Best Team Operations: Dayton Dragons

Which team is doing the best job in their game operations and game presentation. Consider creativity, value to fans, overcoming sport and budget limitations, quality of presentation, and attention to detail. We level the playing field by considering budget constraints to minor league teams.

Dayton Dragons
When you sell out 287 straight games, you are doing something right...and the Dayton Dragons seem to be doing everything right. Game presenation is one of the highest priorities from this Mandalay Baseball Properties franchise, and their committment to entertaining fans is paying off with repeated sell-outs even when the team isn't winning. They have continnued to create, revise and innovate to keep games fresh and interesting....and the waiting list for tickets continues to grow.

Honorable Mention:

• Brooklyn Cyclones - Class A team that has devoted itself to providing a high-level of game night entertainment to the fans in Brooklyn. They have tapped into years of area baseball history and Brooklyn pride to present a show that is both entertaining, relevant, and sponosor-friendly. As they like to say...there is nothing minor about Brooklyn Baseball.
• Pittsburgh Pirates - The Pirates use their game promotions to highlight games and series at a time when their on-field product may be sub-par. The often tie premiums, into theme nights and use the entire fan experience to send fans home with a complete entertainment package.
• Ottawa 67s Hockey - A team that is constantly looking for fresh ideas and new acts. They also pay attention to the little details and nuances of every promotion that really set them apart from other teams. For example, many teams do the Baby Races, but Ottawa took additional steps to make it more interesting for fans and turned it into great web content for their team site.
• Saint Paul Saints - Nothing changed for last year's "Best of" Award Winner. Baseball's fun-centric underdog ,the Veeck-inspired Saints could win this every year with their dedication to fun and increasing entertainment value. They do more with less fiscally and they relish making a statement while they are at it.

While the NBA mascots get the most attention in the Best Mascot category, it was interesting that we had no NBA teams nominated for Best Team Operations. A couple panelists mentioned that the NBA has become so homogeneous it has become the least creative and interesting in sports. Baseball's slower pace and longer season make it the best breeding ground for interesting and fun promotions, especially at the minor league level.