Canada Winter Games 2011 Hockey

I have spent the last week watching as many hockey games as possible here in Halifax and Dartmouth. The Canada Winter Games 2011 are on and the competition has been excellent.

The score doesn’t seem to matter to these under 16 athletes. The players keep playing hard. Just because a team might be down three to four goals doesn’t mean they will call it a night. Stick around… Anything can, and often does, happen.

Players have brought energy, speed, and skill every shift.

Parents have brought a mixture of pride, nervousness, and emotional support for their teams.

Referees and game officials have been up to the task.

Halifax and Dartmouth areas have been fabulous hosts to all.

This has been great exposure for young athletes from across the country, exciting competition, and a special experience that will become a life memory.

Glad I had the chance to experience the 2011 version.

An Interesting Look at Sports Promotions

Here is a segment from the January 25, 2011 Sports Advisory Report newsletter produced by W B Grimes and Co. at TheSportsAdvisoryGroup.com

The newsletter is about the business side of sports and there are all kinds interesting and valuable news items.

Take a look at some promotions highlighted…

Promotions We Like

Special content courtesy of Vertix, providing cutting-edge ticketing tools.

The Colorado Mammoth (NLL) have launched the Kroenke Sports Charities Tickets from the Heart community relations initiative. The program provides fans with the opportunity to purchase discounted Mammoth tickets that will be donated to local schools and charitable organizations. “Tickets from the Heart is a program that will give underserved children and families the opportunity to attend a Colorado Mammoth game,” said Deb Dowling, vice president of Kroenke Sports Charities. “This may be the first time the ticket recipients have ever been able to attend a professional sporting event.” A $20 tax-deductible donation will purchase four Mammoth tickets that will be donated on the buyer’s behalf. The Mammoth will also match each purchase by donating an additional four tickets.

The Lake Elsinore Storm (High Class A; California League) have announced one of the first noteworthy promotions of the 2011 season: Wacky Weenie Wednesday, where everyone attending a Wednesday game will receive free hot dogs.

Practical giveaway item: lunch box for kids to use for school or other activities. The Bakersfield Condors (ECHL) held the Condors Lunch Box Tin Giveaway at their December 26 game. The first 2,000 children 12-years-old or younger received a Condors-themed lunch box tin.

The Calgary Flames (NHL) recently released their official app for iPhone and BlackBerry devices. Developed by Atimi Software, the app includes interactive maps of the Flames’ home venue, Scotiabank Saddledome, that enable fans to pinpoint specific food, beverage, and retail vendors in the arena. So fans can see where the closest concession stand is that sells pizza, for example.

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL) have a program called Stick Kid which gives a young fan 6-14 years old the chance to be the honorary stick kid for the team during their pre-game skate. The youngster gets to sit on the bench, wear a team helmet and jersey, and hang out with the players as they warm up. The kid and his family also receive four tickets to the game.

The Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) gave students from Kent-Meridian High School a chance to see what it’s like to run the promotional aspects of a sporting event. The students were in charge of the Thunderbirds’ game-night promotions on January 7. Students sang the National Anthem, coordinated the intermission promotions, and created video spots that ran at the arena during the game. Cheerleaders and team mascot from the school were also a part of the game promotions.

The Hudson Valley Renegades (MiLB) are offering a ticket package to help fans get through the winter until baseball season starts. The Renegades Snow Storm Mini Pack includes either a 5- or 10-game ticket package, an extra game ticket for free, a team hat, and a team fleece blanket. Plus, for every two packages a fan purchases, they receive a gift certificate to a local restaurant.