The Cleveland Indians and BP Capitalize on Pre-Game Inventory

The Cleveland Indians recently announced a partnership with BP that is highlighted by a series of promotions in-stadium and at retail.

As the Official Fuel of the Cleveland Indians, BP receives the exclusive naming rights of Indians batting practice and the company is taking full advantage of the designation to enhance the fan experience:

• Fans can win free BP gift cards by catching specially marked balls into the outfield stands during batting practice
• The first 100 fans who arrive for pre-game batting practice receive a limited edition Indians t-shirt at Gate A
• BP will reward select fans with VIP batting practice experiences at 40 home games. The experience includes special on-field access and a gift bag of promotional items

From a retail standpoint, the Indians and BP are teaming up to execute a pretty standard fill-up and win promotion across 215 BP locations in Northeast Ohio. From June 1st to August 30th, fans who fill-up their cars with ten (10) gallons of gas can receive a scratch-off card that provides a unique code. Fans are encouraged to register five (5) unique codes on BPIndiansBaseball.com to receive two (2) free Mezzanine tickets to an Indians game online at www.indians.com/BP.

The 2011 NHL Heritage Classic - From a Fan's Perspective

The National Hockey League recently treated fans to an incredible experience at the 2011 Heritage Classic. The outdoor hockey game, hosted at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, Alberta was a huge success - attracting 41,000+ fans and a plethora of Official Partners with extensive activation displays on-site.

Enclosed below is a terrific video that highlights the fan experience at the 2011 NHL Heritage Classic. As depicted in the video, fans enjoyed a complete hockey experience that included shooting competitions, youth hockey, street teams, beer gardens, giant inflatables, pre-game flyovers and fireworks, and music and entertainment.

Check it out now:

Here are two (2) additional videos for your enjoyment:

Bring Game Entertainment to Life for Fans Via Social Media

Each and every football weekend, sports marketers need to consider ways that they can recreate the stadium experience for thousands of viewers at home. With social media, marketers have a very cost-effective platform to bring stadium entertainment to life for fans to watch during the week, before games, and after huge victories.

Quality content that can be captured and rebroadcasted via social media can include:

• Pre-Game
  • Pre-game introductions, scoreboard introduction videos, pre-game traditions, time lapse videos of fans entering the stadium, pictures/video of game day giveaways, the National Anthem, pre-game skydivers, tailgating insights, pep rallies, pre-game concerts, pre-game band performances, warmups/walk-throughs, etc.
• In-Game
  • Scoreboard features, on-field promotions, fan cheers, cheerleaders/dance team, halftime entertainment, in-game ceremonies, etc.
• Post-Game
  • Band performances, team celebrations, post-game interviews, fan celebrations, scoreboard highlights, fireworks, post-game concerts, etc.

As an example of capturing quality game day footage, enclosed is a great video that lets fans experience the thrills of a skydiver gliding into a stadium packed with 80,000+ screaming fans before a rivalry game. Capture these special moments for your fan base!

BMW Proves 3D Building Projections Are Here

Sports marketers operating stadium venues with vast blank facades are missing out on a golden opportunity to market to fans entering the stadium and consumers passing by on a daily basis during their morning and afternoon commutes.

With new advances in 3D projection technology (in addition to the LED outdoor marquee displayed by the Miami Heat), sports marketers can display powerful messages on the exterior walls of stadium venues to help drive ticket sales, promote corporate partners, drive awareness for team campaigns/slogans, and simply entertain fans.

While fixed costs are still relatively slightly steep for this messaging medium, they will lower in the coming years and can serve as an impactful way for teams to provide captivating messaging during key times during the season and offseason.

To help demonstrate how powerful 3D building projection messaging can be, take a look at a recent event showcased by BMW in Singapore. The campaign was produced by Publicis Asia and is truly powerful!

The Red Wings Weave Fans Into Their Playoff Introductions

Are you looking for new ways to engage fans on game day? Are you looking for new ways to bring your pre-game introductions to life for fans?

The Detroit Red Wings delivered an industry best practice during the 2010 NHL Playoffs with an outstanding pre-game intro video that incorporated fans in truly engaging manner. The intro featured pictures and videos from fans across the globe displaying their fandom for Red Wings hockey before a collection of thrilling team highlights were shown on a colorful drape that hung above center ice.

The pre-game intro campaign was very unique and effectively demonstrated the power of the Hockeytown mantra across the globe. Check out this "must-see" video below!

The Calgary Flames Offer The Best Intros in Hockey

Are you looking for new ways to enhance your pre-game entertainment offerings? Are you looking for creative ways to kick off the season?

The Calgary Flames have figured out pre-game entertainment and on-ice projections better than any other organization in hockey. The team's pre-game entertainment (especially the season opener and during the playoffs) is worth the admission ticket alone.

Check out the pre-game entertainment the Flames offered to fans attending the team's first regular season home game of the 2009-10 season against the Vancouver Canucks... it's incredible (if anything, tune in at the 1:10 mark):