Wit.business partners and fans constantly looking for more return in the investment they are making when partnering with a team or buying a ticket, teams are starting to make players more aware of their repsonsibility, and giving them credit for investing in community responsibility, earlier and earlier. The NBA and the NFL have done rookie orientation for years and the NBA took it a step further with their D-League work this year. However we came across a piece from the Pittsburgh Pirates that showed the organization's community investment on all levels, with a program called “The Pirates Community Commitment Program.” regardless of where they are in the minor league chain, take the time to do community events and be socially conscious. Managing from the top down for the Pirates is key, and acknowledging the events the athletes take on, from the low minors through the majors, can probably bring in an overall sponsor for the program to gain even added value. It is a program that all of baseball, and probably hockey and many NCAA leagues, can look closely at and incorporate.
Last week we did a note about bowling and the niche opportunities that can be created…this wee.check out the New York Times, with a full feature by Bill Pennington on the Mini Golf championships. Great exposure for a recreational sport which may actually have a way to get some aggregate and fun value for a sponsor down the line…on the Olympic side, Media Post has the Coke Beijing Olympic activation story which begins this week, with one of the Olympics’ hallmark sponors activating on every level…and for those looking to the gaming side for employment and branding opportunities, check out Z’.Newsbits’ piece on attendance.at last week's Championship Gaming Series in China…?
