Could Promotion-Relegation work in College Football?
By: Meaghan McCloskey, @Meaghan_Mc3
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.”
Klay Thompson/San Jose Sharks Bobblehead — Warriors, 10/6: It’s great when teams in a city show support for each other. I love what Golden State did with this Klay Thompson bobblehead giveaway at their preseason game against the Kings. It’s simple, yet shows city unity and team support.
Canucks: Be a part of the opening video contest 10/15: This is a great example of fan involvement. Opening Night is big in any sport, and the Canucks found the perfect way to incorporate their fans. The team encouraged fans to use the hashtag “#WEAREALLCANUCKS” on Twitter and Instagram for the chance to have their pictures in the Opening Night Video. I couldn’t find the final video, but I’m sure it was a success.
Craig Sager “#SagerStrong” Night — Golden State Warriors, 10/25: The Warriors opened their season by honoring NBA sideline reporter Craig Sager, who has been battling leukemia for the past three years. All fans in attendance received a #SagerStrong shirt, while Turner Sports, who Sager works for, announced they were selling their own #SagerStrong shirts with all proceeds benefiting cancer research and education. There was even an auction that opened (and runs through November 4th) where people can bid on a pair of limited edition SAGERSTRONG Nike Air Force 1s that Sager himself designed (100 pairs are available). This promotion is great on so many levels because the Warriors are using their platform to raise awareness for cancer while supporting a beloved figure in the NBA. Being able to get Sager involved makes it even better. The promotion reminds us there’s more to life than sports and anybody can be affected by cancer.
Bill Torrey Bow Tie Night — New York Islanders (10/26): The Islanders honored their former General Manager, Bill Torrey, by giving bow ties to the first 10,000 fans at their game against the Montreal Canadiens. Torrey, who was known for wearing bow ties, oversaw the teams that won four consecutive Stanley Cups (1980–1983). A bow tie is the perfect way to pay tribute to the man who built the organization and oversaw some of its most successful years.
MLB and Taco Bell’s World Series “Steal a base, Steal a Taco”: It’s really hard not to like this promotion. Not only do people get a free taco, it’s a great way for a league to work with a sponsor during the biggest series of the season. If any player on either participating team stole a base during the World Series, Taco Bell said they would give out free Doritos Locos Tacos. During Game 1, Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor stole a base, thus giving America free tacos on November 2nd from 2–6pm.
