Do you zig when others zag?

With an uncertain economy many teams are pitching value pricing to carve out revenue, but not the Jumbo Shrimp. Here is a new offering to those who might have some extra funds under there seat cushions: The Most Expensive Sampler Platter. It’s a softball game experience at the ballpark from the Shrimp with food, drink and fireworks.

Kidding aside this is a fun pitch from Jacksonville, and in the same vein as finding ways to create revenue, buzz and unique experiences at the ballpark.

And with dates available at the park you gotta do what you gotta do.

Introducing the World's Most Expensive Sampler Platter.

For $10,000, @121Financial Ballpark is yours for a softball game on the field, movie of your choosing, private fireworks show and food/drink for 50 people.

MORE ➡️ https://t.co/3trASHEiEa pic.twitter.com/2adoCpWCQf

— Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (@JaxShrimp) July 10, 2020

Creative Pandemic Revenue Streams are Alive and Well

Last summer we saw teams across the country finding ways to generate revenue without games.  Concession food offered in drive-thru, ...
Read More

Framing Up the Game in NH

The FisherCats are welcoming fans back and normalizing their fan experience after the long pandemic great. This includes those 'suitable-for-framing' ...
Read More

Tommy Hawk Gets Reel

What's better than a game-ritual social media sensation? A game-ritual social media sensation compilation. Here's Tommy Hawk wrapping up a ...
Read More

Rethinking Mascots in Masks

We had a good discussion about mascots wearing masks earlier in the pandemic with David Raymond.  While teams each have ...
Read More

New Rules in Richmond

The pandemic erased the 2020 season and is having lasting effects into 2021.  The Flying Squirrels are facing the challenge ...
Read More

Gnash Is In The House!

The Nashville Predators are taking advantage of the pandemic that allows them some flexibility on game nights. The team has ...
Read More

Chuck Taking Over LA

Shout out to Chuck the Condor in LA for staying active and fun on social media.  Holidays, Game Days, drip, ...
Read More

Mascots Spread the Virus Word

Mascots have a long history in public health and these furry and inflatable characters are working tirelessly  during this global ...
Read More

More Virtual Dancing Fun from Buzz City

We looked (twice) at the excellent pandemic efforts from the Golden State Warriors. They have used the no-fan and no-floor ...
Read More

Saturday Night Live in Calgary

Really fun intro video from the Calgary Flames. The pandemic is fueling some creativity, sometimes just due to the freedom ...
Read More

Sixer Fix

Like many teams the Sixers have limited or no fans (as of 1/25 they were not allowing fans) at games.  ...
Read More

Virtual Rally in Dallas

Mavericks are circling the wagons this weekend with a Mavs Academy Virtual Rally for Kids. Due to COVID, the Mavs ...
Read More

Bears in Hershey

Last week I flagged an article for an upcoming Water Cooler post (this one). The Hershey Bears, famous for their ...
Read More

High Five – Detroit Pistons

Our "High Five" series looks at five stand out elements from a live team reviews around the country, along with ...
Read More

January 2021 Party in the Back Podcast

We start 2021 with a bang including three great guest for a Party in the Back.  mazing Balancing Act. Tyler ...
Read More

High Five – Indy Fuel

Our "High Five" series looks at five stand out elements from a live team reviews around the country, along with ...
Read More

NBA Mascots are back with Rolo

A global pandemic can't stop the on-going feud between NBA mascots and the NBA's unshaven caveman Robin Lopez. Here Franklin ...
Read More

Pandemic Bear Success Story

We always value celebrating your successful promotions. Nice to receive a pat on the back (even if it is patting ...
Read More

Bear Toss Alternatives

Here are a couple more twists on the Pandemic Era Teddy Bear Toss. First from the the Springfield Thunderbirds. They ...
Read More

Behind the Wubble Sky

Really fun use of outtakes, behind the scenes footage and content from the WNBA Bubble last summer from the Chicago ...
Read More

Staying Connected

The Admirals are staying connected and reminding fans they are still caring ambassadors in the community. This weekend they held ...
Read More

Virtual Chuck-a-Puck in Fayetteville

The Fayetteville Marksmen are letting fans doing what they do, but do it from home...this time with a virtual Chuck-a-Puck ...
Read More

Behind the Scenes

Great use of social media to show fans Homer is still active in the community. These quick photos at non-public ...
Read More

Quick Change Lasting Loss

Sad news at the Water Cooler today.  The artist David Maas passed away yesterday from COVID-19. David and Dania are ...
Read More

Storming TikTok

Mascots are stepping up their TikTok game, like Stormy here. While the fate of TikTok still hangs in the balance ...
Read More

Iconic Laker Girls on Pause

Major announcement from the LA Lakers regarding their iconic dance team: No auditions for the year. This comes on the ...
Read More

SlapJack Cover Up

NAHL mascot SlapJack from the Odessa Jackalopes is giving fans a chance to make him a mask. SlapJack provides simple ...
Read More

Scan Your Mascot

Keeping your distance. Connecting with fans. Sometimes it's hard to find a way to do both under the new reality ...
Read More

Pandemic Changes Dance Production Value

The pandemic is pushing creativity....and it's awesome. Check these NFL dance teams who are adjusting their presentation to the new ...
Read More

Turkey Day Tradition in Waterloo

Waterloo Black Hawks are celebrating 50 years of their Thanksgiving Game.  The party started with the announcement of the game ...
Read More

National MeLVin Appreciation Day

MeLVin knows what day it is. It was Teddy Bear Day and Lehigh Valley Phantoms mascot MeLVin used it to ...
Read More

Coyote Traveling Trick is a Treat

Spurs Coyote is not just sitting at home this Halloween, he has an epic Trick or Treat tour planned. With ...
Read More

MLS Atlanta Adapts

The MLS team Atlanta United is adapting to the pandemic with a giveaway for fans despite having limited attendance. MLS ...
Read More

Browns In It Together

The Browns created an excellent scoreboard video sewing together their drum line, Health Care Workers, Utility Workers, Grocery Workers, Teachers, ...
Read More

Shy Sky Player Impression

More player content packaged for social media, this from the Chicago Sky. This has the feel of a player personality ...
Read More

Keeping Proper Distance in PDX

The Portland Timbers and Providence Oregon are teaming up for a fundraising effort with a clever connection to the team ...
Read More

Saints Bobbing for Votes

It is election season and the Saint Paul Saints are rocking the vote. As many teams have done during election ...
Read More

Broncos Killed Kenny

Cardboard seats are in vogue and the Broncos have pulled in from nearby South Park Colorado to fill their stadium ...
Read More

Master Builders Back Bolts

The Bolts are using the hashtag #BeTheDistantThunder during the playoffs to organize their faithful behind the team. Be The Distant ...
Read More

2017 Promo in Tucson was Pandemic Ready

Today we have another Throwback Edition of the Water Cooler from 2017. This one caught our eye as a good ...
Read More

Pandemic Humor

Humor can be challenging in hard times. When is it okay for a playful poke or to look at the ...
Read More

e-Gino Time in Boston

The Boston Celtics tradition of dancing with Gino to celebrate Celtic wins is alive and well despite the global pandemic ...
Read More

Phillies are a Cutout Above

Teams across the country are playing it safe by replacing fans with COVID-free cardboard cutouts of fans.  And the Philadelphia ...
Read More

Kids’ Ask the Indians

As game operations and social media merge during the pandemic here is another example of a scoreboard feature that is ...
Read More

Measured Videoboard Graphic has Notre Dame Buzzing

This weekend at the Notre Dame football they had what I would consider to be a playful "cam", called "Physical ...
Read More

Welcome to Thunderdome

No fans? No problem. The WWE and The Famous Group have created the virtual fan solution that brings the energy ...
Read More

Too Esoteric For Your Demographic?

It has been said that you can be too esoteric for your demographic. The Rapid City Rush might be in ...
Read More

Making Moments in Toledo

The Toledo Walleye are making memories and getting fans to reflect attending games.  Here is a great tweet from the ...
Read More

Heads Up in DC

Fun game of Heads Up from the WNBA Champion Mystics. Heads Up is a game available on the App Store ...
Read More

Ugly Holiday Masks

Masks are not only a sign of the times, they are mandatory in most public settings. Including your arena. So ...
Read More

Bruins New Look Introductions

Do what you do, but do it from home. It's been our pandemic mantra since March and a driver for ...
Read More

Corona Virus

Sports has been paused and redefined by the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. As we shift into the new sports ...
Read More

Atlanta Braves’ New Dance Team

Teams everywhere are adapting to the limitations of the pandemic. Staffs are pitching in to make the show complete with ...
Read More

Put Your Fans In Their Place

You miss fans and they miss you (or at least your games, ha). There have been so many great uses ...
Read More

Orchestral Grit

Gritty just keeps on gritting away. Mascot performance (much like everything else in life) is about confidence. When a skit ...
Read More

Award-Winning Year of the Fan in KZoo

Well earned props in Kalamazoo.  This ECHL team won Marketing Department of the Year awards (celebrated in the most 2020 ...
Read More

Free Pot Giveaway in Saint Paul

The Saints continue to set the bar with playful and creative promotions. The global pandemic has not slowed this promotional ...
Read More

ZOOM Cheering and Virtual Streaking

If it wasn't enough that you have Zoom meetings from 9-5, now you can watch and cheer on your favorite ...
Read More

Playful NHL Puts FUN in the Bubble

There is no shortage of playful fun from the NHL's Playoff Bubble. Rogers Place videoboard is on a roll with ...
Read More

Soccer Battles COVID

Love this BIG BOLD statement from the Zenit SPB. Instead of rallying against the other team they make the statement ...
Read More

Shooting Shirts via Twitter

Now that mascots are back the stadiums, they are ready to shoot shirts to the outstretched arms of their adoring ...
Read More

Doing the Wave….Alone.

Never as much fun alone. A for effort and a metaphor for the times. Once surrounded by tens of thousands ...
Read More

Meet Your New Entertainment Team

The bubble has locked out the dancers, mascots, drummers, flippers, cheerleaders, stunters, senior dancers, kid dancers and dunk teams. Opening ...
Read More

Magnet Schedules Repurposed

Stuck with thousands of pocket schedules and magnets that feature all the game you didn't play this year. The Rochester ...
Read More

Show Must Go On

Not that many people would notice (since no one is attending), but it is interesting to see how the limited ...
Read More

Captains are Saving Memories

Don't you, forget about me. The Captains are locking in memories of years past with a call to action for ...
Read More

Signs of the Times

When we look back at game operations from 2020 it might always be very clear the vintage of the photos ...
Read More

A Song Breaks Out in Kzoo

Wings mascot Slappy and Broadcaster John Peterson had some fun on Instagram with this powerful 80's classic by Journey. We ...
Read More

Gritty is Orange Velvet Cake

Mascot Monday features the NHL's most notable mascot Gritty. With everything going and the world turned inside out from a ...
Read More

Pelican Typo

Much of our social media has shifted into an effort to message fans about masks and draw attention to events ...
Read More

Durham Says Thanks

More teams are giving thanks to the incredible efforts of health care workers in this extraordinary time.  Meals for Medics ...
Read More

Handwritten Love from Indy

Here is a nice touch from the Indiana Pacers and their Hype Crew. These on-court entertainers were enlisted to write ...
Read More

Beer League Pricing Just Went Up

Do you zig when others zag? With an uncertain economy many teams are pitching value pricing to carve out revenue, ...
Read More

Gorilla Counts Its Down

The Suns Gorilla is counting the days for the return of the NBA. As we move back to action with ...
Read More

Franklin Spreads the Fun

Nice video to celebrate 7/6 Day with Franklin who shows you can keep your social distance (plus wear a mask) ...
Read More

Hawks Dancers Pose in Winning Post

Great video from the Atlanta Hawk Dancers. Remind fans of the action at the game, with some poses at home ...
Read More

Aces Mask Up

Want sports back? Remind your fans that masks are mandatory now. View this post on Instagram If Mr. Baseball can ...
Read More

July 2020 Party in the Back Podcast

Top Dog from Street Characters Glenn Street joins the Party to discuss his journey from mascot to costumer. Glen shares ...
Read More

Masked Community Ambassador

Friday reminders. Your team is a leader in the community and what you say/do matters to your fans. You have ...
Read More

Celtic Heroes Among Us

The Celtics have long partnered with Massachusetts State Lottery to recognize community heroes at games. Their typical award is given ...
Read More

Railcats Continue to Plan the Fun

The Railcats are shifting into some alternative uses for their stadium this summer, including some of their standard offerings without ...
Read More

Icy Rocks the Summer

Komets are getting you ready for summer with a Spotify Playlist from their popular mascot Icy. Lots of bird-centric jams ...
Read More

Father’s Take over MILB Ballparks

In light of ballparks across the country going dark during the lockdown, teams continue to find ways to utilize all ...
Read More

Make Fun or Repost Fun

While we are shut out from sports we don't have to be shut out from Fun. The RiverDogs are dipping ...
Read More

Mud Hens’ Deliver

Mud Hens have found a sweet spot for their fans. They have created a care package for fans that can ...
Read More

Bears Shooting T-Shirts in Hershey

Another great example of repackaging in-game content for social media, this one from the Hershey Bears. Even better, this was ...
Read More

June 2020 Party in the Back Podcast

On the One Year Anniversary of changing to the Party in the Back Podcast we invite the inspiration for the ...
Read More

Twitter Giveaway

Gameops.com has introduced a series of Social Media Promotions (ePromos). We have insights on execution as well as resources and ...
Read More

Make them Miss It

So many great posts using footage and photos from the games. While everyone ramps up posts and engagement, asking fans ...
Read More

Little Dogs Serve Up Big Promo

The Chihuahuas have found ways to engage their fans without game by using their in-game elements like this graphic Fry ...
Read More

New Mascot: The King of Keeping Away

One of Florida's tourist parks has introduced a new mascot to encourage (demand?) and demonstrate social distancing.  Welcome the Skunk ...
Read More

How Many Graphic Artists Do the Cubs Have?

Perhaps the most job security in sports this week was in the Chicago Cubs Graphics Department. As many teams have ...
Read More

Working to Scale in Richmond

We looked last week at the Pirates online shirt toss, where they asked fans to reply for the chance to ...
Read More

Race Wednesday in Buffalo

The Buffalo Bisons are another team taking their famous in-game race to an at-home model, much like the Chicago Bulls ...
Read More

Virtual Dunkin’ Race in Chicago

The Bulls are not letting a global pandemic stand between their fans and the popular Dunkin Donut Race. Traditionally each ...
Read More

Busy Biscuit

Jumping into Zoom meetings, making Mother's Day Deliveries, word finds, and online skits...Biscuit has been busy.  The Allen American's mascot ...
Read More

Stripers’ Simba Cam

Back with our theme of "Do what you do, but do it at home," this time with the Gwinnett Stripers.  ...
Read More

Kid Race in Hartford

The Yard Goats continue to shine during the lockdown with perhaps the best MILB Twitter feed and content. Last week ...
Read More

Pirates’ Viral Shirt Toss

"Do what you do, but do it from home," has been our call to action and the Pirates provide another ...
Read More

Wolves Dancers getting good at Zoom

The NBA Timberwolves Dance Team has just stepped up their social distancing performance zoom-style call. While other teams are doing ...
Read More

What Will This Look Like?

After 2 months off of sports its not clear when we will tip-off, kick-off, or drop another puck, but it ...
Read More

May the Fourth From a Galaxy Very Close to You

In the vein of "Do what you do, but do it from home", the Chihuahuas hosted a quarantine version of ...
Read More

Real Hero Jersey Takeovers

Real heroes were highlighted by Sports Heroes this week for Nurses Day. Keeping up with the trends on social media ...
Read More

Flying Hot Dog Fun From Home

The Squirrels are doing what they do, but do it from home with their Wacky Hot Dog Vendor Flingo. This ...
Read More

Mascot House Calls

The Dallas Stars Mascot is making house calls to spread joy and make birthday parties during lockdown a bit more ...
Read More

Instagram Giveaway

Gameops.com has introduced a series of Social Media Promotions (ePromos). We have insights on execution as well as resources and ...
Read More

Putting the Graphics Department to Work

Great online rewards for fans, a custom jersey wallpaper. Check these teams putting their graphic departments to work to give ...
Read More

BINGO Surge

BINGO isn't just for church basement octogenarians now and social media is the new BINGO Hall.  Custom BINGO cards are ...
Read More

Respecting Tradition in San Jose

The MLS Earthquakes are one of the homes for iconic entertainer Krazy George.  This week they gave George a little ...
Read More

Pro Dance Teams Add Full Slate of Activities

Dance teams like Brooklynettes and the Washington NFL Dance Team are ramping up their on-line efforts from the occasional random ...
Read More

Learning to Draw on Lockdown

Cool opportunity to learn while you are on lockdown. Noted mascot artist Ava Buric (who was our guest on the July ...
Read More

Dueling Egg Hunts

Photos Hunts are all the rage and what's better on Easter than a virtual Easter Egg Hunt.  Here are a ...
Read More

Panthers Mark their Virtual Territory with 5K

Great initiative from the Florida Panthers who created a virtual fundraising run to raise money for the Florida Panthers Foundation's ...
Read More

IceHogs Don’t Wait to Honor First Responders

Two in a row for the IceHogs! (see yesterday's IceHogs Hold Virtual Fan Appreciation Night) Love this hero nomination program ...
Read More

IceHogs Hold Virtual Fan Appreciation Night

Fans on lockdown at home jeopardized the IceHogs Fan Appreciation efforts, but didn't stop them from finding ways to say ...
Read More

JumboShrimp Go Big on Small Screen

Full game experience from the JumboShrimp in this fantastic 15 minute virtual opening day experience. They include samples of game ...
Read More

DC Mascots Split Screen Dance Party

Innovative content from DC's basketball and hockey mascots GWiz and Slapshot. With no live action mascots and dance teams everywhere ...
Read More

Comet Drive-By Birthday Celebration

Not possible in some areas, but the Lincoln Stars mascot Comet is still out making memories with appearances like this ...
Read More

NFL Cheerleaders Driving Content

Two examples of NFL Cheerleaders with engaging content. First a simple chain of video makeovers showing the Atlanta Falcons dancers ...
Read More

Thunderbirds Lockdown Fan Appreciation

The Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL) aren't letting the Corona Virus lockdown get in the way of appreciating their fans. The have ...
Read More

Throw Back Thursday, Beatles Edition

I am pretty sure this is photoshopped, but when you can't be certain isn't it great. Ha. And boom....Throwback Thursday! ...
Read More

Do What You Do, Do It At Home

As discussed on the April 2020 Party in the Back Podcast, one of the simplest ways to connect with fans ...
Read More

Stanley Scrambles While Sluggo Gets Swoll

Different strokes for different folks. Today we peek at two mascots helping their fans during the lockdown. First in Florida ...
Read More

Yard Goats Connect During Lockdown

The Yard Goats' excellent social feeds remain on point, even on lock down. Today start with the dress code and ...
Read More

Slugger Teaches Our Youth

More online fun, this time from Slugger the Sea Dog in Portland. Reminder that these simple tools (like creating line ...
Read More

April 2020 Party in the Back Podcast

This month we Party with social media thought-leader Tariq Ahmad at this critical time in sports. As the Corona Virus ...
Read More

Cardinals Honor Community All-Stars on Cards

First flagged by our friend Ben Hill, here is another great community idea while we are on lockdown. The Springfield ...
Read More

Blazer Dancer Leads Online Dance Class

More virtual connections between teams and their fans.  This one from the Portland Trailblazers and their Blazer Dancers. One member ...
Read More

Do the Five Challenge

With most of North America on lock-down from the COVID-19 Virus most teams are turning to social media to stay ...
Read More

Driving Thanks in Rochester

With all the on-line activations from teams to engage fans, this one stood out to me from the Red Wings ...
Read More

In-Game Promotion remade to In-Home Promotion

LOVE this contest from the ATL Gladiators. They took their in-game Dance for your Dinner promotion and spun it into ...
Read More

Quarantine Jam

Grab your pots and pans and a wooden spoon, the jam session is about to begin. We are looking at ...
Read More

Power Up Education from Richmond

We looked at teams adding coloring book pages to engage students and kids at home yesterday (Color Me Up), today ...
Read More

Color Me Up

This week we will poke around sports looking at how teams are staying connected with fans through social media as ...
Read More

High Fives, Fist Bumps and the Corona Virus

Interesting look at the effect from fan contact and interactions from The Economist.  This could be in the context of ...
Read More