Football is America’s most popular sport – and by a long shot. In a recent Gallup poll, the popularity gap between football and second-place basketball was 26 percentage points. (1) Players and fans can be extremely passionate about their team, which presents a big opportunity for sales of gridiron-related promotional products. Here are our tips for tackling this market from youth leagues all the way to the pros.
Youth Football
The fastest growing sport among children aged six to 14 is none other than flag football! Along with tackle football and baseball, these are the only three youth sports that are showing a positive growth rate among this age group. (2) From training camps to game day; players, parents and team supporters can benefit from useful promo items while showing team spirit. Talk with athletic directors, coaches and boosters about game-day giveaways, fundraising ideas and award banquet opportunities.
#AP6002 Kadin Duffel – A bag with the storage space every athlete needs! The zippered main compartment with U shape opening and zippered pockets on both ends help keep gear organized. Adjustable shoulder straps, a removable boarded bottom and carrying handles make this a reliable go-to sport or gym bag.
#61600 Rally Towel – Show your spirit by waving this 100% cotten hemmed rally towel at your team’s next game. Includes 1-color 7″ x 5″ imprint.
#26023 Deluxe Stadium Seat – Cheer on your favorite team in comfort with this padded stadium seat. Features adjustable support side straps and two carry handles for easy portability.
#36739 Laurel Wreath Medal – Award players’ achievements with these stunning medals adorned with wreaths of excellence. Available in gold, silver and bronze with red, white and blue ribbon (or black ribbon) with quick clip hook.
College Days
The popularity of college football is massive, with 56% of adults in the US citing themselves as college football fans. Game attendees can’t get enough of team-themed promotional items whether handed out by stadium staff or tossed into the stands by the mascot. The power of promo has more reach than just on campus, however. “Home-gate” parties are popular for those watching the game from the comfort of home, and that is a large number of people. In fact, the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship delivered the second-biggest audience in TV viewing history. (3) This huge and diverse fan base makes college football-themed promotional campaigns appealing to businesses across all industries.
#26117 Deluxe Fleece Blanket – Warm, cozy and durable; this thick 50″ x 60″ fleece blanket will keep you cozy during the pre-game and game. Includes embroidery decoration with large imprint area and matching thread binding.
#46076 Color Changing Stadium Cup – 16 oz. – Take the classic stadium cup up a notch with the popular color-changing trend. This reusable cup changes color when ice-cold beverages are added.
#46173 KOOZIE Tripple Vacuum Tumbler – 13 oz. – A unique multi-function KOOZIE® product that has a drop-in, drink-thru lid to convert from a can or bottle kooler to insulated tumbler so you can enjoy any beverage of your choice on game day.
#26088 Two-Tone Captain’s Chair – Elevate the style of a classic Captain’s Chair in new and trendy two-tone gray or blue polyester. Features two mesh can holders and comes inserted in a carry bag with strap and drawstring.
Going Pro
It’s clear that football goes beyond entertaining spectatorship, and passionate fans follow deep-rooted allegiances. Every week there are gatherings across the country to watch favorite teams face off while enjoying snacks, drinks, frustration and joy. The NFL itself has built a powerful brand as the league reported nearly $2 billion in sponsorships, licensing and merchandise revenue in 2017. (6) From tailgating gear to bags that comply with NFL regulations to stadium giveaways — there is plenty of opportunity to score big with pro-game promos.
#15734 Clear Game Drawstring Backpack – The perfect bag for fans packing their stadium and event day items safely. Meets NFL Bag Policy as long as logo size does not exceed 4.5″ tall by 3.4″ wide.
#15658 KOOZIE® Tailgate Rolling Kooler – This 4-wheeled kooler is large enough to carry your favorite snack and beverages while tailgating. Additional pockets provide extra storage while the retractable 26” handle makes transporting a breeze.
#26036 Striped Pom Pom Beanie – Stay warm during winter games with this on-trend throwback style beanie. Includes embroidery imprint up to 10,000 stitches and 7 colors.
#65240 Aluminum Bottle Opener – This handy bottle opener makes a great giveaway item to keep a brand message present time and time again. Includes laser engraved imprint.
The Fantasy Game
Fantasy football has grown into its own $3 billion industry, with over 27 million people in the US and Canada participating each year. The hospitality industry cashes in on the popularity of fantasy football by hosting draft parties during the pre-season, and weekly viewing events throughout the year. With the average participant spending $110 on this hobby, promotional products make great giveaways and prizes for fantasy players. (5)
#46087 KOOZIE Bottle Opener Can/Bottle Kooler – Always have a bottle opener on-hand with this useful KOOZIE® kooler. The high quality material fits snug on cans or bottles and folds flat – making it a great option for mailings or giveaways.
#31980 myCharge Hub Mini – You won’t miss a last minute fantasy trade due to lost power when you have this power bank on-hand. This 3000 mAh portable charger comes with two integrated charging cables for powering two devices at once anytime, anywhere.
#46067 Stainless Growler – 64 oz. – This growler is the ideal option for storing and toting homebrews or draft beer favorites. Made of food grade 18/8 stainless steel with a tight sealing, swing top cap and D ring for convenient carrying. Passivated to ensure tap fresh flavor.
4th Down! Fascinating (and Fun) Football Facts
- Football was essentially rugby until 1882, when new rules were established that gave each team three tries to advance the ball five yards. That is why the field looks like a gridiron, the lines let the teams know how far they had to go. The #30795 Flexi Ruler may not quite measure five yards, but it is fun and functional for back to school.
- Teddy Roosevelt was about to ban football until new rules were established to ensure player safety. The revised rules introduced the forward pass. We bet T.R. would be a big fan of BIC Graphic’s commitment to product safety and Superior Compliance.
- Despite the misnomer that pro games can only be played on Sunday, Monday and Thursday, the NFL has actually played games on every day of the week. With the #MGSCH BIC Football Schedule Magnet it’s easy to make sure you are ready for game day all season.
- Most NFL stadiums (about 70%) have end zones in the North and South so the sun doesn’t interfere with play. (6) Be sure to take the #26050 Cool Vibes Dark Lenses Sunglasses when you head to the game so you don’t miss any of the action
Sources:
http://mentalfloss.com/article/58335/15-incredible-football-facts-share-tonight
https://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/11/nfl-facts-crazy-super-bowl-patriots-joe-gibbs-oj-simpson
https://www.accuweather.com/en/outdoor-articles/outdoor-living/the-benefit-of-football-field-1/2729143
Visit bicgraphic.com for more more products and ideas for football-related promos.
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