Websites using Bluesombrero

Okay, let s break down Blue Sombrero, covering its overview, revenue (estimated), alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

What is Blue Sombrero? (Overview)

Blue Sombrero was a popular website builder and sports team management platform designed specifically for youth sports organizations. It provided tools for:

• Website Creation: Easy-to-use website templates tailored for sports leagues, teams, and clubs.
• Registration: Online registration tools to collect player information and fees.
• Scheduling: Scheduling games, practices, and events.
• Communication: Email and text messaging features to keep parents and players informed.
• Team Management: Rosters, stats, and other team-related information.
• Payment Processing: Securely collect fees online.

Important Update: Blue Sombrero Was Shut Down!

Blue Sombrero was discontinued on December 31, 2022. It was acquired by DICK S Sporting Goods and its features were integrated into the Sports Connect platform. So, while Blue Sombrero itself no longer exists, its functionality lives on (in a modified form) within Sports Connect.

Revenue (Estimated - Pre-Shutdown)

• Because Blue Sombrero was a privately held company (owned by DICK S Sporting Goods), precise revenue figures were not publicly available.
• Estimating revenue is difficult without official numbers. However, based on the number of users and pricing models (see below), it s reasonable to assume that Blue Sombrero generated several million dollars in annual revenue.

Alternatives (Since Blue Sombrero No Longer Exists):

Given that Blue Sombrero is gone, here are the primary alternatives to consider if you re looking for similar functionality:

• Sports Connect: (DICK S Sporting Goods): This is the most direct successor to Blue Sombrero. It absorbed the features of Blue Sombrero and offers a comprehensive suite of tools for sports organizations. Keep in mind that some former Blue Sombrero users have voiced concerns about the transition to Sports Connect, including potential cost increases and changes in functionality.
• LeagueApps: Another well-established platform for sports leagues and organizations. It offers similar features to Blue Sombrero/Sports Connect, including website building, registration, scheduling, communication, and payment processing.
• TeamSnap: A popular choice, particularly for team management. It has excellent mobile apps and focuses on communication and organization.
• Jersey Watch: A more modern and focused platform, built for youth sports, schools, and clubs. They include features like Team Websites, Online Registration, Scheduling, Team Communication, and Mobile Apps. They also include advanced features like background check integrations, automated payment plans, and fundraising tools.
• Demosphere: Offers league management software solutions for sports clubs.
• Stack Team App: A free (with paid options) mobile-first platform focused on team communication, scheduling, and RSVP management. While it doesn t have full website building, it s a solid option for teams on a budget.
• Other Options: There are many smaller players in this market, so research is key. Consider platforms like Exposure Events, Affinity Sports, Bonzi, SportsEngine (NBC Sports), and TeamSideline.

Choosing an Alternative:

When selecting an alternative, consider these factors:

• Features: Does it offer all the functionality you need (website, registration, scheduling, communication, payments)?
• Ease of Use: Is it user-friendly for administrators, coaches, parents, and players?
• Pricing: Is it affordable for your organization s budget? Consider setup fees, monthly fees, per-player fees, and transaction fees.
• Customer Support: Is customer support responsive and helpful?
• Integrations: Does it integrate with other tools you use (e.g., accounting software)?
• Mobile Apps: Are there good mobile apps for coaches, parents, and players?
• Reviews: Read online reviews from other users.

Pricing (for Alternatives - General Guidance):

• Pricing varies significantly depending on the platform, the number of users, and the features required.
• Some platforms offer tiered pricing plans, with basic features available at a lower price and more advanced features requiring a higher subscription.
• Be sure to carefully review the pricing structure and understand all the costs involved before making a decision.

Customer Care Details (for Alternatives - General Advice):

• Research Customer Support: Before committing to a platform, investigate their customer support options.
• Check for:
  • Phone Support: Is phone support available, and what are the hours?
  • Email Support: How quickly do they respond to email inquiries?
  • Live Chat: Is live chat support available?
  • Knowledge Base/Help Center: Do they have a comprehensive knowledge base or help center with articles and tutorials?
  • Training Materials: Do they offer training materials to help you learn how to use the platform?
• Read Reviews: Pay attention to reviews that mention customer support experiences.
• Trial Period: If possible, take advantage of a free trial period to test the platform and its customer support.

In summary:

While Blue Sombrero itself is no longer an option, the need for youth sports management software remains. Sports Connect is the closest successor, but other alternatives like LeagueApps, TeamSnap, and Jersey Watch offer competitive features and pricing. Thoroughly research and compare platforms to find the best fit for your organization s specific needs. Pay close attention to pricing and customer support.