The best action-based promotions in sports
November, 8, 2012
11/08/12
3:20
PM ET
By
Darren Rovell | ESPN.com
[+] Enlarge
Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty ImagesBulls fans could have enjoyed one of these had things gone their way Tuesday.
Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty ImagesBulls fans could have enjoyed one of these had things gone their way Tuesday.Noah was trying to be a hero for the fans. You see, the Bulls had 99 points, and when the Bulls score 100 in a home win, all fans in attendance can redeem a free Big Mac at McDonalds.
"I just got caught up in the moment and I was trying to get the people a Big Mac," Noah said afterward. "They really wanted a Big Mac [judging by how loud the crowd was getting] and I felt like, not only did I take the shot and miss the shot, we didn't even get the Big Mac. Next time, I won't take that 3-pointer."
Either way, you can't win. Earlier this year, Penn State basketball coach Patrick Chambers took it upon himself to give away 200 free Big Macs to fans after he decided to be respectful and pull his starters in a game versus Nebraska. The team fell short of scoring the required 70 points for the promotion to kick in, so Chambers honored the giveaway himself.
That got us thinking, what are the best action-based promotions in sports? With the help of my Twitter followers, here are some of the best.
Milwaukee Brewers: When the Brewers score at least five runs in a game, burgers at George Webb restaurants are six for $5 from the moment they score the fifth run until midnight. The promotion runs all season and includes home and away games.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Fans can text WINGSTOP to 41632 before any game to get a coupon. If a Dodgers player hits a home run in the sixth inning, during a home game, that coupon activates the next day and gives the fan five free boneless wings with the purchase of a 20-ounce soda or fries.
Purdue Boilermakers football: On fall Mondays, the Purdue Bookstore gives a 5 percent discount for every Boilermakers touchdown. Five touchdowns? It's 25 percent off that next Monday.
[+] Enlarge
Drew Hallowell/Getty ImagesCut your hair, Philly Union fans. It might be free.
Drew Hallowell/Getty ImagesCut your hair, Philly Union fans. It might be free.Wisconsin Badgers and Minnesota Golden Gophers hockey: Free Culver's custard when the home team scores at least five goals.
Detroit Red Wings: Free order of curly fries at Arby's when a Red Wings player scores a hat trick. Fans need to print out a copy of the box score from the game.
Montreal Canadiens: If the Canadiens score five goals at a home game, each fan wins eight free chicken wings at La Cage Aux Sports.
St. Louis Blues: Four goals at a home game will get fans a free Big Mac.
Green Bay Packers: If Jordy Nelson (No. 87) catches a TD in a game, burgers at the local A&W restaurants are 87 cents.
UNC men's basketball: If the Tar Heeles score 100 points, fans get two sausage biscuits at Bojangles the next day for $1.
[+] Enlarge
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty ImagesLakers fans get a special game-based gift -- sometimes.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty ImagesLakers fans get a special game-based gift -- sometimes.Ryan Newman: If the NASCAR driver finishes in the top 10 in a race, fans get a free Bloomin' Onion at Outback Steakhouse with the purchase of any other item on the Monday after the race. Newman has had 12 top-10 finishes this season.
Seattle Seahawks: If the Seahawks have at least three sacks at home, fans get a free Jumbo Jack burger from Jack in the Box. The offer is good for one week following the game. Seahawks fans also get a free Top Pot Doughnut by showing their ticket if a receiver during that game had 100 yards receiving. A fan can receive a free coffee if a Seahawks running back, likely Marshawn Lynch, racks up 100 yards.
Charlotte Checkers (minor league hockey): Free small smoothie from the Smoothie King with 10 icing calls.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Drinks at his North Carolina bar, Whisky River, are free for an hour if he wins a NASCAR race. It doesn't come around that often. Junior finally snapped a 143-race winless streak on June 17. He hasn't won since.
Portland Trail Blazers: Free Taco Bell Chalupas if the team scores more than 100 at home.
Cincinnati Reds: If the Reds' pitchers combine for 11 strikeouts in a game, every fan in attendance gets a free small pizza with up to four toppings on it from LaRosa's and a free scoop of Homemade Brand Ice Cream from any United Dairy Farmers store.

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Fastest growing major beer brand over the last year? Michelob Ultra Light. Passes Busch as 7th most popular domestic beer (via @BevNet)
about 5 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Top craft beer sales in last year: 1. Sam Adams $295M, 2. Sierra Nevada $174M, 3. New Belgium $125M, 4. Shiner $104M (via @BevNET)
about 6 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Michigan's @Trey_Burke3, who will be repped by his father for his contract, has signed with @TheLegacyAgency for marketing.
about 6 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
In 2012, the US Armed Forces were served 3.1 million pounds of bacon (H/T @ParadeMagazine)
about 6 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
63% of the US population says they’d rather sit next to a crying baby on a plane flight than a smelly adult (Harris Poll)
about 6 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Appraised value of perfect trophy is $30K MT @CecilHurt Alabama auctions off the broken 2011 BCS Trophy for $105K.
about 7 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Proud of @NoraTobin, next big fitness model on the rise http://t.co/NddHlSkzSP
about 7 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Yikes. Belmont will get ugly RT @paulsen_smw Preakness earns 6.0 overnight, tied as the second-lowest since at least 2000.
about 8 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- SportsBizMiss Kristi Dosh
RT @csevans1: Just ordered mine, you should too! “@SportsBizMiss: Website for my book is up with pre-order info http://t.co/dwO5YKPriO”
about 8 hours ago
- SportsBizMiss Kristi Dosh

- darrenrovell darren rovell
In 1985, Michael Jackson bought the rights to 200+ Beatles songs, for $47.5M. Today it’s worth an estimated $1B (via @60Minutes)
about 8 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Tebow sale of the day: At a Marshall’s in Rhode Island for $7 http://t.co/rfZkg6T2NU (via @ryan_mycroft)
about 10 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Geno Smith in his Jets uniform http://t.co/n4UMHxaa1c (via @NFLPA_photos)
about 13 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Cardinals giving away these high socks to fans today (via @BDAinc) http://t.co/8sGG47p0yd
about 13 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Shocked at the amount of athletes in recent years that have had public wedding registries.
about 14 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Just think its funny that fans are buying gifts for @RGIII. Never thought for a second that he solicited them.
about 14 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Seriously? RT @RGIII Thank you to the Fans who are helping buy ALL the items from our wedding registry at Bed Bath & Beyond (H/T @bairet)
about 15 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- SportsBizMiss Kristi Dosh
Website for my book #SaturdayMillionaires is up with pre-order info, book tour schedule, etc! http://t.co/hYr69ypSHu
about 15 hours ago
- SportsBizMiss Kristi Dosh

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Noticing more gas station mini marts? Inside sales are 15% of total sales but 25% of profits, according to @jonathanmaze.
about 15 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Vikings new stadium roof is clear but will clean itself http://t.co/8SfZOA9huK (H/T @breakground)
about 15 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- SportsBizMiss Kristi Dosh
Replica of Forbes Field main gate removed in Pittsburgh: http://t.co/ISPkpGRTVH
about 16 hours ago
- SportsBizMiss Kristi Dosh

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Think the NY Times needs some thicker black lines http://t.co/59J9DxFyYK
about 17 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Net for lone Powerball winner after taxes with lump sum payout is closer to $225M (H/T @SportsTaxMan)
about 18 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- SportsBizMiss Kristi Dosh
Is Seton Hall's softball coach out of control? Some upsetting stories: http://t.co/LYaomEWy6c.
about 18 hours ago
- SportsBizMiss Kristi Dosh

- SportsBizMiss Kristi Dosh
RT @jason_kint: pray for new baseball stadium donation. RT @CBSNewYork: Winning Powerball Ticket Sold In Tampa Bay Suburb http://t.co/QHz4u…
about 19 hours ago
- SportsBizMiss Kristi Dosh

- darrenrovell darren rovell
A "make you stop" Zico ad using surfer Bethany Hamilton http://t.co/ys4mNCu6eK
about 19 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Triple Crown or bust RT @DRFPrivman Bandwagon cometh, bandwagon taketh away. 5 reporters watching as Orb leaves Pimlico.
about 21 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
It would take the average citizen of Zephyrhills approximately 17,700 years to earn what 1 of them will make w/Powerball win
about 21 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
1 Powerball winner. Zephyrhills, Fla. No state income tax makes after tax lump sum payout $300 million.
about 21 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
1 Powerball winner. Zypherhills, Fla. No state income tax makes after tax lump sum payout $300 million.
about 21 hours ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Geno Smith bobblehead given out by the @wv_power tonight http://t.co/T9d9z0ZSSg
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Omaha Storm Chasers gave out George Brett pine tar bobblearms tonight http://t.co/riB9rUj1hb (via @HuskerInsanity)
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Powerball numbers: 22 10 13 14 52. Powerball is 11.
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Carmelo Anthony made 23 TIMES what Lance Stephenson made this season.
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Huge event on the eating circuit tomorrow: The @NikoNikosGreek World Gyro Eating Contest in Houston. Big names like Chestnut will be there.
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Spike Lee got his 2 seats from Donnie Walsh. Face value of those seats are $1K each.
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Kellogg’s has signed a deal to put its characters like Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam on collegiate merchandise
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
POLL RESULTS: Most people say they spent less than $10 on Powerball tickets for tonight http://t.co/GYB3gksNEv
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
A.J. Burnett camo bobblehead night in Pittsburgh tonight http://t.co/ixbGY8RPgX (H/T @BDAinc)
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Huge MT @chengelis Someone at Griese/Hutchinson/Woodson charity just bid $31K for a suite at this year's OSU game at Michigan.
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Jets fans down on Sanchez, Geno Smith jerseys hit stores like Modells this week.
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
POLL: How much did you spend on tonight's Powerball tickets? #0 #LessThan10 #11TO20 #Morethan20
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Oxbow trainer D. Wayne Lukas says to celebrate horse’s win he’s going to stop at Wendy’s twice. Not sure of connection but good free ad.
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Charlotte Motor Speedway selling Powerball tickets before All Star Race tonight http://t.co/Tb2kleyE96 (via @deezykilpeezy)
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Looks like @JManziel2 ran in the 5th at a track in Oklahoma today (H/T @robshahan) http://t.co/yn2fzxphFe
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
For the 7th time in the last decade, the Belmont Stakes will have no Triple Crown hopeful on the line.
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Michael Phelps’ agent Peter Carlisle tells me there are no plans at this time for a comeback.
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
The only 2 seats without a free Pacers T shirt tonight are these 2, bought by Spike Lee. http://t.co/ChXkjs8VbE
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Happy to help, even across the pond RT @dbhoops Thanks from the UK! Left Orb alone and went with Oxbow.
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
Now that’s how you make a call #Oxbow
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell

- darrenrovell darren rovell
The last time a horse won the Triple Crown, this movie was a week away from debuting http://t.co/ikDo25ZC6Q
1 day ago
- darrenrovell darren rovell



ESPN SPORTS BUSINESS ON TWITTER
You must be signed in to post a comment