A great way to enhance a Minor League Baseball partnership is to host a sweepstakes in the ballpark. Branded trivia contests during the game with questions about the sponsor’s products or about baseball is a great way to get the word out and for fans to learn more about the sponsor and it’s products. These contests are designed to feel like “part of the game” and fan’s interest is peaked by their ability to win prizes, tickets, etc.
Presenting Game Sponsorships -
This is an opportunity for a sponsor partner to “own” the ballpark and receive maximum exposure for a game. A game sponsorship could include a ceremonial first pitch, celebrity appearance, sampling or coupon distribution, branded fan giveaways, on-field promotion, hospitality, etc. This is a chance to make a lasting impression with Minor League Baseball fans.
Celebrity Appearances -
An appearance by a big league baseball celebrity can enhance a game sponsorship and generate excitement with the fans as well as the local media. The celebrity can appear on behalf of the sponsor partner and hold a press conference, sign autographs, take pictures with fans, throw out the first pitch along with a sponsor rep or attend a private hospitality event hosted by the sponsor partner.
Hospitality Events -
Hospitality events such as private ballpark picnics or luxury suite parties provide a great opportunity for sponsors to leverage their Minor League Baseball partnership to entertain key retailers, customers or employees and to recognize them during the sponsored game. This can also include appearances and autograph signings by team players, coaches or mascots.
Retail Tie-ins -
Partnering with local retail outlets is often a good strategy for Minor League Baseball sponsor partners. This offers a chance to leverage the captive audience at the ballparks and drive them to retail partners. Creative use of ballpark handouts and coupons, team mascots and players, celebrity appearances and more can enhance a partnership with Minor League Baseball and create a win-win for the sponsor and their retail partner.
Branded Vehicle Display -
A great way to extend the exposure of an existing branded vehicle tour is to bring the tour to Minor League Baseball ballparks. These vehicles can be set up at the front gate of the stadium or on the concourse during the games, providing tremendous exposure for the sponsor partner and hands-on experience for fans and future customers.
Product Sampling -
Minor League Baseball provides a great vehicle for hand-to-hand sampling and a great atmosphere for fans to learn more about the sponsor’s products. Sponsor partners can distribute product samples to fans as they enter the ballpark, during the game, or as they exit.
Premium Giveaways -
A great way to generate excitement for your game sponsorship, premium/souvenir items such as baseballs, t-shirts and other novelty items can also be personalized with your company logo for added exposure.
Outfield Billboard Signage -
These dominant pieces of signage are among the most popular and effective methods of advertising in the ballpark, and are usually the first to sell out each season. Dimensions vary, but the standard size is 8′ high x 16′ wide.
Other Ballpark Signage -
Other signage options in the ballpark include the scoreboard, message board, stadium concourse, stadium facades, dugout tops, concession stands, and more.
Print Advertising -
Minor League Baseball teams distribute a number of different materials to fans throughout the season, such as game programs, year books, season schedules, scorecards and season-ticket mailers. Each of these pieces provide sponsor partners with the opportunity to place advertisements or promote their upcoming sponsored event in the ballpark.
On-Field Promotions -
This is what Minor League Baseball is famous for and what its fans have come to expect! Fun promotions or contests conducted on the field between innings are a great way for a sponsor partner to get its message and brand across in a fun, non-invasive way.
Tie-Ins with Existing Partnerships -
Minor League Baseball parks provide a great atmosphere to leverage publicity for an existing charity tie-in, consumer program or other partnerships.