Sports fans are making their way back into the stadiums, fields, courts and courses this summer. All but one club in Major League Baseball, for instance, have seen significant attendance increases since last year, according to data from Baseball-Reference. In the first 887 games of 2022, attendance averaged at 25,512 per game – a 113% increase from last year. After a long period of sports viewing from the living room couch, fans are excited to root on their teams right in the middle of the action.

Promotional products serve as the ally to any sports fan, helping them to cheer on their favorite baseball, golf, tennis, lacrosse and soccer players. Here are eight game day merch ideas to help fans do what they do best.

1. Hats

Branded merch that can shield the sun is practical for summer events. Baseball caps, visors and bucket hats serve as the perfect canvases for any logo and can be worn all summer. With the Y2K trend still going strong, bucket and trucker hats continue to be popular styles that can combine fashion and promo.

Citi Field stadium handed out baby blue NY Mets hats to the first fans to enter the stadium on Father’s Day. This type of early-bird giveaway is always a crowd-pleaser. To broaden the reach, consider adding a tag to a promo cap that encourages fans to take a selfie wearing their game day gear and post it on social media with a fun hashtag.

Baseball caps like this two-tone style (CPFL88US) from ImprintID (asi/73651) are both on trend and perfect for summer shading.

Find on ESP

2. Drinkware

Looking around any sporting event, most fans will have a drink in hand. Branded can coolers and reusable cups can add advertising power to any beverage. These products could be given away with a drink purchase, allowing fans to go home with a souvenir they can use next time they root on their team.

Drink up! This Tall Boy Coolie (42) from Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125) can keep any 16-ounce beverage cold and be conveniently flattened into a bag or pocket.

Find on ESP

3. Sports Gear

Of course, sports gear is perfectly fitting for lovers of the game. Any sort of equipment, such as balls, bats, clubs or rackets can be a great way to integrate the sport and the brand. Giveaways like sports gear can be accompanied by a game or activity to attract fans and add to the fun of an event. For instance, a company booth at a golf tournament can set up a mini-golf hole, and fans who make a shot could receive logoed golf balls.

Giveaways like these golf balls (GOLF3A) from STOPNGO Line (asi/57655) are fun and fitting for a summer sporting event. Especially since many fans enjoy playing the sport themselves, the gear will surely be of use.

Find on ESP

4. Noisemakers & Megaphones

One of the most critical jobs of a sports fan is to add to the roar of the crowd, so noisemakers and megaphones serve as perfect promos to help fans be as loud and spirited as possible. Megaphones could even double as a snack holder and can be given away with food purchases.

Make some noise! This multipurpose popcorn holder and megaphone (23125-R) from Lion Circle (asi/67620) is the perfect promo for a sporting event, as it combines the two main objectives of a fan: to eat some food and cheer on the team.

Find on ESP

5. T-Shirts, Jerseys & Other Apparel

Any performance apparel with moisture-wicking properties is perfect for coping with the summer heat. Quality baseball-style tees, polos or jerseys will surely be a hit with sports fans. With unisex, oversized styles and neutral colors gaining popularity, a simple design can be suitable for everyone.

With a simple style and loose fit, this short-sleeve baseball jersey (423) from alphabroder (asi/34063) is suitable for all fans. Would make killer co-branded merch between any team and company.

Find on ESP

6. Sunscreen

SPF protection is a must for the summer, especially as fans spend the day in the sun at an event. Logoed sunscreen combines this need for sun protection with lasting promotional power, as it will surely make its way poolside and on beaches even after the sporting event.

This SPF 30 sunscreen (3645) from Evans Manufacturing (asi/52840) is perfect for fans to carry on the go.

Find on ESP

7. Fans & Spray Bottles

Any event under the sun is going to leave fans looking for ways to cool off. Fans and spray bottles will be put to good use, especially with added advertising power.

Be cool! This mini fan (85) from Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125) is ideal for staying refreshed on summery days.

Find on ESP

8. Keychains

Keychains are a fun way to add style to bags and keys, especially when they double as a fidget toy or wristband. The design opportunities make it easy to incorporate a company logo into the sports theme.

This baseball-shaped stress ball and keyring (ASCD71) from SC Promo (asi/87101) adds style to whatever it’s attached to, while simultaneously helping the end-user let off some steam and relieve tension.

Find on ESP

Product Hub
Find the latest in quality products, must-know trends and fresh ideas for upcoming end-buyer campaigns.