Spartanbh
05-29-2013, 01:09 PM
So I'm an intern for the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL, which is a professional minor league hockey league. I've been trying to come up with some cool promotion ideas to get more interest, but I'm having some difficulty thinking outside the box. If you have any ideas or have expereinced some cool things at ANY kind of sporting event, please share them with me! Keep in mind though, it's a minor league hockey team, so that means it has a much smaller budget than a major league team. Looking for more low-cost, high reward kind of promotions and activities. Here is what I have so far:
Extra Wheeling Nailers Promotional Ideas:
--For selecting fans, could either use sign-up waivers when they enter arena, or there could be special “stamps” placed into select few game programs that we place. Also twitter contests and STH mailers could let people know about being selected. Obviously any contestant selected must sign legal waivers not holding Wheeling responsible for any injuries that may occur on ice. But protective equipment will still be supplied.
1. Week or Weekend street hockey (no blades) tournament at Tunnel Green Roller Rink: Four leagues, ages 8-12, 13-16, 17-21, 22+. Each team has Max of 10 people, winners of each league gets free or severely discounted group tickets for a Nailers game and/or merchandise, plus acknowledgement at game.
2. Art contest for kids ages 5-16 in where winner of contest will get their art displayed on the Wheeling Nailers goalie helmet, plus extra tickets or merchandise.
3. Players and coaches delivering tickets to Season Ticket Holder’s homes
4. “Jersey Night”, anyone wearing a Nailers, WB/S Penguins, or Pittsburgh Penguins (or Canadiens) jersey will get a 10-15% discount on concessions and/or merchandise.
5. Pre-warmup (or intermission) “Shoot the Puck” contest: 15-20 contestants get into arena early (roughly 30min-hour before warm-ups) and will take part in a “shoot the puck contest” where they will get a chance to shoot 1-2 pucks each from center ice in attempt to get the puck through a tiny hole. Winners can win free tickets, merchandise, discounts, $$$, etc.
6. Intermission Dance-off: Music plays during a short period during intermission in which fans are prompted to have a “dance-off.” Best dancer during the dance-off will win free hot dogs, ice cream bars, nachos, soft drinks, or pucks for the entire row of the winner’s section.
7. Wheeling Nailers hockey clinics for kids: Rent out Tunnel Green roller rink for a few hours and have players and/or staff educate kids ages 4-12 on the finer points about hockey. Kids in attendance maybe can receive a free t-shirt or puck.
8. Have Nailers mascot visit schools and play gym hockey with kids
9. Slingshot Bowling: Using a giant “sling shot”, a contestant is launched (safely of course) across the ice while sitting on a giant puck or garbage can lid, and the objective is to knock down giant foam bowling pins. If the contestant knocks them all down, they win merchandise, free tickets, discounts, etc.
Price: Roughly between $1300-$1500. Inflatable pins are $15 each (15*10 = $150)
10. Kid relay races during games: During intermission, 3-4 kids square off in a relay race on the ice where they must run to one end (while be helped and safely monitored by staff), put on a pair of hockey pants, run to grab a stick, then run to a puck, in which they will move it down the ice and try to score a goal. First kid to win receives the top prize, and the rest of the contestants will still win something small for participating.
11. Sing-a-long events during intermission: Fans are prompted to sing along to hockey songs such as the “Hockey Song” by Stompin’ Tom Connors or other fan-friendly songs.
12. “Costume Night”: Fans who dress up in costumes get discounts on merchandise, gate tickets, concessions, etc. Also could be a Best Costume Contest, where the winner receives free tickets or merchandise. Could have several different themed costume nights during the year, such as spooky costumes during Halloween, Pilgrim & Indian costumes during Thanksgiving time, Santa Claus and Dreidels during the holidays, Presidents and patriots during Presidents Day, Leprechauns during St. Patty’s day, etc.
---Could also have pop culture themed costume nights; Star Wars/Star Trek nights, Hockey Movie costumes (Hansons from Slap Shot, Gordon Bombay from Mighty Ducks, Doug Glatt from Goon), Zombies, Disney, Lord of the Rings, etc.
13. Pee-wee scrimmage and/or shootout contest: Pretty common, have a bunch of 5-8 year olds go on the ice during intermission and play a short scrimmage or have a shoot out contest.
14. Goalie (or Mascot) Dash: Similar to the Pierogi Race at Pirates games, have 4 staff members dress up in full goalie gear (or other mascots) and have them race around the ice surface. The kick is during the race they will be trying to slow each other down by pushing, pulling, tripping, etc.
Prices:
For decent inexpensive pads: $80 (for street hockey pads) -- $250
For inexpensive blocker: $50-$150
For inexpensive Cather: $50-$150
For Helmet/Mask: Lucky if you can find one for $130-$200
For Chest Protector: $50-$150
For Pants: $80-$150
For Jockstraps: $30-$60
For Sticks: $20 (for mylec)-$80
For Skates: $150-$300
-- In total, if going with the average inexpensive costs, you should be able to bull a full set for around $500-$600, but you should definitely not pay more than $1300 if you want slightly higher quality equipment. You can definitely find some clearances and prices cheaper than ones presented (especially if used equipment), but I just provided average cheap full-cost prices. Realistically with the right web-searching, you could probably find full gear around $400. If we had 4 goalies for the races, you’d roughly spend around $1750-$4800 for their own personal equipment.
15. Chuck-A-Puck & T-shirt launcher: Very common, but mine-as-well put it here. Mascot and staff throw free pucks and t-shirts to fans during intermission.
Price: $700-$1600
Slingshots: $20-$50
16. Musical Chairs: Contestants play a game of musical chairs during intermission on the ice. Winner gets free tix, merchandise, discounts, etc.
17. Wheeling Talent Show: Fans can submit applications to showcase a special or unique talent during intermission at a Nailers game. Must be legit talents/skills however.
18. Movie Night at Wesbanco: Nailers sponsor a hockey themed family movie night at Wesbanco Arena. Movies to be shown could be Mighty Ducks series, Miracle, The Tooth Fairy, MVP (Most Valuable Primate). Adult movie night is possible, with movies such as Slap Shot, Youngblood, Mystery Alaska, Goon.
19. Wheeling Nailers Carnival: Sometime during late summer or early fall, the Nailers could sponsor a fair by the Waterfront. Several booths and activities will be present where fans can win merchandise and such. Players and Coaches will be available for Q&A, and maybe there could be a “Dunk a Player” booth where fans throw balls at a target in attempt to make a player fall into a tub of water.
20. Get Nailers to sponsor the Tunnel Green Roller Rink. Can post Nailers posters around the outer walls of the rink.
21. “Shirts off our backs” night where Nailers players give away jerseys to the fans. Could also be a player stick giveaway night as well?
22. Nailers Skills Competition: Nailers put on a skills competition, such as most creative shootout attempts, fastest skater, best shooter, and relay race (involves shooting, skating, passing).
23. Face painters at Nailers games
24. Senior Citizen Night and/or Military Vet Night: Senior Citizens and/or Military Vets get a discount on game tix, concessions, merchandise, etc.
25. Gameday ticket benefits: Example would the Big Mac Attack during Penguins games, if a player scores during a designated 2 minute interval then all fans can get a free Big Mac from mcdonalds when presenting the ticket (lasts only a week). Could have something like the ticket allows you to “Buy one get one free pizza slice from DiCarlo’s if the Nailers score 6 goals or more in a game.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26. Nailers Intermission Trivia Pyramid: During intermission, one contestant is selected and must answer a series of 5 questions pertaining to either the game of hockey or the Wheeling Nailers. The first question is rather easy, such as, “What player position most frequently takes faceoffs,” with the answer obviously being Center. The questions get harder, but the prizes get better with each correct answer. All answers can be found in the media program given out at the beginning of games.
27. Fraternity/Sorority Night: Discounted tickets for Fraternities and Sororities in the surrounding areas. Discount on beer for anyone over 21?
28. Stand-Up Comedian (family friendly) night: Find a local stand-up comedian for an intermission show (must submit a video/audio demo first).
29. Band night (family friendly): Find a local band (or singer) and let them play during intermission or pre-game.
30. Wheeling Twitter Contest: Each game, we will ask tweeters when the first Nailers goal will be scored and by who it will be scored by. Example: “Veilleux @ the 14:32 mark (which would be 5:28 time left) of the 1st period #NailersTwitterContest.” Must be a minimum of 20 tweets for a prize to be given out. Whoever has the closest prediction will win free tix, merchandise, $$$, etc.
31. Big Wheel Race: Have a race between 3-4 adults on big wheels (tricycles) on the ice during intermission.
32. Swimsuit competition: This one may be a little extreme, but at the very least it’s unique and different. Any girl wearing a swim suit (OBVIOUSLY NO SMALL, SKIMPY, OR SEE-THROUGH SUITS) gets into the game free, and during intermission they host a contest and whoever has the best suit wins free tix, merchandise, cash, etc. Could be funny (or disturbing) to see older women in swim suits. Could possibly include men and have a competition for them during the second intermission.
33. Model Competition: Legit local models are invited and showcased during intermission, in which fans vote for best model.
34. Senior Shootout: Have 5-10 seniors go on the ice (no skates) and try to make a shootout attempt on a goalie
35. Remote Controlled Blimps that drop coupons for merchandise, food, tickets, discounts/coupons to sponsored stores.
36. Breast Cancer Awareness nights: Anyone wearing a pink jersey, shirt, hat, pants, or wristband will be a discount on tickets and concessions. Could also do Testicular Cancer Awareness nights where it’s purple instead of pink.
37. Frozen Turkey/Cornish Hen bowling: 2-3 Fans selected and participate in Turkey bowling (or Cornish hen) where fans must throw a frozen turkey down the ice and knock down pins.
38. Mascot Hockey: Mascots play a comical 1v1 or 2v2 hockey game during intermission
39. Casino Night: Booths are set up around the arena where kids and family can play Casino-esque games (Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, Slots, Spin-the-wheel) to win prizes. Possibly get Wheeling Casino to sponsor?
40. Create-a-Sign: Booth set up where fans can create decent-sized rally signs during Nailers games
41. Scout Nights: Boy and Girl Scouts get discounted tickets and concessions
42. Animal Events: Showcase talented animals, such as dogs, monkeys, penguins on the ice?
43. Designated Driver Booth: Anyone who signs up as a designated driver receives a coupon for one free soft drink plus is entered into a contest to win tickets, merchandise, cash, etc.
44. Rubber Ducky Promotion Giveaway: Sure, everyone always gets a puck, bobblehead, or hat when going to games…but how many teams ever give away Rubber Duckies?? Could be tiny ones with a Nailers Helmet or logo on them.
45. Twin Nights: Fans who come dressed exactly like each other receive discounted price on gate tickets.
46. Alumni Game: Invited players from Nailers/Thunderbirds past to play in a friendly alumni game for the fans, could be used as a charity event.
47. Wheeling Idol/Karaoke Night: Invite willing contestants to sing a song on the ice and let the crowd judge them. Winner wins merchandise, tix, cash, etc.
48. Science Project Night: Invite local scientists or “student” scientists to perform a cool and entertaining experiment on the ice.
49. Balloon Night: Every fan (12 and younger) that leaves the game leaves with a balloon!
50. Lazer Show: During intermission, smoke fills center of ice and a cool lazer show is displayed.
Hopefully you guys can help me out! It will be greatly appreciated =)
Extra Wheeling Nailers Promotional Ideas:
--For selecting fans, could either use sign-up waivers when they enter arena, or there could be special “stamps” placed into select few game programs that we place. Also twitter contests and STH mailers could let people know about being selected. Obviously any contestant selected must sign legal waivers not holding Wheeling responsible for any injuries that may occur on ice. But protective equipment will still be supplied.
1. Week or Weekend street hockey (no blades) tournament at Tunnel Green Roller Rink: Four leagues, ages 8-12, 13-16, 17-21, 22+. Each team has Max of 10 people, winners of each league gets free or severely discounted group tickets for a Nailers game and/or merchandise, plus acknowledgement at game.
2. Art contest for kids ages 5-16 in where winner of contest will get their art displayed on the Wheeling Nailers goalie helmet, plus extra tickets or merchandise.
3. Players and coaches delivering tickets to Season Ticket Holder’s homes
4. “Jersey Night”, anyone wearing a Nailers, WB/S Penguins, or Pittsburgh Penguins (or Canadiens) jersey will get a 10-15% discount on concessions and/or merchandise.
5. Pre-warmup (or intermission) “Shoot the Puck” contest: 15-20 contestants get into arena early (roughly 30min-hour before warm-ups) and will take part in a “shoot the puck contest” where they will get a chance to shoot 1-2 pucks each from center ice in attempt to get the puck through a tiny hole. Winners can win free tickets, merchandise, discounts, $$$, etc.
6. Intermission Dance-off: Music plays during a short period during intermission in which fans are prompted to have a “dance-off.” Best dancer during the dance-off will win free hot dogs, ice cream bars, nachos, soft drinks, or pucks for the entire row of the winner’s section.
7. Wheeling Nailers hockey clinics for kids: Rent out Tunnel Green roller rink for a few hours and have players and/or staff educate kids ages 4-12 on the finer points about hockey. Kids in attendance maybe can receive a free t-shirt or puck.
8. Have Nailers mascot visit schools and play gym hockey with kids
9. Slingshot Bowling: Using a giant “sling shot”, a contestant is launched (safely of course) across the ice while sitting on a giant puck or garbage can lid, and the objective is to knock down giant foam bowling pins. If the contestant knocks them all down, they win merchandise, free tickets, discounts, etc.
Price: Roughly between $1300-$1500. Inflatable pins are $15 each (15*10 = $150)
10. Kid relay races during games: During intermission, 3-4 kids square off in a relay race on the ice where they must run to one end (while be helped and safely monitored by staff), put on a pair of hockey pants, run to grab a stick, then run to a puck, in which they will move it down the ice and try to score a goal. First kid to win receives the top prize, and the rest of the contestants will still win something small for participating.
11. Sing-a-long events during intermission: Fans are prompted to sing along to hockey songs such as the “Hockey Song” by Stompin’ Tom Connors or other fan-friendly songs.
12. “Costume Night”: Fans who dress up in costumes get discounts on merchandise, gate tickets, concessions, etc. Also could be a Best Costume Contest, where the winner receives free tickets or merchandise. Could have several different themed costume nights during the year, such as spooky costumes during Halloween, Pilgrim & Indian costumes during Thanksgiving time, Santa Claus and Dreidels during the holidays, Presidents and patriots during Presidents Day, Leprechauns during St. Patty’s day, etc.
---Could also have pop culture themed costume nights; Star Wars/Star Trek nights, Hockey Movie costumes (Hansons from Slap Shot, Gordon Bombay from Mighty Ducks, Doug Glatt from Goon), Zombies, Disney, Lord of the Rings, etc.
13. Pee-wee scrimmage and/or shootout contest: Pretty common, have a bunch of 5-8 year olds go on the ice during intermission and play a short scrimmage or have a shoot out contest.
14. Goalie (or Mascot) Dash: Similar to the Pierogi Race at Pirates games, have 4 staff members dress up in full goalie gear (or other mascots) and have them race around the ice surface. The kick is during the race they will be trying to slow each other down by pushing, pulling, tripping, etc.
Prices:
For decent inexpensive pads: $80 (for street hockey pads) -- $250
For inexpensive blocker: $50-$150
For inexpensive Cather: $50-$150
For Helmet/Mask: Lucky if you can find one for $130-$200
For Chest Protector: $50-$150
For Pants: $80-$150
For Jockstraps: $30-$60
For Sticks: $20 (for mylec)-$80
For Skates: $150-$300
-- In total, if going with the average inexpensive costs, you should be able to bull a full set for around $500-$600, but you should definitely not pay more than $1300 if you want slightly higher quality equipment. You can definitely find some clearances and prices cheaper than ones presented (especially if used equipment), but I just provided average cheap full-cost prices. Realistically with the right web-searching, you could probably find full gear around $400. If we had 4 goalies for the races, you’d roughly spend around $1750-$4800 for their own personal equipment.
15. Chuck-A-Puck & T-shirt launcher: Very common, but mine-as-well put it here. Mascot and staff throw free pucks and t-shirts to fans during intermission.
Price: $700-$1600
Slingshots: $20-$50
16. Musical Chairs: Contestants play a game of musical chairs during intermission on the ice. Winner gets free tix, merchandise, discounts, etc.
17. Wheeling Talent Show: Fans can submit applications to showcase a special or unique talent during intermission at a Nailers game. Must be legit talents/skills however.
18. Movie Night at Wesbanco: Nailers sponsor a hockey themed family movie night at Wesbanco Arena. Movies to be shown could be Mighty Ducks series, Miracle, The Tooth Fairy, MVP (Most Valuable Primate). Adult movie night is possible, with movies such as Slap Shot, Youngblood, Mystery Alaska, Goon.
19. Wheeling Nailers Carnival: Sometime during late summer or early fall, the Nailers could sponsor a fair by the Waterfront. Several booths and activities will be present where fans can win merchandise and such. Players and Coaches will be available for Q&A, and maybe there could be a “Dunk a Player” booth where fans throw balls at a target in attempt to make a player fall into a tub of water.
20. Get Nailers to sponsor the Tunnel Green Roller Rink. Can post Nailers posters around the outer walls of the rink.
21. “Shirts off our backs” night where Nailers players give away jerseys to the fans. Could also be a player stick giveaway night as well?
22. Nailers Skills Competition: Nailers put on a skills competition, such as most creative shootout attempts, fastest skater, best shooter, and relay race (involves shooting, skating, passing).
23. Face painters at Nailers games
24. Senior Citizen Night and/or Military Vet Night: Senior Citizens and/or Military Vets get a discount on game tix, concessions, merchandise, etc.
25. Gameday ticket benefits: Example would the Big Mac Attack during Penguins games, if a player scores during a designated 2 minute interval then all fans can get a free Big Mac from mcdonalds when presenting the ticket (lasts only a week). Could have something like the ticket allows you to “Buy one get one free pizza slice from DiCarlo’s if the Nailers score 6 goals or more in a game.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26. Nailers Intermission Trivia Pyramid: During intermission, one contestant is selected and must answer a series of 5 questions pertaining to either the game of hockey or the Wheeling Nailers. The first question is rather easy, such as, “What player position most frequently takes faceoffs,” with the answer obviously being Center. The questions get harder, but the prizes get better with each correct answer. All answers can be found in the media program given out at the beginning of games.
27. Fraternity/Sorority Night: Discounted tickets for Fraternities and Sororities in the surrounding areas. Discount on beer for anyone over 21?
28. Stand-Up Comedian (family friendly) night: Find a local stand-up comedian for an intermission show (must submit a video/audio demo first).
29. Band night (family friendly): Find a local band (or singer) and let them play during intermission or pre-game.
30. Wheeling Twitter Contest: Each game, we will ask tweeters when the first Nailers goal will be scored and by who it will be scored by. Example: “Veilleux @ the 14:32 mark (which would be 5:28 time left) of the 1st period #NailersTwitterContest.” Must be a minimum of 20 tweets for a prize to be given out. Whoever has the closest prediction will win free tix, merchandise, $$$, etc.
31. Big Wheel Race: Have a race between 3-4 adults on big wheels (tricycles) on the ice during intermission.
32. Swimsuit competition: This one may be a little extreme, but at the very least it’s unique and different. Any girl wearing a swim suit (OBVIOUSLY NO SMALL, SKIMPY, OR SEE-THROUGH SUITS) gets into the game free, and during intermission they host a contest and whoever has the best suit wins free tix, merchandise, cash, etc. Could be funny (or disturbing) to see older women in swim suits. Could possibly include men and have a competition for them during the second intermission.
33. Model Competition: Legit local models are invited and showcased during intermission, in which fans vote for best model.
34. Senior Shootout: Have 5-10 seniors go on the ice (no skates) and try to make a shootout attempt on a goalie
35. Remote Controlled Blimps that drop coupons for merchandise, food, tickets, discounts/coupons to sponsored stores.
36. Breast Cancer Awareness nights: Anyone wearing a pink jersey, shirt, hat, pants, or wristband will be a discount on tickets and concessions. Could also do Testicular Cancer Awareness nights where it’s purple instead of pink.
37. Frozen Turkey/Cornish Hen bowling: 2-3 Fans selected and participate in Turkey bowling (or Cornish hen) where fans must throw a frozen turkey down the ice and knock down pins.
38. Mascot Hockey: Mascots play a comical 1v1 or 2v2 hockey game during intermission
39. Casino Night: Booths are set up around the arena where kids and family can play Casino-esque games (Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, Slots, Spin-the-wheel) to win prizes. Possibly get Wheeling Casino to sponsor?
40. Create-a-Sign: Booth set up where fans can create decent-sized rally signs during Nailers games
41. Scout Nights: Boy and Girl Scouts get discounted tickets and concessions
42. Animal Events: Showcase talented animals, such as dogs, monkeys, penguins on the ice?
43. Designated Driver Booth: Anyone who signs up as a designated driver receives a coupon for one free soft drink plus is entered into a contest to win tickets, merchandise, cash, etc.
44. Rubber Ducky Promotion Giveaway: Sure, everyone always gets a puck, bobblehead, or hat when going to games…but how many teams ever give away Rubber Duckies?? Could be tiny ones with a Nailers Helmet or logo on them.
45. Twin Nights: Fans who come dressed exactly like each other receive discounted price on gate tickets.
46. Alumni Game: Invited players from Nailers/Thunderbirds past to play in a friendly alumni game for the fans, could be used as a charity event.
47. Wheeling Idol/Karaoke Night: Invite willing contestants to sing a song on the ice and let the crowd judge them. Winner wins merchandise, tix, cash, etc.
48. Science Project Night: Invite local scientists or “student” scientists to perform a cool and entertaining experiment on the ice.
49. Balloon Night: Every fan (12 and younger) that leaves the game leaves with a balloon!
50. Lazer Show: During intermission, smoke fills center of ice and a cool lazer show is displayed.
Hopefully you guys can help me out! It will be greatly appreciated =)