• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 13, 2025

Tortugas’ “Bob Ross Night” Was More Than Just a “Happy Little Promotion”

From a 5k to a painting class, the team nailed it.

This Bob Ross Bobblehead was only a small part of the Daytona Tortugas’ stellar “Bob Ross Night” on July 15. Photo via the Daytona Tortugas.

If you’re 25 or older, chances are you’re familiar with painter Bob Ross. The legendary painter, known for painting “happy little trees” on his show “The Joy of Painting”, lived in the Daytona, Florida area- not far from where the Daytona Tortugas minor league baseball team plays.

To pay homage to the area-native, the Tortugas, Single-A Advanced Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, held a “Bob Ross Night” on June 15. Festivities included a pre-game painting class, a “Bob Ross Look-a-like” contest, a bobblehead giveaway, and Pictionary. There were also two ticket packages fans could purchase — one that came with a special “Bob Ross Night” t-shirt and one for a pre-game paint class.

Ryan Keur, President of the Tortugas, said the promotion was an immediate hit and really embodied what minor league promotions are all about.

“Immediately it got some really crazy attention all over the place. People were saying it’s one of the best promotions of the year and one of the best bobbleheads ever. Tickets were selling months in advance and people lined up for the bobblehead two-and-a-half hours before the gates opened. It was an awesome night that was really dedicated to Bob Ross.”

The idea for Bob Ross Night came during a “think tank”, a weekly to bi-weekly brainstorming session the Tortugas hold during the off-season. Keur said they’re always trying to think outside the box to put on unique promos that energize fans and gain recognition.

During a discussion about bobbleheads, someone threw out the idea of Bob Ross and “everyone stopped talking,” said Keur. After the front office member expanded on the idea, the whole staff took on the promotion and reached out to Bob Ross Incorporated. That five-minute phone call shaped the promotion and made the night extra special.

There were plenty of painting opportunities throughout the day for fans to take advantage of.

A “happy little 5k” in the morning had areas where participants could stop and paint during the run. A between-inning Pictionary promotion saw a few fans painting on canvases while other fans had to guess what they were painting. However, the painting highlight came during the pre-game paint class, where fans who purchased that ticket package were able to take a paint class taught by Bob Ross certified instructors.

If you have liked this, click the???? to the left or at the end so other people will see this here on Medium.

“We thought it would be really cool to have an event like the ‘wine and paint’ classes, so we decided to open up the gates early [for class participants] and have a class taught by certified instructors who teach how Bob Ross used to paint. It was set up like any paint class with easels and canvases, then after the hour-and-a-half instruction, fans got to walk out with a painting and enjoy a ball game,” Keur said.

One extra-special part of the night came when the Tortugas dedicated a “happy little tree” on their river walk that will “forever be a part of Jackie Robinson Ballpark”. Keur said the team strives to be a part of the community every day and give back, and that it will be cool to see the tree grow.

So how does a team build off a promotion as successful as this one? Two days after Bob Ross Night, on July 17, the Tortugas held “Vince Carter Night” (postponed due to rain), and on July 21, they’re holding “Craig Sager Night.”

As for a Bob Ross follow up, Keur said the Tortugas have already talked with Bob Ross Incorporated about possibly hosting their yearly reunion at the ballpark in 2018. Not only would that be a great sequel to the first Bob Ross night, it’s a great way to build on a partnership.

Be sure to follow the Tortugas to see what other promotions they have this year and find out what’s in store for next year’s Bob Ross Night.


Front Office Sports is a leading multi-platform publication and industry resource that covers the intersection of business and sports.

Want to learn more, or have a story featured about you or your organization? Contact us today.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Misiorowski’s Path From Anonymous to MLB All-Star In 5 Games

The Brewers flamethrower has just five games of major-league experience.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.

All-Star Game Returns to Atlanta With Big Plans After 2021 Exit

The league’s jewel event is set to be a global showcase for The Battery.
Bruce Meyer and Tony Clark of the MLBPA

MLB, Players’ Union Spar Over Salary Cap As Labor Fight Looms

The MLB Players Association’s No. 2 executive outlines what he sees owners doing.

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.
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.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
Gabby Thomas
exclusive
June 12, 2025

Grand Slam Track Cancels Los Angeles Meet As $30 Million Track Start-Up..

Sources close to Grand Slam insist money is not an issue.
June 13, 2025

What Rolapp’s NFL Exit Means—and the Top Candidates to Replace Him

NFL media boss Brian Rolapp leaves; the league hunts for his replacement.
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
May 23, 2025

New LPGA Commissioner: Women’s Golf ‘Really Hard’ to Find on TV

Former PGA of America COO Craig Kessler will lead the tour.
Donald Trump, Nick Saban
May 22, 2025

Proposed Trump College Sports Commission May Never Happen

The White House is not sure of its plans.
May 15, 2025

PGA Championship Tees Off With Free Food, Record Hospitality Sales

General admission includes unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Jun 12, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; St. Louis Blues center Ivan Barbashev (49) and right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Boston Bruins in game seven of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden
May 15, 2025

The 10 Biggest Stanley Cup Upsets of All Time

Since the 1984–1985 NHL season, 10 squads have defied the odds.