• Loading stock data...
Monday, July 14, 2025

January Promotions and Giveaways Set the Bar for 2017

Georgetown University held their second annual Denim Night on January 25th. Photo courtesy of Chris Grosse.

Georgetown University held their second annual Denim Night on January 25th. Photo courtesy of Chris Grosse.

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.”

2016 was a great year of promotions and giveaways, and 2017 is off to a hot start. Below are January’s best that have set the bar for the rest of the year.

Andre Iguodala VR Bobblehead: Warriors (1/10)

It’s no secret Virtual Reality has taken the world by storm. So much so, the Golden State Warriors made it part of their Andre Iguodala bobblehead. It’s a great way to tie pop culture to sports, especially since the industry is starting to explore more technology use.

Want more great content like this? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter!

In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Warriors’ VP of Digital and Marketing, Kenny Lauer said, “…the bobblehead was a nice tip of the hat to have fun with VR, to align technology with our players and to just have our message that technology is a very important part of how we create experiences.”

Toledo Mud Hen’s Brewfest (1/14)

Beer fests are a staple in the summer, so I love that the Mud Hens decided to host one in the winter. It’s a great non-baseball way to bring people to the ballpark during the off-season. It also gives people the chance to try seasonal beers they might not otherwise get to try and could attract non-baseball fans to the ballpark, which could in turn help bring them out during the season.

I also love that they created a Snapchat filter for the event. It’s a great way to market the event on one of the most popular social media platforms, and gives attendees a fun way to spice up their Snapchat stories.

San Jose Sharks: Joe Thornton Chia (1/21)

Chia pets make a great throwback giveaway. Bringing back the popular item from the 80’s and 90’s to create a current player is a fun, interactive way for fans to get involved with the team. The Washington Nationals started the trend with Jason Werth (2015) and Bryce Harper (2016) Chias to pay tribute to the prominent hair characteristics of their players, and it’s fun to see other teams do the same.

This Joe Thornton Chia from the Sharks is the perfect way to honor the great beard and head of hair their player has. They even created this vintage-y commercial to promote it.

Georgetown University: Jortstown: (1/25)

In a play off the school’s motto, “We are Georgetown”, the Georgetown Marketing Department delivered on this one-of-a-kind theme night. It’s the second year Georgetown has held a tribute to the popular clothing fabric, and fans were encouraged to wear as much denim as possible. The fans decked out in the most denim received denim vests bedazzled with the Georgetown “G” or “Hoyas” on the back. I’m sure Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears are bummed they couldn’t attend.

“We are always trying to come up with themes that the students can get into and enhance their experience, and the denim theme allowed students to dress up for the game while still wearing Georgetown colors (blue and gray). The name ‘We Are Jortstown’ was actually suggested by a student and just fit so perfectly (like your favorite pair of Jorts),” said Chris Grosse, director of marketing.

New Orleans Pelicans: King Cake Baby Bobblehead (1/29)

Mardi Gras is right around the corner, which means king cake will soon be in every Louisiana household. For years, the New Orleans Pelicans have celebrated this special time by bringing in their seasonal mascot, King Cake Baby. Despite comments about how “terrifying” the mascot looks, the Pelicans embrace King Cake Baby when celebrating New Orleans’ most popular holiday. This bobblehead is the perfect way to bring Louisiana’s unique culture and tradition to a sporting event. And besides, who doesn’t love cake?

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLBPA Chief Says League Missing Chance to Build On Success

Union leaders again call out perceived moves toward a salary cap.
exclusive

Cal Raleigh’s $11M Season a Steal As He Slugs His Way Into..

The Mariners star considers himself an everyday guy, while his play isn’t.
Joy Taylor

Joy Taylor Out As FS1 Armageddon Ends Three Shows

All three shows were struggling to attract audiences.
Phillies

Replacements Have MLB at Whopping 80 All-Stars

Players have criticized the replacement process as a popularity contest. 

Featured Today

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Athlos
May 4, 2025

Nike Wants to Pull Off the First Women’s Sub-4:00 Mile

Experts speak on whether Nike’s “moonshot” is realistic or a gimmick.
Jul 19, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., United States; Sheryl Swoopes hosts a WBNA All-Star brunch in honor of her former teammate, Nikki McCray Penson, at Thea in Phoenix on July 19, 2024
May 12, 2025

Sheryl Swoopes: A’ja Wilson Shoe Campaign Shows Nike Sea Change

Nike released the Air Swoopes in 1995.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Apr 12, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; MLB umpire Ron Kulpa (46) calls a third strike during a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field
May 4, 2025

Pro Refs Get Offered Free Lasik for Better Calls. Some Took It

Some pro officials have sprung for the offer for free corrective surgery.
January 15, 2025

State Farm Cancels Planned Super Bowl Ad Amid California Fires Controversy

State Farm’s Super Bowl ad last year featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; From left: Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears on the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
December 17, 2024

A ‘Wave’ of Sports Content Is Coming to TikTok

The next generation is consuming sports in a different way.
Apr 7, 2022; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy (left) and Brooks Koepka set up to putt on no. 9 during the first round of The Masters golf tournament.
November 27, 2024

PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf TV ‘Showdown’ Will Pay Out $10M Crypto..

Two golfers from each tour will face off in Las Vegas.