What Rochester Fans Are Teaching Us About Value and Experience
- Partnership Team
- Nov 8
- 3 min read
Why brands built on connection...not discounts...are winning the loyalty game.
Across the country, consumers are spending more carefully but not less meaningfully.
National data from Placer.ai shows that shoppers are flocking to retailers and experiences that combine value with connection...whether that’s a homegrown event, a treasure-hunt find, or a moment that feels personal.
With the Red Wings, we’re seeing the same story play out in real time.
Our fans told us they don’t attend events for the lowest price...they come for the best experience at a fair price. Promotions, fireworks, and theme nights top their reasons for attending. Almost 70% fans say sponsor activations add value to their night. And 40% have purchased from a partner brand after seeing them in the ballpark.
In other words: fans still spend…but they spend where it feels worth it.
For our partners, this creates a clear roadmap. Align your brand with what fans value most: shared experiences, emotional connection, and moments that make a night at the ballpark unforgettable.
Connection Is the New Currency
The national trend lines are unmistakable.
Placer.ai’s October retail analysis found that while shoppers are more deliberate with their budgets, they’re still quick to engage with value-driven experiences. Best Buy’s “Techtober” event saw a 2.2% lift in foot traffic over the same period last year, and Kohl’s extended its reach beyond its sale dates through its “Kohl’s Cash” program…proving that timing, creativity, and emotional connection still drive spending.
That mindset mirrors what we see in Rochester and at the ballpark. Fans may think twice before splurging…but they don’t hesitate when it comes to experiences that bring people together.
“70% of surveyed fans said sponsorships add value to their night at the ballpark.”
... Red Wings Survey Data, 2025
It’s a reminder that value and emotion aren’t opposites…they’re partners.
What Fans Tell Us They Value Most
Every year, thousands of fans share their feedback in hopes of making the fan experience better for everyone. The 2025 data paints a clear picture of what makes a Red Wings game a can’t-miss night:
🎆 Fireworks, giveaways, and promotions are the top motivators for attendance.
🎟 Affordability and accessibility rank right behind…families view a night at the ballpark as the perfect mix of fun and value.
💬 70% say sponsor activations add to their enjoyment of the game.
🛍 40% have purchased from a Red Wings sponsor after seeing them in the park.
Fans describe it best: “It’s not just a game. It’s an experience.”
What That Means for Partners
If the national trend is value plus experience, the local takeaway is be part of it.
Partnerships that create interaction…whether it’s a theme night, a giveaway, or a social media tie-in…outperform static placements every time. When fans associate your brand with the moment they cheer, laugh, or win a prize, you’ve earned more than visibility. You’ve earned affinity.
Ways to capture that connection:
Own a moment. Present a Fireworks Night, Theme Night, or special on-field activation that fans anticipate and mark on their calendars for months leading up.
Extend it. Follow up with digital content, continue the story, continue to bring that sense of joy to fans long after they’ve left the ballpark.
Make it interactive. Turn your brand presence into participation…photo ops, contests, or fan-driven votes…MAKE IT IMMERSIVE.
Lead with community. Support initiatives that connect your brand with Rochester families and local causes…that’s at our core, elevating our community.
When fans feel like a brand is part of their night, they respond with attention, loyalty, and purchase intent.
The Bottom Line
Value doesn’t mean cutting back…it means connecting better.
For fans, that connection happens at the ballpark. For partners, it’s an opportunity to be part of something that’s both emotionally meaningful and measurably effective.
Whether you’re a regional business or a national brand, the message is the same:
Fans are ready to spend on what feels worth it. Let’s make sure that’s you. And let’s make sure we drive home that value for our fans.
Interested in Partnering with the Red Wings?
Let’s create a moment worth remembering…and worth sharing.
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