Your Next Superfan Can't Even Drive Yet
If you want to future-proof your fanbase, start by thinking smaller, literally. While most teams chase adults with credit cards, the real long-term play sits in the stands with foam fingers and juice boxes. Those kids are your future diehards, and if you hook them early, you’ll have them cheering for life.
The 3M Open, a PGA TOUR event, proved just how powerful family-focused programming can be. Their Blippi Meet and Greet drew hundreds of new families who might never have considered attending a golf tournament. As Adam Banko, Director of Ticketing, put it: “Our end goal was to create new fans who wouldn’t normally come out. Even if we didn’t make our initial investment back this year, we knew we’d hit our goal with new fans. It wasn’t about turning a profit—it was about creating lifelong fans.”
That mindset is exactly what teams across sports are embracing. In the NHL for example, the Hurricanes and Predators each run a Kids Club program offering exclusive perks like swag, birthday surprises, and even a complimentary ticket with registration. That free ticket isn’t just a nice gesture, it’s a gateway. The first time a kid walks into an arena, feels the lights, and hears the crowd? You’ve got them.
And there’s no shortage of ways to keep the magic going. Let kids announce the lineup, shadow game-day roles, or join “Kids Takeover” nights. Create family sections where mascots roam freely and the popcorn never runs out. Partner with schools to reward reading milestones or good grades with tickets. The goal is simple: make kids feel like they belong.
Because when you invest in kids, you’re not just filling seats—you’re building legacy. Today’s face-painted superfan might be tomorrow’s season ticket holder, sponsor, or even front office exec. So don’t underestimate the power of a free ticket, a mascot high-five, or one unforgettable first game. That’s how you create fans for life.
