It’s one of my favorite issues of Sports Business Journal…the sports team promotions edition. Yes, the bobblehead wins again, but not so fast. According to the Turnkey Sports Poll, senior-level sports executives say the bobblehead is the top promotional giveaway in boosting game attendance. Then, why I ask, did the bobblehead drop to #3 on the list of MLB promotions. Topping the list is a cap followed by a shirt (111 different caps were given away by 27 MLB teams whereas 94 bobbleheads were given away by 28 teams).

Also of interest to me was the #1 promotion used by MLB teams…fireworks followed by a concessions discount (does this include a sale on beer?). A relative newcomer to the promotions game…Stitch N’ Pitch. What the hell, you say? Yep, the National NeedleArts Association has cooked up partnerships with 25 clubs this year and in Arizona and Seattle the promotion drew some 1,000 fans for each game. The sewers sit together and needlepoint, knit and/or crochet together (there’s a good joke here about the boredom but I won’t go there).

Corporate sponsors are also increasing their activation efforts through MLB events with Pepsi leading the way with 59 promotional dates where they provide a giveaway or sponsor a promotion. Coca-Cola is right behind them with 41 followed by AT&T, McDonalds and of course, the Stitch N’ Pitch ladies.

Thematic promotions with an experiential offering are also on the rise…Pets in the Park, Father/Daughter Day and Mother/Son Day have been successful for many teams.

So does the giveaway really drive a fan’s ambition to attend a game? Leave a comment on your favorite giveaway or promotion for an MLB game and let me know if it drove you to buy a ticket….