It’s been done before, most famously when Delaware North offered naming rights to TD Waterhouse Garden by the event, as well as a one-time gimmick by various indy and affiliated teams. But the offer by the Chiefs to sell naming rights on a per-game basis for the rest of the season is the first in the minors.
It’s been done before, most famously when Delaware North offered naming rights to TD Waterhouse Garden by the event, as well as a one-time gimmick by various indy and affiliated teams. But the offer by the Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A; Midwest League) to sell naming rights on a per-game basis for the rest of the season is the first in the minors.
The Chiefs have announced a “Naming Rights for a Game” option allowing companies the ability to put their name on the stadium for a 2009 regular season Peoria Chiefs game. The deal includes naming rights for a day, ballpark signage, commercials and tickets among many other amenities.
“This offers businesses a very unique marketing opportunity for thousands of fans throughout Central Illinois,” said Chiefs President Rocky Vonachen. “In addition this gives the companies a fun entertainment option for customers, employees and friends.”
The first “Naming Rights for a Game” option has been sold to Spring Green for Friday May 15 when the Chiefs face the Quad Cities River Bandits at 6:30 pm.
“We have been searching for the right venue to celebrate 30 years as a locally owned business caring for lawns in the Peoria and surrounding areas,” said Dave Vojta of Spring Green.“I was thrilled when this opportunity presented itself. For a small company like ours this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I can’t think of a more memorable event for our customers and employees to enjoy. I also would be hard pressed to find a better value for our entertainment dollar while allowing us to help support a great community organization like the Peoria Chiefs.”
Each company that purchases a game for $6,000 will receive two stadium signs that are six feet by 40 feet and placed on the top of each dugout. Also included will be mentions in game radio broadcasts on 96.5 ESPN, in-game PA mentions at the stadium and a thirty second video commercial on the video board during the game. Fifty tickets plus food and non-alcoholic beverage for a group outing at that night’s game will be provided along with fifty T-shirts and fifty Club Box tickets. The T-shirts will include the companies name as a field logo on the left chest and a Chiefs logo on the back. The purchasing company will also have the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, distribute promotional material from a concourse display and distribute coupons at the front gate as fans arrive.
The stadium has been known as O’Brien Field since it opened on May 24, 2002. The Chiefs recently joined forces with General Sports Alliance to begin a national and local search for a permanent naming rights partner for the ballpark.
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