So one day in class, we were discussing something completely unrelated to sports, and, as most of my ideas are created, I stumbled upon this great idea that could be used by any sports team on any level. When I picture it, however, I like to think of it taking place where all of the truly great promotions take place: at the minor league baseball park.
So the idea is: a yard sale! No no no, not those silly little yard sales where you sell off your junk claiming they’re antiques. This is a yard sale which is really just a series of free giveaways of…well that’s the fun part. I picture there being 18 prizes given away, one at each break between half-innings, and the prizes progressively get better.
As fans enter the stadium, they receive a lottery number, or it could be done by what seat you’re sitting in, however you wish to do it. So, the first prize, for example, could be something completely silly: a blade of grass from the outfield, a dirty sock from your star player, a hug from the mascot, you name it. Something that would get the crowd laughing and into it a little. Then, you work your way up to better things. A free hot dog at the concession stand. The batting glove of the clean-up hitter. A game ball. A free 4 pack of tickets for another game. An item from the team store. 1st base. An autographed item. 2nd base. Season tickets. $1. Anyways, you get the point. Then the final prize could be something from the company who is sponsoring the promotion, like a 3 night stay with a certain hotel chain, a new car (if you’re really lucky and the sponsor obliges), or a trip to see your MLB affiliate play.
Basically, this is a great way to get people to come out all googly eyed hoping to win some free prizes. The goofy prizes keep the crowd entertained even if they don’t win, and the cool prizes keep the crowd interested, hoping that they are the next lucky fan. Even better, if you make it clear the jackpot prize will be given away at the end of the game, you better believe the fans are going to stick around and make sure they don’t miss their name being called. It may actually help if you go ahead and tell them what the Grand Prize is, so they know it’s worth it.
So there ya go, just another idea I thought of somewhat randomly that could help your organization put some butts in the seats and make sure all of the fans are having a jolly time at the ballpark. Let me know what you think!
{ 2 trackbacks }