USA – Commissioner Bud Selig announced today the creation of a Commissioner’s Fan Initiative which Major League Baseball officials are hoping will help attendance at ballparks this season. A lackluster U.S. economy has the league worried about declining ticket sales this upcoming season.

The Commissioner’s Fan Initiative objective is to create awareness among fans regarding the increasing number of affordable ticket promotions offered by the 30 Major League clubs. MLB also hopes to highlight baseball’s significant efforts in giving back to the local communities.

Major League Baseball will debut the MLB.com Fan Value Corner and the Jr. RBI presented by KPMG program. The league will also introduce other initiatives throughout the regular season.

MLB.com ecently launched the Fan Value Corner, which will display the numerous ticket promotions available to fans. In addition, each club’s home page will have a Fan Value Corner to showcase the club’s ticket promotions. Major League Baseball also will highlight the Fan Value Corner by directing fans to the site at the end of some of its television spots and in print ads.

Major League Baseball will also be expanding RBI presented by KPMG with the creation of Jr. RBI presented by KPMG, which will offer children ages 6-12 the opportunity to participate in the program. The program has previously been available to boys and girls 13-18. Entering its 20th season, RBI is designed to promote interest in the sport, increase the self-esteem of disadvantaged children and encourage kids to stay in school.

“Throughout its long and distinguished history, baseball has always served as a diversion for its fans in difficult times,” Selig said. “These difficult times are no different, and Major League Baseball is stepping up its efforts to make the game
more affordable and to demonstrate to its fans how important they are to us.

“Through a variety of ballpark promotions, fans will be able to stretch their entertainment dollar for an experience at the ballpark, as we will offer great value and the most affordable ticket of any major professional sport. Also, we will increase our already substantial community activities and continue to contribute valuable resources to important social causes during these difficult times.”

Major League Baseball clubs will provide fans with a wide range of special promotions in 2009. Here are some key stats:

• 26 clubs (87 percent) will offer tickets that are $10 or less;

• 26 clubs (87 percent) will offer promotions geared towards families and/or kids;

• 23 clubs (77 percent) will offer price reductions for concession and/or merchandise;

• 20 clubs (67 percent) either maintained or reduced 2009 ticket prices in most areas of their ballparks;

• 16 clubs (53 percent) will offer tickets that are $5.50 or less on a regular basis.

Some promotions highlights this season include:

Baltimore Orioles Kids Night: A new offer for children 10 and under who can enter free when accompanied by an adult on Thursday night games. The offer is available for two children per adult.

Cincinnati Reds Straight-A Program: The Reds and Duke Energy provide two free View Level tickets to students in grades 7-12 with an A average. Friends and family can purchase additional View Level tickets at half-price for the same game.

The Detroit Tigers have increased promotional giveaways by 55 percent this season.

Minnesota Twins Market Mondays: Tickets will be sold in the Home Run Porch based on the Dow Jones Industrial Average at the close of business on Friday. If the Dow closes the week at 7,481, the ticket price for any Monday game will be $7.48 if purchased in the following week.

Pittsburgh Pirates Buc Night: A new promotion on April 15, where fans can purchase $1 seats, $1 hot dogs, $1 12-ounce Pepsi and $1 popcorn.

Those are just many of the examples. The D-Backs just announced the creation of their All-You-Can-Eat Seats — 675 seats out in left at Chase Field. Pay one fee and gobble up the concessions from start to finish. Other clubs have similar increasingly popular value packages.

Major League Baseball clubs will continue expanding upon their unprecedented outreach in the community. MLB clubs will conduct more than 2,200 community initiatives during the 2009 season, as well as about 700 educational initiatives, health programs, community fundraisers and food and clothing donations.

Photo courtesy of osmoothie.com

Tags: Promotions