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Rob Concannon's journey from hockey player to president of the South Carolina Stingrays is a testament to Charleston's magnetic pull. After arriving in 1995 as a player for the Stingrays, a friend's prophetic words—"if you go to Charleston, you will never move home"—proved remarkably accurate. Nearly three decades later, Rob has transformed from a "mouthy" left-winger to the visionary leader behind the Stingrays' remarkable success.
The conversation reveals how the Stingrays have mastered the art of sports marketing in a competitive landscape. Rob explains their creative approach to themed promotional nights, from Star Wars extravaganzas to Bluey appearances that draw thousands of families who might not otherwise attend hockey games. "In minor league sports," he notes, "you have to become creative in terms of attracting fans." This strategy has paid dividends as attendance soars and community excitement builds around the team's record-breaking season—52 wins, 109 points, and the prestigious Bradham Cup as regular-season champions.
Community engagement emerges as the heartbeat of the Stingrays' organization. The team's commitment to "Tikamolam"—repairing the world—manifests through their "Community Assist of the Game" program supporting local nonprofits, school visits, reading programs, and countless other initiatives that forge meaningful connections throughout the Lowcountry. These efforts aren't mere publicity stunts but genuine expressions of the organization's values, established by former owners Anita and Jerry Zucker and carried forward by current owner Todd Halloran.
As the Stingrays head into the playoffs with home-ice advantage, Rob balances present excitement with future planning. The team's participation in "ECHL Unfiltered," a documentary offering unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, further demonstrates their innovative approach to fan engagement. Whether discussing marketing strategies,
MPCC Business and Community Expo 9/18/25
Please join us for our 15th annual Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Expo, driven by Crews Subaru at the Omar Shrine Convention Center.
New this year--a job fair, our Building Business Podcast will be live onsite, and more.
Don't miss out on the Super Bowl of Networking @ Omar Shrine 11:00 am - 5:00
Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions
Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association
Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,
Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising
Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse
Art Director: Taylor Ion
CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase
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