$\"Photo:$ <\/a>

Photo: Courtesy of MInnesota Twins<\/p><\/div>\n

From baseball bats to bobbleheads to backpacks, the Minnesota Twins promotional giveaways for 2015 seem to offer something for everyone \u2013 and that\u2019s no accident.\u00a0 BBRT had a chance to talk to the Twins Senior Manager of Marketing and Promotions Julie Okland about just what goes into setting up a major league team\u2019s schedule of promotions. Turns out that, while there is plenty of brainstorming involved, there is also a lot of science behind the final schedule of giveaways, events, activities and discounts.<\/p>\n

In this post, BBRT will look at MLB\u2019s promotional schedule, with an emphasis on my hometown Twins.\u00a0 I\u2019ll also include a nod to some particularly interesting promotions from other teams \u2013 ranging from the Nationals\u2019 Jayson Werth Chia Pet to the upcoming attempt by the Angels to set the record for the largest gathering of people wearing sombreros to the A\u2019s Sonny Gray solar-powered garden gnome. I\u2019ll include dates to help readers plan their ticket purchases, but keep in mind:<\/p>\n

This is a preliminary report. As this is being posted, some teams have not released their promotional schedules or have released only partial schedules.<\/li>\n

Promotional items and schedules are subject to change without notice. For a complete list and up-to-date details regarding 2015 Twins promotions (including dates, numbers of items, activities and eligibility) click here<\/a>.\u00a0 For details on promotions and events across MLB, visit each team\u2019s website.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Now that the cautionary language has been handled, let\u2019s get to it.<\/p>\n
During the upcoming season, fans across MLB will have a lot to choose from when it comes to promotions. By the time the season is over, for example, Twins fans alone will have gone home from the ballpark with:<\/p>\n
- 10,000 pairs of flip flops.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
  Fans also will have had a chance to enjoy such events as Fireworks Fridays and the Midwest Music Showcase (Wednesdays), along with unique activities and discounts associated with Knothole Kids Days, Student Days, Senior Days, Military Mondays, Dollar-A-Dog Days \u2013 and the list goes on.<\/p>\n
  It is, indeed, an ambitious schedule with something for everyone.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
  Okland indicated that setting up a new season\u2019s promotional calendar begins as soon as (or even before) the gates close on the previous season.<\/p>\n
  \u201cIt\u2019s really a year-round process,\u201d Okland, who has been with the Twins for twelve years, said. \u201cWe\u2019re constantly looking for new ideas, what\u2019s trending with our fans, what\u2019s worked for other teams. We\u2019re always looking for that next big idea.\u201d<\/p>\n
  Okland added that promotions and events have become increasingly important as the Twins, and baseball overall, find themselves competing not just for the entertainment and recreational dollar, but also for the potential ticket buyer\u2019s time and attention.<\/p>\n
  The Basic Criteria<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
  The overriding focus of the promotions and events schedule is to \u201cenhance the fan experience<\/em>,\u201d whether through giveaways, unique activities or increased value, Okland said.<\/p>\n
  \u201cThe final decisions are based significantly on analytics,\u201d she added.\u00a0 \u201cWe look at such factors as day of the week, time, the opponent, anticipated weather, past successes and which fan segments each promotion will appeal to. We also coordinate with Ticket Sales and Services to ensure giveaways and promotions are balanced among our various ticket packages.\u201d<\/p>\n
  The basic criteria for promotions and events outlined by Okland were:<\/p>\n
  \n
  Adds to the fan experience;<\/li>\n
  Safety (particularly for kids items);<\/li>\n
  Attractiveness to specific demographics (with an emphasis on kid-focused, but offering something for all demographics over the course of the season);<\/li>\n
  Usefulness, shelf-life and potential exposure;<\/li>\n
  Quality;<\/li>\n
  Price point;<\/li>\n
  Generation of incremental ticket sales.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
  All promotions must meet these criteria, but there are additional factors that come into play, Okland said.<\/p>\n
  Anniversaries, Holidays and Achievements<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
  Anniversaries, holidays and specific player and team achievements play a role in the development of the promotions schedule, Okland said. Among the 2015 examples she cited were a vintage bobblehead (August 1) giveaway<\/strong> honoring the 50^{th<\/sup> Anniversary of 1965 Twins\u2019 AL Championship team and a Fathers\u2019 Day \u201cMinnie and Paul\u201d Ceramic Stein giveaway<\/strong> (first 10,000 males over 21).<\/p>\n}
  Picking Players To Be Featured<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
  When picking on-field personnel to feature in promotions, the Twins look toward players who had good seasons the year before, recently reached (or will soon reach) career milestones or have a strong connection with fans and the community.<\/p>\n
  \u201cBrian Dozier and Phil Hughes had good seasons last year, and they are part of this year\u2019s schedule of promotions,\u201d Okland said.\u00a0 Dozier is featured in two promotions – a Dozier baseball bat giveaway (May 31)<\/strong> and a Dozier bobblehead giveaway (July 25)<\/strong>. A Hughes bobblehead<\/strong> is also on the schedule (July 11).<\/strong><\/p>\n
  \u201cIt\u2019s also Paul Molitor\u2019s first year as manager and we wanted to get him out there,\u201d Okland said.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll see him on our magnet schedules (April 17-18-19)<\/strong> and we\u2019ll also feature a Molitor bobblehead giveaway (June 19<\/strong>).\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 BBRT note: Molitor is the only individual featured on bobblehead promotions in two MLB cities this season.\u00a0 The Brewers also will honor the Hall of Famer with a bobblehead giveaway (June 28, in a game against the Twins).<\/em><\/p>\n
  The Twins also are celebrating the return of Torii Hunter \u2013 a long-time fan favorite – with a Torii Hunter (adult) jersey giveaway on June 6.<\/p>\n
  \n
  Bobbleheads \u2013 Baseball\u2019s Most Popular Promotional Item<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
  While it is impossible to determine exactly<\/strong> how many bobbleheads will be given away at major league baseball parks this season (some teams have not yet released their full promotional schedule, others do not list the number to be handed out or use an \u201call fans\u201d or \u201cwhile supplies last\u201d descriptor), BBRT can say with confidence that the 2015 MLB season will feature more than 125 different bobblehead promotions and fans will go home with well over than two million bobbleheads.\u00a0 <\/strong>(Note: The Sports Business Journal reported that, in 2014, MLB teams handed out 2.59 million bobbleheads.)<\/span><\/p>\n
  A review of 2015 bobblehead giveaways announced as this post is written indicates teams will be featuring at least: 73 current players, 35 formers players, two managers, one former manager and one team-owner\/commissioner.\u00a0 In addition, three teams (Giants, Diamondbacks and A\u2019s) will be handing out Hello Kitty bobbleheads), one team is offering a \u201cPeanuts\u201d bobblehead (Yankees), three teams will send fans home with vintage bobbleheads (Twins, Brewers, Phillies) and a pair of announcers will be recognized in bobblehead form (Vin Scully, Dodgers and Harry Caray, Cardinals).<\/span><\/p>\n
  The season\u2019s most unique bobblehead may be the Rays\u2019 Evan Longoria bobblehead that plays the star third baseman\u2019s walk-up music. A few other 2015 bobblehead notes:<\/span><\/p>\n
  \n
  The Rays will determine the player to be featured as their final bobblehead offering of the season through a fan vote.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n
  The Reds will be distributing a bobblehead with three players on a single bobblehead base \u2013 the 1990\u2019s \u201cNasty Boys\u201d bullpen of Randy Myers, Rob Dibble and Norm Charlton.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n
  The Yankees will be handing out a Babe Ruth bobble head.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nFor trivia buffs:\u00a0 According to bobbleheads.com, the first MLB player-specific bobbleheads \u2013 featuring Mickey Mantle, Willie M $\"Mauys3\"$ <\/a>ays, Roger Maris and Roberto Clemente \u2013 were produced in 1960 and sold during the 1960 World Series. Various sources indicate that the first MLB team bobblehead giveaway took place on May 9, 1999 \u2013 with the San Francisco Giants handing out 35,000 Willie Mays bobbleheads to commemorate the 40^{th<\/sup> anniversary of Candlestick Park.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n}
  <\/p>\n
  Being Minnesotan Counts<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
  Okland added that there is also a focus on promotions that are consistent with what it is to be Minnesotan \u2013 noting that past successes, in the Land of 10,000 Lakes<\/em>, include Rapala fishing lures and outdoor grilling tools. \u00a0For 2015, fur bomber hats, stocking caps and a Twins BBQ branding iron reflect what it is to be Minnesotan.<\/p>\n
  Finding Sponsors<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
  While the development of promotions is the first part of her job, Okland said she also must work with the Corporate Sponsorships Department to secure appropriate sponsors for each promotion. \u201cOccasionally a sponsor will come to use with an idea \u2013 like, this year, Target asked to do the Bullseye plush (stuffed animal \u2013 August 29 & 30)<\/strong>. For the most part, however, we develop the ideas and then work to secure appropriate sponsors.\u201d<\/p>\n
  One example cited by Okland was the Twins\u2019 May 7 Flip Flops giveaway<\/strong> (the Twins are the only team featuring a flip flop promotion this season), an idea she successfully sold to \u201cThe Beaches of Fort Meyers\/Sanibel.\u201d Okland noted that some sponsors do have preferences\u2013 like DQ\u00ae, which has joined the Twins as a sponsor for three decades of baseball cap giveaways.<\/p>\n
  Most Popular Items<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
  Okland said traditional items \u2013 like bats, caps and bobbleheads \u2013 remain the most popular, with bobbleheads well in the lead and still going strong.<\/p>\n
  \u201cBobbleheads are the only items we\u2019ve seen fans line up the night before for,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
  It\u2019s Not All Just Giveaways<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
  Okland added that efforts to enhance the fan experience are not focused solely on giveaways.<\/p>\n
  \u201cWe also work to incorporate activities fans that fans will enjoy beyond the game,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
  Fireworks are popular with Twins\u2019 fans \u2013 and the team is hosting Friday Fireworks<\/strong> after all Friday home games between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Okland said.\u00a0 BBRT\u2019s review of scheduled events around MLB provided a solid indicator that fireworks are truly \u201cnot just for holidays\u201d anymore.\u00a0 MLB parks will play host to more than 150 post-game fireworks displays during the 2015 season.<\/em><\/p>\n
  Among the other popular fan experiences Okland discussed were:<\/p>\n
  \n
  Knothole Kids Days<\/strong> \u2013 with discounted tickets, player autographs before the game and a chance for kids to run the bases after the game.<\/li>\n
  The Midwest Music Showcase<\/strong>, with popular local bands performing at every Wednesday home game from May through September.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
  And, not all of the special events scheduled by the Twins take place inside the ball park.\u00a0 The Twins also offer \u201cWine, Women and Baseball\u201d<\/strong> for female fans. These events include a Skyline Deck or Skyline View ticket plus (at the Loews Minneapolis Hotel) pre-game wine tasting, light appetizers and desserts, \u201cPamper Yourself\u201d stations and a complementary gift. (May 29, July 30, August 28).<\/p>\n
  Theme Days\/Events<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
  MLB teams, including the Twins, also develop \u201ctheme\u201d events, days, weekends or series – again designed to enhance the fan experience, recognize specific groups or causes, build the team or MLB brand or appeal to specific demographics.\u00a0 Among the Twins \u201ctheme\u201d events already scheduled for 2015 are: Jackie Robinson Day (with MLB, April 15); Diversity Day (July 7); Armed Forces Appreciation Day (July 12); Softball Day (July 30); 1965 AL Championship 50^{th<\/sup> Anniversary Celebration (August 1); Back to School Weekend (August 29-30); Fan Appreciation Weekend (October 2-3);<\/strong> and Kids Appreciation Day (October 4).<\/strong><\/p>\n}
  Okland urged Twins fans to watch for upcoming announcements of additional theme events for 2015. One such announcement came during the Twins\/Gophers recent Spring Training game, when the team noted that Friday, May 1<\/strong> will be University of Minnesota Night<\/strong> at Target Field. (Fans purchasing a ticket in this special package will receive a maroon and gold Twins cap.)<\/p>\n
  Value Discounts<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
  There are also plenty of \u201cvalue\u201d discounts available to Twins fans for 2015 including, among others:<\/p>\n
  \n
  Schweigert\u2122 Dollar-A-Dog Days<\/strong> (Wednesdays), with one-dollar hot dogs;<\/li>\n
  More For Your Money Mondays<\/strong> \u2013 with a ten-dollar food and beverage credit with a Skyline Deck ticket;<\/li>\n
  Thirsty Thursday Nights<\/strong> \u2013 5:30 to 6:30 (before Thursday home games), with discounted beverages and appetizer specials at the Town Ball Tavern, Hrbek\u2019s, the Club level outdoor pub and the Gate 6 Bar.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
  Student Days<\/strong> (Wednesdays) and Senior Days<\/strong> (all weekday day games), with discounted ticket are also popular, Okland said.<\/p>\n
  \u201cMilitary Mondays<\/strong> have been very well received and we\u2019re especially proud of that promotion,\u201d Okland added, noting that, on Military Mondays, active military and veterans (with valid ID) can purchase half-price Home Plate View tickets for themselves and up to four guests.<\/p>\n
  Putting It All Together<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
  Okland said that when you put it all together \u2013 giveaways, activities, events and discounts \u2013 MLB team promotions create additional excitement around the ballpark experience. That, she said, is good for the fans, the teams and the game.<\/p>\n
  Check Out that Promotions Schedule<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
  As you can see, there is a lot going on at the ball park, BBRT urges all fans to take a look at your team\u2019s promotions, events and discounts schedule.\u00a0 Find what appeals to you \u2013 and add something new to your personal experience \u201cat the old ball game.\u201d<\/p>\n
  To close, here are a few 2015 MLB promotions that drew BBRT\u2019s interest:<\/p>\n
  \n
  Among the most popular giveaways across MLB (besides bobbleheads) are t-shirts, magnetic schedules, caps, replica jerseys and reusable tote bags.<\/li>\n
  Bobbleheads may be all the rage, but players are being recognized in a wide variety of ways including: the Nationals\u2019 Jayson Werth Chia Pet (August 5) and the Rays\u2019 Evan Longoria Rubber Duck (April 19).<\/li>\n
  Ten teams are handing out a total of 14 Garden Gnomes \u2013 featuring ten players, one manager, two former managers and one mascot. Only the A\u2019s, however, are featuring a solar-powered garden gnome (Sonny Gray, June 20).<\/li>\n
  Beyond the traditional baseball caps, a wide range of headgear will be handed out at MLB parks this year \u2013 fedoras, cowboy hats, stocking caps, floppy hats, beach hats, bomber hats, batting helmets and more. Only the Angels, however, are including a sombrero give-away in their schedule (as part of their Cinco De Mayo Celebration and an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing sombreros).<\/li>\n
  Fans can score a replica of Fenway Park (Red Sox, April 27); the Astrodome, circa 1965 (Astros, April 18); and Petco Park (Padres, July 18).<\/li>\n
  The San Francisco Giants will be handing out a \u201csnow\u201d globe on April 15, featuring their three most recent World Championship trophies (2010-12-14) and the Golden Gate Bridge.<\/li>\n
  The Phillies will take us all back to our youth with a Wiffle\u00ae Ball and Bat giveaway.<\/li>\n
  Want to build a great pitching staff? In 2015, the Dodgers are giving one away, in the form of a series of Cy Young Award Collectors\u2019 Pins: Don Newcombe (April 13); Don Drysdale (April 27); Sandy Koufax (May 14); Mike Marshall (June 18); Orel Hershiser (August 29); Eric Gagne (September 14); and Clayton Kershaw (September 20).<\/li>\n
  The Mets will pass out \u201cThundersticks\u201d to all fans on September 19^{th<\/sup> and \u2013 no surprise \u2013 the crosstown Yankees will be at Citi Field. The Rays are hosting similar giveaways (for youngsters) on June 24^{th\u00a0\u00a0 <\/sup>and July 29, only they have chosen to use the less-aggressive term \u201cRays Cheer Sticks.\u201d<\/li>\n}}
  No matter what you call it, dogs are increasingly welcome at the ballpark \u2013 Bark in the Park (Braves, Reds, Mets, Royals, Mariners, Rangers, Rockies, White Sox); Pups in the Park (Nationals); Pups at the Park (Dodgers); Pooches in the Park (Cardinals); Dog Days of Summer (Giants, Padres).<\/li>\n
  The Twins and Blue Jays have taken different approaches to their hoodie sweatshirt giveaways. The Twins\u2019 promotion will take place on their home Opening Day (April 13), while the Blue Jays have scheduled their hoodie promotion for the final<\/em> home game of their season (September 27).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
  Coming soon, some rookies and prospects BBRT will be watching in 2015.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
  I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
  From baseball bats to bobbleheads to backpacks, the Minnesota Twins promotional giveaways for 2015 seem to offer something for everyone \u2013 and that\u2019s no accident.\u00a0 BBRT had a chance to talk to the Twins Senior Manager of Marketing and Promotions Julie Okland about just what goes into setting up a major league team\u2019s schedule of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11,9],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n