Verizon Wireless Hits a Homerun with Baseball Promotions
Verizon Wireless will use its sponsorship of 14 professional baseball teams this season to pitch a slew of contests and promotions in and outside of ballparks.
Promotions will include text-to-win contests at games and demonstrations of its new V Cast music service that will give fans a chance to win merchandise autographed by players.
“One reason we target baseball is because the symmetry between fans and their local teams gives us a great opportunity to align ourselves with those fans whose loyalty is huge,” said Verizon spokesperson Jeffrey Nelson. “Baseball stadiums are a great place to show off some of our technology.”
Verizon will give fans the opportunity to send text-to-screen messages to Jumbotrons during ballgames. Fans will also be able to read mobile diaries of players and send text messages to team managers.
Baseball team members will make special appearances at Verizon Wireless Communications stores near game sites. In May, fans can visit Denver Metro Verizon Wireless stores to enter to win an opportunity to throw the first pitch at a Colorado Rockies game.
The Bedminster, NJ-based company said it plans to use its sponsorship to strengthen community ties, provide fans with an inside look at from coaches and players and give fans additional ways to enjoy the game.
In Cleveland, Indians’ fans will receive Indians/Verizon Wireless umbrellas on a designated In Park promotional night. At other games, ticket stubs will serve as discounts towards the purchase of a Verizon phone.
New York Mets fans won’t miss out on the telecommunication company’s offerings. Starting Monday, Mets fans will be challenged to solve a puzzle featuring Mets players and can submit answers via text message for a chance to win a trip for two to a Mets vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game in September. Verizon will also distribute Mets/Verizon Wireless backpacks to the first 12,000 kids at a Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals game in the summer. The contest ends Aug. 27.
Seattle Mariners fans will also be able to select what songs are played during inning breaks and for 60 games, can snap pictures with their phones and enter it to win the title the “Verizon Wireless Fan of the Game”. The winning photo will be shown on ballpark screens.
In addition, as part of it sponsorship, Verizon will work with players and baseball fans to raise awareness of the ongoing problem of domestic violence, Nelson said. Fans can donate their old cell phones to domestic violence awareness groups during games. Kiosks will also display headsets and phones offered by Verizon.
Verizon Wireless serves 51.3 million customers and is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone.
