Sports Promotions

There are many ways you can cash in on tie-in promotions with seasonal sports. Analysts expect the popularity of sports to cable networks offering a wider range of sporting events ranging from "niche sports" such as the WNBA, professional soccer and rugby, to major sports such as NASCAR, NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball. Research shows that most sports fans watch televised games in restaurants, hotels, and beverage outlets in lieu of their homes.

Sports fans are avid, loyal and consistent individuals in following the games throughout each season, and they generally do so by watching them on television. And because sports fans like to follow the games without interruptions, you may want to encourage staff to stay on top of tables during the breaks to minimize customer interaction during play.

Get your sports promotions in line now with these winning strategies for success.

• Pre-game/Post-game Perks
  Offer appetizer and beverage discounts for those who have tickets to the game and invite them back for entree specials when the game is finished.
  
• Game Day Grabbers
  Reward customers who patronize your operation during the game with menu and beverage specials. Offer different ones for each season. Use the location of the opposing team for menu inspiration. 
  
• Team Specials
  Offer a special menu with fixed priced items for local sports teams to come in after the event. Include local high-school teams in the marketing mix as they usually have a regular following of adults and school-aged kids.
  
• Build Team Spirit
  Outfit the staff in team colors and add small elements of color throughout the facility. You can even color food items. (Bruegger's Bagels in Cleveland, for example, offers orange and brown bagels during football season.) Create new beverage items and name them after popular team members.