Falcons Fans Enjoy Benefits with State Farm...

Are you looking for new ways to leverage insurance providers? Are you looking for new ways to provide fans direct benefits prior to the game?

The Atlanta Falcons are teaming up with State Farm Insurance in 2009 to provide the team's fanbase some exclusive privileges. During the upcoming season, Falcons fans that are also State Farm customers can show their State Farm policy card on-site for the opportunity to only have to pay $10 to park in the State Farm Lot prior to games (normally, pricing for parking is $20+).

The Lot, located directly across from Gate B of the Georgia Dome, is available to fans on a first-come, first-serve basis, with parking not available for sale in the days/weeks leading up to the game. The concept of the State Farm Lot is tremendous because it is just another example of how teams and corporate partners are working harder than ever to provide new, exclusive benefits for fans.

Northwestern Offers Ticket Promotions for Local Youth...

Are you looking for ways to engage children attending school in the local community? Are you looking to create a promotional offer that is centered around academic success?

Northwestern Athletics recently announced that it will be offering two unique promotions that reward childen in the 8th grade and under in the local marketplace:

Wildcats 3.0 Program

Northwestern created a Wildcats' 3.0 program that rewards children in the 8th grade and under who earn all A's and B's on their report card. The promotion, inspired by the University's 183 student-athletes who earned Academic All-Big Ten Honors in 2008, will serve as a great way to get more families in the stands for Wildcat football games during the Fall. As part of the promotion, youth who excel in the classroom can receive two (2) free tickets to a non-conference Northwestern football game when presenting a copy of their report card at the Wildcat ticket office one week prior to a game.

The Purrfect Attendance Program

Kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students who present a copy of their perfect attendance certificate (a reward for going to every day of school) can receive a Family Plan season ticket package, equivalent to two (2) adult season tickets and three (3) children's tickets for the 2009 Northwestern football season. This promotion will certainly drive some parents to get involved and encourage their children in the classroom!

A special thanks to Taylor Wood of the Ohio University MBA/MSA Program and Athletics Development Frontier for his insights and contributions to this column...