Promotional Seminar names winners
The winners were chosen by their peers from more than 250 promotions in four different categories at the Minor League Baseball Promotional Seminar in Las Vegas, which ended Friday. The overall winner was then chosen from the category honorees.
The Cyclones received the Best Overall Promotional Award and The Best Theme Night Promotion Award for their "Jersey? Sure! Night" held on July 21. The promotion paid tribute to the "Jersey Shore" reality TV show and featured a jersey giveaway with the club's mascot, Sandy the Seagull, in a fist-pumping pose on the back, with the words "Jersey? Sure!" at the top. Other events included dugout dance battles, gym, tan and laundry gift certificate giveaways and the opportunity for fans to have their hair done like members of the show.
Clearwater took home honors in the Best Non-Game Day category for their "Hops for Hospice" event. More than 100 beers from around the world were available for sampling last October, and all attendees, who had to be at least 21 years old, received a complimentary collector's sampling mug. Live music was also part of the event, with all proceeds benefitting a local Hospice foundation.
The IronPigs won the Best In-Game Promotion for their "Battlefield Challenge" held during the Aug. 21-25 home stand. The field was divided into six battle zones that the IronPigs and their opponent would try to gain control of in an effort to conquer the entire playing surface. Control was gained or lost through plays that occurred on the field such as hits, RBIs and home runs. Fans could follow which zones the home team controlled via the club's videoboard. When Lehigh Valley controlled all six zones, fans in attendance were rewarded with a 40 to 50 percent discount on all food and non-alcoholic beverages available at all concessions stands.
The best Green Promotion was awarded to the New Britain Rock Cats for their "Green Team" idea. The club partnered with several companies to make New Britain Stadium a more sustainable/green facility and also to educate the public. Recycling, reusing and reducing elements were started at their ballpark and office, including the installation of high efficiency lighting and lighting controls, using partially recycled janitorial supplies and the placement of new recyclable bins. A live, interactive, in-stadium exhibit, "The Green House," as well as in-stadium messaging, distribution of literature, weekly tips, green-themed fan promotions, media advertising mentions, special event days and education seminars were also incorporated as part of New Britain's promotion.