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.

Are You Offering Win Insurance?

Are you looking for new ways to incorporate insurance partners? Are you looking to offer new, fan-friendly incentives?

As reported by CNBC.com and the Veritix Newsletter, the River City Rascals of the Frontier League have teamed up with their insurance partner, Midwest Agency, to create a compelling "win insurance" offer for fans.

How does it work?

Prior to the 8th inning of all Rascals home games, fans can purchase "win insurance" for $2. As the game enters the bottom of the 8th, the rate for "win insurance" is raised to $5. If the team goes on to lose the game, all fans in attendance who purchase "win insurance" receive box seats to a future game that is valued at $11... the catch? Fans have to pick up their free tickets at the Midwest Agency (driving automatic awareness and foot traffic).

The "Midwest Agency Winning Insurance" offer has served as a tremendous way for the brand and Rascals organization to attract and entice fans. The promotion has attracted the attention of numerous media outlets and serves as an excellent benchmark for organizations looking for new ways to leverage insurance partners.

A special thanks to Alex Vitanye of the Ohio University Center for Sports Administration for his insights and contributions to this column.