It’s not often you see two competing brands intentionally position their consumers against each other and encourage a battle. We suggested this very idea to two of the brands we work with. They’re teaming up, challenging their fan bases (and each other) to have it out . . . for the greater good.
On Wednesday during the Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians baseball game, the two mascots Southpaw (@Southpaw) and Slider (@SliderTheMascot), are going head-to-head in a Mascot Rivalry and bringing together two opposing fan bases, virtually. We like to refer to this as a Virtual Pep Rally.
For each #GoWhiteSox and #GoTribe hashtags that are tweeted during the baseball game on Wednesday, the two clubs will donate $1 to Stand Up To Cancer (@SU2C). In addition, the losing team’s mascot with the least amount of hashtags by the last out of the game, will have to make good on the pre-determined wager.
Social media provides an environment, free from rules and politics, where partnerships can be formed and relationships can be strengthened. Even if those partnerships are between two opposing baseball teams.
Creating a special hashtag for an event provides a low-barrier for fans to participate virtually and show team spirit, by simply tweeting a designated hashtag. In this particular case, by tweeting their team’s hashtags, fans are contributing to cancer research. So, it’s a win-win for everyone involved (minus the bragging rights).
Quick Hashtag 101: Utilizing hashtags when hosting an event or announcing a new product, makes it both easier for users to find particular tweets with similar subject matter, but also allows organizers to effectively identify and track all tweets with the same keyword. #GoWhiteSox #GoTribe
Virtual events such as this example, are simple and low-maintenance ways to connect with your audience and increase fan engagement. Plus, a little competitive banter between two mascots is a great source of content. Proof: http://twitpic.com/1qygql and http://twitpic.com/1qz09v
To follow the heated battle on Wednesday at 11:05am CST:
Team Chicago White Sox:
Message to Fans, White Sox Official Twitter Account, Mascot, Tally: #GoWhiteSox
Team Cleveland Indians:
Message to Fans, Indians Official Twitter Account , Mascot Tally: #GoTribe
Missed the Virtual Pep Rally? Here’s a recap of all of the action:
