September 15, 2004

Volume 3, Issue 17

Little Leaguers Learn the "Curve"

Curve increases Little League group sales by

more than 32%

If you like Selling It..., you'll love the Forum!

NSF Early Registration Offer

Register & pay for the 2005 National Sports Forum by 10/15 and receive a complimentary gift valued at $225.

Click here to learn more

Contact:  Rick Janac, Assistant General Manager,

[email protected], 814.943.5400  

Teams: Altoona Curve

Program Title: Heluva Good Quality Foods Clinic

Objective: The Altoona Curve had four main goals for this program:

• Increase Little League attendance via fundraisers during Sunday Night games

• Increase April and May attendance through marketing efforts to Little Leagues

• Provide an educational baseball experience for regional Little Leagues

• Promote player interaction with their regional fan base

Program Description: Little Leaguers of Altoona, PA. now have a "Heluva Good" batting average thanks to a special baseball clinic hosted by the Altoona Curve! The initiative worked like this...

Children who are under the age of 14 were able to attend the clinic for free with the purchase of a ticket to that day's game. For three Sundays in April & May, Little Leaguers could attend this clinic at the Blair County Ballpark and receive baseball instruction from Curve team members. The day's lessons included basic fundamentals of baseball such as batting, throwing, and fielding. In the evening, the attendees of the program were recognized on-field during the pre-game show that night.

Each of the three game nights included the promotional aspect including fireworks, in-game announcements and premium item give-aways courtesy of the sponsor, Heluva Good Quality Foods. For instance, on a game against the Erie SeaWolves, the first 2,500 kids were given a kid's wristband. The participants also received gift bags which included coupons for Heluva Good products and most importantly training from some of the Curve's best players!

To promote and publicize these events, the Curve utilized their existing Little League clients through heavy call volume and flyers promoting the event. This promotion resulted in an up-sell of their current clients and in-turn they spread the word to other Little Leagues in the region.

Media: Standard media such as print (newspaper advertisements and game day program mention), radio, television, in-stadium promotion via video board and public address were used.

Sponsors: Heluva Good Quality Foods was the main sponsor for this program. The sponsorship allowed for Heluva Good to achieve regional "good feeling" by utilizing Curve players in a unique way. Coupon opportunities were achieved with participant gift bags. Also, signage and product presentations occurred during the clinic and evening game throughout all three event days.

Results:  This program definitely helped achieve all of the objectives that were set by the Curve. The clinic had an incredible turnout which resulted in positive public exposure for the Altoona Curve and its Heluva Good Quality Foods sponsor. Not only that, but there was a 32% increase in Little League team sales! All told, more than 400 Little Leaguers attended each of the three events which helped make this program a success.  On top of that, the initiative played a key role in elevating the Curve's Sunday attendance numbers.

Looking Ahead: The Altoona Curve aims to continue to provide clinics to the regional Little Leaguer fan base. They also hope to increase the regional "touch" of the program to surrounding communities as well as Little Leagues to help educate on Curve fundraisers. Lastly, they hope to take advantage of the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding these clinics to help them promote the Curve brand throughout the region.

Click the above logo for more information on The National Sports Forum

The National Sports Forum

8419 La Mesa Blvd.

Suite B

La Mesa, CA 91941

619.469.4101