Pelicans Giving Fans Great Value With Gameday Promotions
NEW ORLEANS - Resell markets for anything around a sporting event can be volatile, especially when it comes to NBA games in the load management era. The cost of admission needs to come with more entertainment value than just the game. Well, judging just by the secondary market, the New Orleans Pelicans are successfully giving fans great value with their gameday promotions.
Halftime acts and musical performances during breaks in play are just two parts of the full gameday process. Sure there are some booths and places for kids to enjoy running around the corridor but it's the finishing touches that matter most, much like the rainbow of colors on the thunder sticks during Pride Night.
Larry Nance Jr. added some value by sticking around and signing a few for local students after the blowout win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The free Pride Night fanny packs are already going for $20 and up on eBay.
The Pelicans have found a winning formula this season and some opportunistic fans are reaping the rewards. The highest-priced Pierre T. Pelican sock-down hat went for $175. The most expensive to garner multiple bids went for $120. Finding one for under $75 online is a rarity. Finding upper bowl tickets for less than $15 is far easier for those looking at arbitrage opportunities.
Bobbleheads are big business as well. A full team set sent out to season ticket holders would fetch over $100 to almost $300. Willie Green and some newest edition Pierre T. Pelican bobbleheads are in the $25-$50 range. Certain Pierre and King Cake Baby mascot collectibles are hitting the $250-300 price point.
HBCU hats, both the snapback and bucket versions, are averaging from $15-$35 on eBay. Even if the home team does not win, the Smoothie King Center faithful can walk out with a deal. Thankfully, the Pelicans got a bounce-back win this Sunday during Pride Night.
There are only two big giveaway games left on the schedule. The team will hand out Pelicans-branded sneaker keychains on March 23 (vs. Charlotte Hornets) and jersey mini coolers on April 1 (vs. LA Clippers). All fans will get a shirt courtesy of Smoothie King before the regular season home finale versus the New York Knicks on April 7.
The most sought-after giveaways might have already been handed out but the Smoothie King Center will be draped in shirts should the team make the NBA Playoffs. Considering the year, getting that postseason experience might be the biggest payoff at all for the most loyal fans. You know, the fans that cherish the collectibles instead of flipping them for quick cash.
