December’s Finest: Marketing and Promotions Edition

Promotions play an important part in enhancing the fan experience and can sometimes be the deciding factor in someone going to a game or not.

Welcome to the Promo Spotlight! Each month I will look at some of the best promotions that have taken place around the sports world and share them with you. Promotions play an important part in enhancing the fan experience and can sometimes be the deciding factor in someone going to a game or not. From ticket specials to giveaways, promotions are a great way to engage fans and give them a little “something extra.”

December is an easy time of year to plan promotions and giveaways around because of the holidays. From holiday giveaways and theme nights to special promos, sports teams delivered on their holiday-themed promotions. Here are some of the best:

University of Central Florida: Ugly Sweater T-Shirt and Knightro Christmas Bobblehead (12/2)

Ugly sweaters have become a holiday staple- sports teams sell them and there are parties dedicated to them. At the December 2nd Women’s Basketball game, UCF handed out ugly sweater t-shirts to the first 400 fans. Like tuxedo t-shirts, these ugly sweater t-shirts are a cost-effective way to get in the holiday spirit. Fans were also encouraged to bring toys for the school’s toy drive. Those who brought a toy were given a Christmas-themed bobblehead of the team’s mascot, Knightro. It’s a great bobblehead for showing both team and Christmas spirit.

Bring a toy to our game on Sunday and get your very own @UCF_Knightro bobblehead!

And we've got ugly sweater t-shirts! pic.twitter.com/B4lFRgxc6U

— UCF Women's Hoops (@UCF_WBB) December 2, 2016

🏄🆙🎅 with December #KnightroBobble!

Bring an unwrapped gift to @UCF_WBB today at 2pm (doors open at 1) in exchange for a bobble! pic.twitter.com/8as9ilPU4T

— UCF Knights (@UCFKnights) December 4, 2016

Seattle Mariners: 12 Days of Giving (various dates 12/8–23)

The Mariners put a great twist on the classic holiday song “The 12 Days of Christmas” with their holiday giveaway. For 12 days, fans had to go to the Mariners Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook accounts to see what the giveaway was and tag a friend they thought would enjoy the giveaway item or experience. Later in the day, a winner was chosen to receive the giveaway. This was a perfect way to incorporate sponsors and help fans with holiday “shopping.”

Starting today, it's 12 Days of Giving —as we help you with gifts for family and friends. Every day, a new prize. We start today on Twitter. pic.twitter.com/uONdEIbQOX

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) December 8, 2016

Everybody knows someone who'd like today's 12 Days of Giving prize. Head over to Instagram to enter them to win. https://t.co/vJ5MyhZdph pic.twitter.com/BgKGDUiU3J

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) December 15, 2016

It's another two-prize day in 12 Days of Giving. The theme: 🏌

Head to Facebook to enter someone to win this one: https://t.co/r9YvIW0KVE pic.twitter.com/EfciyCvdyZ

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) December 22, 2016

Today's other 12 Days of Giving prize is on Instagram. Know someone who'd want it? Enter them here: https://t.co/y4Xam3m3Er pic.twitter.com/vIAuAibw8s

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) December 22, 2016

Still time to enter someone to win today's 12 Days of Giving grand prize. Reply with their handle to the tweet quoted below. 👇🏻 https://t.co/8JFv2E3eJS

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) December 24, 2016

Los Angeles Lakers: Christmas Stocking 12/11

Stockings are a great way to show your team spirit. This Lakers giveaway was the perfect way for helping fans get in the holiday spirit while showing love for the Lake Show.

Get in the spirit and pick up your #LakersHoliday stockings at the door tonight!! pic.twitter.com/nBfcKC7b66

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 12, 2016

San Francisco Giants: #HolidayLou Snapsterpiece (12/14)

The Giants did a phenomenal job with this holiday promotion. Fans were encouraged to follow the team’s SnapChat account, screen shot the image of Lou Seal, and fill in the image with holiday-themed emojis. The fan with the best decorated #HolidayLou won a Madison Bumgarner Nutcracker and autographed ball. It’s a great way to engage fans during the off-season, especially during the holidays. Below are some of the participants with the eventual winner. All images via the San Francisco Giants SnapChat account.

Congratulations @chloej_100, you're our #HolidayLou contest winner! As the Grinch would say, this is "FAAAABULOUS." pic.twitter.com/s6oXsEFpzO

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) December 14, 2016

Memphis Grizzlies: Wrapping Paper 12/20

The Grizzlies did a great job of finding a unique way to help their fans get in the holiday spirit. Gift wrapping is an essential part of the holiday season, and this Grizzlies wrapping paper is perfect for switching up the tradition patterns.

Yet another reason to come to the game tonight: 1st 5,000 fans get 🎄 Wrapping Paper presented by @MercuryPrinting! pic.twitter.com/g1F2LydJRL

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) December 20, 2016