes, because most women just watch football to comment on the uniforms and players’ butts. Please. How differently do men and women watch football?! I’ve watched in sports bars with guys and girls and we’re all screaming and yelling at the same things.
Next, let’s see how the program is adding football knowledge to their female football fans. If you’ve seen a football game, you know what a play clock is and what it’s used for. These terms should be for children, not real football fans. Don’t worry, ladies. RED also has videos featuring players. For example, a female RED reporter interviewed Buccaneers’ RB, Doug Martin, on what it means to be a running back and run the ball. Sigh.
Probably the worst, and most insulting thing is the “lifestyle” aspect of RED. “…even a RED Lifestyle Lounge session to educate attendees on the art of incorporating their passion for the Bucs into their other lifestyle interests such as tailgating and home.” So ladies, after you make those Captain Fear themed cupcakes in your matching apron, RED suggests that you post them on Pinterest.
I can’t speak for the female Bucs fans out there. Clearly some thought that the program was a good idea because according to the Buccaneers advertising agency, 500 women signed up the first day.
However, the reaction on social media was not the same. Sports Illustrated’s audience engagement editor, Stephanie Haberman shared the program announcement on Twitter with the tweet “What in the name of sexism is this?” NFL Columnist Mike Freeman also took to Twitter to discuss the program by saying, “I find this move by the Buccaneers to be extremely condescending towards women fans. Maybe I’m wrong.”
I have to be honest and call out my own team though. The Baltimore Ravens launched a similar program in 2007 called “Purple.” The biggest difference is that Purple acknowledges that members have varied football knowledge. Purple was the first and largest fan-sanctioned female fan club in the NFL.
Since the creation of Purple, other NFL teams have followed the trend. The 49ers have “The Faithfulistas,” the Colts have the “Blue Ladies,” and the Redskins have the “Women of Washington.” These are just a few teams who have worked to incorporate women in a less demeaning way than the Bucs.
According to the NFL, women make up 43.5 percent of the league’s fan base. Even this year’s Super Bowl was the most-watched show by women of all time with 54 million female viewers. With these numbers, it’s safe to say that women know more than just the basics of football. I mean, the NFL has its first female coach and female referee. These women are actually breaking ground in the league.
If RED was less “Stepford Wives” and more rally and spirit based, I don’t think people (especially women) would be so irritated. With the regular season right around the corner, it will be interested to see how or if the Buccaneers adjust this program.
