“More Than a Ballpark” is the name of a new strategic partnership between multiple Major League Baseball (MLB) teams aimed at attracting conferences and events.
All eyes are on the sport as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees compete for the top prize in the World Series.
Baseball stadium as a meeting place
First, these stadiums are used for baseball games. “Our core business is baseball, but we have started to host more events, such as concerts or engaging our corporate partners,” said Andy Blackburn, vice president of strategic partnerships for the Chicago Cubs. Use the ballpark on days when the team is not playing.
Dodgers365 Executive Director Chris Koenig shares how Dodger Stadium hosts events when the team is playing on the road.
“VIP dinners offer unparalleled on-site branding capabilities and enhanced experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours, batting practice and even meetings with legendary players,” said Koenig.
Nationals hit the ball out of the park
This summer, Confetti Events owner and events expert Samantha Blake hosted a event for a local law firm at Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals. An event.
The stadium is located in southeastern Washington state, south of the Capitol and adjacent to the Navy Yard. Approximately 525 legal colleagues and their families attended the meeting.
“There aren’t a lot of unique venues in the D.C. area that offer an experience like this,” Black said.
The group visited the locker room and press box. Batting and pitching practice are also part of the experience. The bar is set up in an unconventional location – the team lounge.
The Diamond Club was the catering hub for the event. “The number of passes for this space on game day is in the thousands,” Black said. “We give them an experience they wouldn’t get at any other time.”
Two “Racing Presidents” (the Nationals’ official mascots) were also on hand for photos.
“We are also able to bring in our vendors, but not all venues allow that,” Black said. They include face painters, glitter tattoo artists, cartoonists and bounce houses.
She found the ballpark to be a good value. “Nationals Park is half the price of a Waldorf Astoria ballroom, with no experience or food,” she said. “We bought the entire park and enjoyed great food and drinks for a total price of $150,000 for our group of 525. This may sound like a lot, but it is not. Our clients loved the experience so much that We were rebooked within 48 hours for next summer.
Take me to a football match
This year, the game will be featured at the IMEX America 2024 event hosted by MLB. Its launch was held outside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. This is the first time that Major League Baseball (MLB) has participated in the exhibition as an exhibitor.
IMEX attendees are encouraged to step into a virtual baseball diamond and test their hitting skills in VR. Representatives from each partner team were also present.
The partnership is supported by the MLB offices, which include destination marketing organizations for the eight MLB teams and the cities in which they are located.
