Reviving Cleveland Indians Promotions

The Cleveland Indians currently sit as the 27th ranked team in Major League Baseball attendance (not counting the spring seagulls). While I am pleased the fans have noticeably decided to voice their displeasure with the team by staying away, I can't help but wonder how in the world they will ever get most of the fans back.

It's widely accepted that the glory days of the 455 straight sellouts will never happen again. That was simply a perfect storm of a new ballpark, a winning team, players with large personalities, and a city turning to a baseball team after losing it's most beloved sports franchise to Baltimore.

It is very realistic to set a goal of 30,000 per game attendance. The Minnesota Twins, who play in a terrible park and cater to a similarly sized market, have drawn close to 29,000 per game this season despite spending most of it with a sub .500 record. Being at 30,000 (which equates to 2.4 million +) would put the Indians in the top half of the league in attendance and make them the money the poor Dolans so desperately need.

The goal I have set forth is very realistic, but the promotions department over at Progressive Field has left a lot to be desired over the years. Yes, the fireworks, bobble head, and dollar dog promotions are great and usually draw well, but if the Indians want to reach the 30,000 seat goal they will have to think above and beyond the conservative offerings they have been making recently. In fact, here are a few suggestions I have for the Indians.

1. Have a few big stars on the team: While this may not be too feasible, Cleveland has shown it will show up for a big star on its team (i.e. LeBron James before the Cavs even started making the playoffs was a significant draw). Manny Ramirez back in a Tribe uniform would certain be a hefty tab, but I imagine the increase in attendance for this All-Star every day player would increase attendance.

2. Have a Cavs night. This town currently loves it's Cleveland Cavaliers, so why not swing a deal with the Cavs to send over someone to throw out a first pitch, sing "Take me out to the Ballgame" and sign a few autographs. I originally thought the Indians could even offer a free voucher for a Cavs ticket, but that is completely unrealistic, so I figured the next best thing would be to offer a voucher for the right to buy a ticket to a Cavs game. Since tickets are hard to come by anyways, I figured this could work out well and keep costs low.

3. Have a "Boston Stinks" night. Many Indians fans are annoyed when the Jake is overrun with pretentious Red Sox fans every year for a series. The Indians can have a night where the celebrate the fact that "Boston Stinks". They can hand out soap samples to people wearing Red Sox gear, show a Red Sox blooper reel in between innings, and offer fans in Red Sox garb free tickets or Indians merchandise if they trade in their Boston gear and denounce their love for the Sox.

4. I always thought the Dolans could show a few commercials on the big screen in between innings. There's a captive audience in their seats so why not throw in a few commercials between innings. Not really a promotion, but an idea that could lead to money to build a winning team, which is a promotion in itself.

5. How about a "Bobble-Arm" Doll day? The Indians can offer a doll of a pitcher who lead the team in innings the year before. This would be a new and fun spin on the bobble head doll promotion which already draws well.

6. Create a rowdy fan section. Much like the Dawg Pound, the Black Hole in Oakland, or Cell Block 303 at Nashville NHL games, having a section of passionate fans would act as a cheer leading team of sorts for the rest of the stadium. Offer a section in the right field lower level for a bargain price on season tickets, and have fans audition for the right to buy them. Only the best fans will earn the right to get the seats at the discount price and the Indians can brand a "super fan" section.

7. An Inning with the owner promotion. Yes, this is even more unlikely than spending like the Yankees, but it could be fascinating. Each home stand could offer one night where each inning, four lucky guests are selected to spend an inning in the owners box with the Dolans. This can give fans the chance to meet the Dolans face to face and give the Dolans the opportunity to get a pulse on their fan base. This just may require some thick skin by the Dolans as they'll likely hear a lot of criticism. But then again, this could be just as invaluable to the Dolans as it would the fans.

8. Eric Wedge Grinder night. The charismatic Indians skipper can create his own Grinder sandwich and the night of its debut, give it away to fans. This can be a way to show some personality in Wedge and help connect him with the fans. Everyone needs to laugh at themselves sometimes.

9. Have a stand-up comedy night. Hire a comedian, family friendly of course, to provide jokes about the other team and other humorous observations throughout the innings to keep a light-hearted mood going. The skits asking "Yankee fans from Akron" if they've ever actually been to New York could be priceless.

10. Establish a Rewards program. Not everyone can be a season ticket holder, which offers many perks and rewards. How about giving all fans the chance to earn points towards free tickets and merchandise. Just scan your card every time you buy something from a team shop, concession stand or tickets you earn points. Create perks like "Rewards Program" parking lots, and quick entrance gates for starters. At the very least the Indians can gather the information of thousands of fans who sign up and turn around and add that to their customer database to further develop programs and promotions.

While I could go on and on with more, I'll stop there in case someone important is reading, in which case you own me $500 for this consulting service. Thank you.