The brands are promotin’ some ball: KC businesses look to capitalize on Royals’ playoff return

October 2, 2024  |  Olivia Mizelle

The Kansas City Royals' mascot Sluggerrr mimes to fans at Kauffman Stadium in August 2024 during the regular season; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon.

Click here to read the original story.

The Kansas City Royals are back in the Major League Baseball postseason for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015, and fans aren’t the only ones celebrating. Local businesses throughout the Kansas City area are hosting watch parties, promoting merchandise and cutting prices in honor of the Royals.

As the Royals defeated the Baltimore Orioles 1-0 in Game 1 of their American League Wild Card Series Tuesday, Kansas City businesses were busy publicizing baseball-themed promotions on social media.

Charlie Hooper’s Brookside Bar & Grille in Kansas City is part of the Royals Home Team Program, and it played Tuesday’s Wild Card games on its TVs. Both games took place during Charlie Hoopers’ happy hour, which includes a variety of drink specials.

The Royals Home Team Program features a dozen Kansas City-area bars and restaurants that partner with the team as venues for game day viewing.

Another restaurant that rolled out a playoff promotion is Meat Mitch BBQ, which hosted watch parties for Tuesday’s games. In an Instagram post, the restaurant said it would be playing the game on all 20 of its HD TVs and serving game day specials and happy hour drinks.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Meat Mitch BBQ (@meatmitchbbq)

Price Chopper is one of the Royals’ local sponsors, and the supermarket chain posted Monday on social media that shoppers could earn 100 bonus rewards points for every run the Royals score in the playoffs, if they make a $25 purchase the following day.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Price Chopper (@my_pricechopper)

Price Chopper also offers “Steal a Deals” during the regular season, offering fans discounts depending on what game they attend and where they sit.

Local Kansas City clothing stores are also getting excited about the Royals’ recent success.

Made in KC, a local gift and apparel store, leaned into the fact that it has been nine years since the Royals have been in the postseason in its Instagram caption Monday.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Made In KC (@madeinkc_)

It promoted its updated Royals gear and encouraged fans to buy the apparel.

Charlie Hustle, a Kansas City sports apparel brand, announced on X that it is releasing a shirt that reads “Give It Everything You Got,” inspired by former Royals Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer — two stars of the Royals’ 2015 World Series championship team.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      2024 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        Report: Nearly 10 percent of KC’s economy is tech; How AI is reshaping the way world sees Kansas City

        By Tommy Felts | September 26, 2024

        Kansas City now has one of the densest tech workforces in the Midwest, said Kara Lowe, emphasizing that the City of Fountains has surpassed larger cities like Chicago, Houston, and Nashville, with a greater economic impact on the local population than in any of those metros. More than 77,000 skilled professionals, representing 9 percent of…

        Just funded: Digital Sandbox KC drops the hook for three more emerging tech startups

        By Tommy Felts | September 26, 2024

        From optimizing trucking logistics to revolutionizing peer-to-peer recommendations and streamlining compliance with AI, the latest startups funded by Digital Sandbox KC are poised to make a significant impact in their industries, said Jill Meyer.  “We’ve been truly impressed by the expertise and passion these founders bring to the table,” said Meyer, senior director of Technology…

        Tech champion tapped to lead Patterson Family Foundation; How Maria Flynn plans to ‘make opportunity happen’ for rural communities

        By Tommy Felts | September 25, 2024

        A startup leader, exited executive, and tech advocate who emerged from Cerner to become one of the most prominent voices for investing in Kansas City will now champion the region in a new way: as president and CEO of an influential nonprofit that bears her former boss’ name. Maria Flynn was announced Tuesday as the…

        Lei Away staycation: Festival celebrates shared language of Aloha, tiki culture and creativity in KC

        By Tommy Felts | September 24, 2024

        What began as a celebration of tiki vibes and tropical aesthetics has danced into an all-out luau that showcases authentic Polynesian traditions, culture and makers alongside local businesses and island enthusiasts, said Johnny Dawbarn. The three-day Lei Away 2024 festival returned this weekend to the Crossroads with events ranging from a talk on the history…