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View Full Version : Bobbleheads and other give-aways?



Parkdale
11-27-2008, 10:08 AM
So I was at the Raps game last night, and they were giving away bobbleheads.
I got a Jose Calderon one, and last year I got a different Jose one and a Bosh one.

http://blu1.storage.msn.com/y1pN_2vwNMfhMDobMD273DuZxLwPg-4vL3wDscF95-_76u5ky-2qE6hRP5BA2GwZKP4anTKktDuBeK9oHxD7XHW2RzRG9ASeo85? PARTNER=WRITER

*not exactly as pictured.


so here's the question:
Would you like a Toronto FC set of bobble heads?
Would you like to see more giveaways like this from Toronto FC?
(obviously, on the way OUT of the stadium after the game).



My personal take on it.....

We don't need anything like this, but I wouldn't turn it away.
I think hats and toques are more useful, and are better giveaways.






------disclaimer:
This is just a question for the sake of discussion.
I'm trying to kill time until the pub night tonight.

Afra
11-27-2008, 10:15 AM
I am not much of a bobblehead fan and I agree with you that the toques and hats are way more useful. The Raptors have an established market - moreso than TFC. Stuff that people are likely to wear while out and about seems like a better way for them to go in order to spread awarness and recognition.

Parkdale
11-27-2008, 10:17 AM
Stuff that people are likely to wear while out and about seems like a better way for them to go in order to spread awarness and recognition.

that's a good point. Those Kia/TFC toques were nice,
but they just don't cut it for people with big heads (insert parkdale joke here).

One size fits all is really just a cruel lie.

BuSaPuNk
11-27-2008, 10:17 AM
^ Yeah I have to agree. Hats, Tooques, T-shirts is they way to go. They should do a promo for the release of the new jersey. First 100 fans get a free jersey!! Now that i'll be all over!!

flatpicker
11-27-2008, 10:20 AM
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k139/brushstroke-man/dichiobobbleheadboxsmall.jpg


http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k139/brushstroke-man/dichio-bobble.gif

Damien
11-27-2008, 10:22 AM
How about a tshirt with the PICTURE of a bobblehead on it?

The best of both worlds... problem solved. NEXT!!

jb831
11-27-2008, 10:25 AM
I got one last night too -- since when is Calderon blonde? lol!

http://www.nba.com/media/raptors/josebobblehead_112408_insider.jpg

Parkdale
11-27-2008, 10:31 AM
I got one last night too -- since when is Calderon blonde? lol!

http://www.nba.com/media/raptors/josebobblehead_112408_insider.jpg


they never look the same. Last year's didn't even have pointy sideburns, which is kind of his trademark look.

Hitcho
11-27-2008, 10:31 AM
Tacky, pointless and worthless. Not a fan of bobbleheads at all.

They could give away key rings I suppose since they have some utility, but I am happy with the ssh scarves we keep getting and the odd toque giveaway. I'd much rather have few giveaways of decent stuff than multiple giveaway of plastic crap. I think the club's got it about right so far.

Stouffville_RPB
11-27-2008, 10:34 AM
i like free stuff. they don't need to do it but i wouldn't refuse it.

Hitcho
11-27-2008, 10:34 AM
Also, the TFC player turnover has been way too high to make a bobblehead giveaway wrth doing, unless you limit it to core players only. Sutton, Brennan, Marshall, Wynne, Robbo and Dichio are the only obvious candidates.

SQUIRREL
11-27-2008, 10:36 AM
I actually like the bobbleheads, I have a bunch of bluejay one's in my sports/entertainment room. It would be awesome to get some TFC one's. Oh but I'll never pay for one, only as a freebee. I do agree with you guys though I'd rather get hats and t-shirts or funny hats stuff like that.

Afra
11-27-2008, 10:36 AM
that's a good point. Those Kia/TFC toques were nice,
but they just don't cut it for people with big heads (insert parkdale joke here).

One size fits all is really just a cruel lie.

That Kia toque and the ones they were giving away with the $25 gift certificate thing last Xmas are both small. My 2 year old boy wears them just fine. Mine looks like a swimming cap.

Soccer balls would be a cool hand out - even if they are smaller for office footy.

BuSaPuNk
11-27-2008, 10:40 AM
^ Good old office footy!! Love it!

Parkdale
11-27-2008, 10:45 AM
unless you limit it to core players only. Sutton, Brennan, Marshall, Wynne, Robbo and Dichio are the only obvious candidates.


last year for the Raps, Garbajosa (sp?) was out like the day after his doll came out.


I think the best Candidates for 'bobble status' are Dichio (obvious), Brennan, Sutton and Wynne.

Fort York Redcoat
11-27-2008, 10:49 AM
I'm not a fan of bobbleheads and most other free stuff on offer.

Nuvinho
11-27-2008, 10:51 AM
They can do a TFC team poster. But they will probably have to give it out after the game, else we may see half of it on the field.

Steve
11-27-2008, 10:57 AM
The only free stuff should be sponsored by another company (like the toques). MLSE doesn't need a gimick to get people to go to the games, and I'd rather they spend their money on other things (stadium upgrades, etc). As I said, clothing that is paid for by another company is perfect, no cost to TFC, but you still get your marketing out there (people wearing it advertise the team). Bobble-heads are entirely useless, have no marketing power, and just cost money. Free is never free (someone pays for it) and if MLSE is going to spend money, I'd rather it be on something useful.

Ossington Mental Youth
11-27-2008, 11:00 AM
yes, i want more free shit for my shrine

olegunnar
11-27-2008, 11:02 AM
I'm not a fan of giveaways pre-game. What are you supposed to do with the stuff? Hold onto it? Not likely since there's a team to support for 90+ minutes. How are you going to do that when you're trying to hold on to swag and that's occupying your hands and attention

I mich prefer post game giveaways whee you actually have a chance to hold and carry what you've been given.

Parkdale
11-27-2008, 11:30 AM
MLSE doesn't need a gimick to get people to go to the games, and I'd rather they spend their money on other things (stadium upgrades, etc).

As I said, clothing that is paid for by another company is perfect, no cost to TFC, but you still get your marketing out there (people wearing it advertise the team). Bobble-heads are entirely useless, have no marketing power, and just cost money.

this is where it gets interesting:

MLSE gave away thousands of bobbleheads last night. MLSE clearly has enough cash to spend on their own marketing. I'd rather NOT see kia or some other sponsor on the thing.

now, if they can do it for the Raps, why not us?

Mark in Ottawa
11-27-2008, 11:39 AM
if they can do it for the Raps, why not us?
Maybe because the Raps fans aren't known for throwing their free stuff (like seat cushions :p) all over the place!

Steve
11-27-2008, 11:39 AM
this is where it gets interesting:

MLSE gave away thousands of bobbleheads last night. MLSE clearly has enough cash to spend on their own marketing. I'd rather NOT see kia or some other sponsor on the thing.

now, if they can do it for the Raps, why not us?

Having cash doesn't mean it's a good idea to spend cash. MLSE is a profit based corporation (like... every other corporation). That means they will only spend money if they think they will get more money back.

So, why give away bobble heads at a raptors game? The simple explanation? Because they don't sell out. By giving out little toys at games, people say "hey, I want a bobble head, maybe I'll go to a game (just in case they give them out again)". People see them in their friend's house, ask where they got them, and buy tickets. TFC sells out every game. People already want to come to the games. Why should MLSE spend money to make people want to come to the games more? There are no tickets left to give them. And I don't honestly see many of their current season's ticket holders saying "what? No bobble head? That's it, I'm never coming to a game again!".

Parkdale
11-27-2008, 12:04 PM
^ good point. I didn't think of the sell-out angle.

zeelaw
11-27-2008, 12:29 PM
Shit like that his so tacky. Why? They get attendance they don't need to influence people to come? People should come for the experience of BMO, not what its giving out that day.

jb831
11-27-2008, 12:33 PM
^ good point. I didn't think of the sell-out angle.

Silly Parkdale. :p

Yep... all the Raptors Bobblehead giveaways this season are for "crappy" games:
- Bobcats
- Bucks
- Timberwolves

Parkdale
11-27-2008, 12:43 PM
Yep... all the Raptors Bobblehead giveaways this season are for "crappy" games:
- Bobcats

The bobcats who could very easily have beaten us last night?

jb831
11-27-2008, 12:48 PM
The bobcats who could very easily have beaten us last night?

Yes, the Bobcats who are currently 4-10 (0.286), and second last in their division.

The fact they could have beaten us only reflects how poorly we were playing -- it doesn't change the fact they have don't have much attendance-drawing capacity.

So THERE. :p

Parkdale
11-27-2008, 01:03 PM
two posts with the same smiley?

you really need to diversify

http://www.gottadeal.com/forums/images/smilies/french_cig_nomo.gif

jb831
11-27-2008, 01:07 PM
^^ Shouldn't you be talking / writing / dreaming about poutine or something?

Oh.. and before I forget: :p

Stencils
11-27-2008, 01:07 PM
I've worn my Toronto FC toque on a number of occasions since I got it and I'd love to get things like that again. I kind of feel like it would be good to hold that stuff to important events though (home opener, home closer, playoff games, etc). Sorta gives the free swag a bit more oomph than just 'free give-away'. It then becomes a kind of 'I was there' thing.

Stuff I'd like to see as free swag:
Sport Headbands
Sport Wristbands
Mousepads
Bee-...Beverage cozies (gotta think of the kids)
TFC Branded USB Storage Keys! (Preloaded with a few high res TFC related pics)
Fridge Magnets

Hitcho
11-27-2008, 01:08 PM
last year for the Raps, Garbajosa (sp?) was out like the day after his doll came out.


I think the best Candidates for 'bobble status' are Dichio (obvious), Brennan, Sutton and Wynne.

And Robbo, given he's just signed on for another 2 years and that could well be his last contract (Robbo and Dichio coaching at TFC in a few years time? I'd love it). So apart from Marshall, our lists are basically the same!

Hitcho
11-27-2008, 01:14 PM
I've worn my Toronto FC toque on a number of occasions since I got it and I'd love to get things like that again. I kind of feel like it would be good to hold that stuff to important events though (home opener, home closer, playoff games, etc). Sorta gives the free swag a bit more oomph than just 'free give-away'. It then becomes a kind of 'I was there' thing.

Stuff I'd like to see as free swag:
Sport Headbands
Sport Wristbands
Mousepads
Bee-...Beverage cozies (gotta think of the kids)
TFC Branded USB Storage Keys! (Preloaded with a few high res TFC related pics)
Fridge Magnets

See, just my opinion (which is no more valid than yours is dude) but all this stuff makes me want to wretch! The toque thing worked well, people can wear them to games (absent the big headed freaks who cannot fit into them :p) and they only did it once last season. That's enough. We don't want all kinds of tacky crap given out every game. One scarf a season for ssh, the odd toque or t-shirt once a season, and that's it.

Also, a lot of people seem to be unhappy with the Kia badge on the free toques. I have no problem with it. MLS needs sponsors badly if the league is going to survive. We're in a small and growing market and we need that support to keep expanding. It was tastefully done (TFC badge and Kia logo were on opposite sides of the toque) and not overly blatant, so it passed muster in my book. Plus it means Kia paid for it, not TFC, which is also fine with me. Spend the money on the stadium and let Kia give out the free toques.

Parkdale
11-27-2008, 01:36 PM
Plus it means Kia paid for it, not TFC, which is also fine with me. Spend the money on the stadium and let Kia give out the free toques.

nothing would go out without sponsors

Sport Headbands - Adidas
Mousepads - Motorolla
Bee-...Beverage cozies - Carlsberg or Pepsi
Fridge Magnets - BMO like the schedule they did last year

there's always a way to tie a sponsor into the giveaways.

Chevy
11-27-2008, 01:41 PM
How about a Dichio bobble head, and when you shake him he head-butts a Blanco bobblehead??

AL-MO
11-27-2008, 01:45 PM
I'll be honest the kid in me comes out sometimes when it comes to bobbleheads. I have my Vernon Wells bobblehead right next to my Chuck Swirsky one!!!

Stencils
11-27-2008, 02:37 PM
See, just my opinion (which is no more valid than yours is dude) but all this stuff makes me want to wretch! ...

I can see where you're coming from. I know that free stuff like this can be thought of as a waste of time/money if it's something you don't want. When I see people giving out stuff that is honestly more likely destined for landfill than desktops I get a little depressed.

That said, the suggestions I gave in terms of swag are things that I use and wouldn't mind having with TFC branding on them. Would I buy a headband with TFC on it? Sure, I use tons of them when I fence (they get incredibly sweaty inside the mask). Is it conceivably something they would produce? Sure an Adidas sponsored headband makes sense. So getting something I want for free is awesome.

But obviously there's no way to guarantee that the giveaways will be something we want, so keeping it limited to a very few, mostly wanted things (scarf, shirt), is probably better.

Cashcleaner
11-27-2008, 03:07 PM
I love collecting sports memorabilia and have already bought and framed a first-run jersey and t-shirt, as well as a few photos, cards, and whatnot. Bobbleheads would be kinda neat, but I agree that the player turnover rate wouldn't make for great merchandise.

It's nice and kinda cool, but not really necessary and I think the money is best spent elsewhere.

flatpicker
11-27-2008, 03:20 PM
agreed that the player turnover would make it difficult...

but nobody can argue that a Dichio bobblehead would be a safe choice.
he is forever a Toronto legend!

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k139/brushstroke-man/dichio-bobble.gif

MFG1
11-27-2008, 06:52 PM
nothing drives me more nuts than people hoarding around the free catelli whole wheat pasta or the frickin disposable razors after the game, like we are heading for armageddon. That being said, it also goes for the people that feel the need to grab 10 hats, 15 toques, 8 ticket holders ...... Save the money for a roof or lower the prices on things like water. I know the swag is usually paid for by the sponsor, but shit like this shouldnt come out of dollar one of TFC.

egoodwin
11-27-2008, 07:05 PM
bobbleheads are meh, they are something people would get excited about if the year was 2000...

mclaren
11-27-2008, 10:02 PM
I HATE giveaways at football games...that's not why we're there. It's awful to see people getting so excited over them. This over-commercialisation is awful.

billyfly
11-27-2008, 10:04 PM
I liked the plastic megaphone from Samsung giveaway. I use it to yell at my kids to come in for dinner.

Cashcleaner
11-27-2008, 11:33 PM
nothing drives me more nuts than people hoarding around the free catelli whole wheat pasta or the frickin disposable razors after the game, like we are heading for Armageddon. That being said, it also goes for the people that feel the need to grab 10 hats, 15 toques, 8 ticket holders ...... Save the money for a roof or lower the prices on things like water. I know the swag is usually paid for by the sponsor, but shit like this shouldnt come out of dollar one of TFC.

Man, I don't get the "t-shirt" people. Why is it that people who are on any other day, rather reserved and dignified, yet go completely bat-shit crazy when a 2 dollar cotton tee is suddenly up for grabs. I mean, is there some sort of primal fight-or-flight instinct taking affect here? These are ordinary reasonable people that would never act this way at any other time.

What. The. Fuck.

TorCanSoc
11-28-2008, 12:43 AM
I've elbowed a few adam's apples to have at some of those razors. Free stauph!!!!! Free stauph I got too much mortgage to walk away from free stuff. No matter what it is. I look for it before or after the game. My vice. Oh no!! Am I not a fan?!!!

Parkdale
11-28-2008, 09:46 AM
I got a toque at the pub night yesterday, and it kicks ass.
Sure it's reversible and it's blue on the inside, but it actually fits like a real toque!

I remember they gave them out WAYYY back when. We did a BBQ and were given Marlies tickets and the toque. I gave mine away though, but now I have a replacement!

nascarguy
11-28-2008, 10:06 AM
that's a good point. Those Kia/TFC toques were nice,
but they just don't cut it for people with big heads (insert parkdale joke here).

One size fits all is really just a cruel lie.

big head == big ego...

Parkdale
11-28-2008, 10:13 AM
big head == big ego...

big belly = more room for poutine!

FluSH
11-28-2008, 10:42 AM
I voted maybe. I want a patch of free grass, so at least our boys and supporters know what the real thing feels like at BMO. =P

C.Ronaldo
11-28-2008, 10:49 AM
that raptors started the season?

My God........i havent even seen ads for games.


Where have I been?

Sonny Cheeba
11-28-2008, 01:43 PM
this is the only bobblehead i wish i got....
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/DocXar/Bobbleheads/CitoGaston.jpg

other than that. i have enough useless shit that i collected in the past.

Oldtimer
11-28-2008, 01:59 PM
How about seat cushions?

:tongue:

Parkdale
11-28-2008, 02:15 PM
How about seat cushions?

:tongue:


have you noticed that they have seat cushions for sale at BMO?
These ones are square, a few inches thick AND COST MONEY.

I haven't seen a single one of those get thrown

Hitcho
11-28-2008, 03:45 PM
have you noticed that they have seat cushions for sale at BMO?
These ones are square, a few inches thick AND COST MONEY.

I haven't seen a single one of those get thrown

that's because A) they won't fly very well by the sounds of it, and B) only the pansies in the sit down sections would buy them and those people are unlikely to be throwing stuff. :D:D:D

EDIT - I know the whole stadium threw cushions against Chicago when DD scored, but that was a one off and you could smell the history in the air from about three seconds before Danny slid the ball home.

EDIT EDIT - last season a girl who sits in front of me (in the south end) turned up with one of those official BMO Field opening seat cushions we all threw on the pitch and promptly sat down on it. I very nearly fell off the seat I was standing on...

AL-MO
11-28-2008, 04:07 PM
this is the only bobblehead i wish i got....
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/DocXar/Bobbleheads/CitoGaston.jpg

other than that. i have enough useless shit that i collected in the past.


A few of my friends have that one. Didn't get it myself. But I'll stick with my Vernon Wells one. I probably got one of the last ones they gave out. In fact the usher chased after me and my buddy as there were only two left, to give it to us.

ComeonyouReds
11-28-2008, 06:01 PM
Yes to free stuff!!!!!

nascarguy
11-29-2008, 12:04 AM
I want to know when do the nascarguy bobblehead come out...lol JK

James Oliphant
11-29-2008, 06:40 PM
http://gotorontofc.com/jamey/nascar_bobble.jpg

Parkdale
11-30-2008, 06:21 PM
I want to know when do the nascarguy bobblehead come out...lol JK


haha... your head already bobbles around enough!

boomcha
11-30-2008, 08:36 PM
Boo to bobbleheads! Extremely tacky, I'm all for free stuff but stuff like that just ends up getting tossed because it just sits around and collects dust.
I liked the touques and I really like the free touques and car flags that were given out at the TFC night a couple nights ago. I liked the magnets at the beginning of the season because it was really useful for my wife and family to know when I was busy or not.

The seat cushions were a decent idea and I'm glad it became part of our first goal but I don't think it will happen again.

USB storage keys are a good idea.
TFC soccer balls would be awesome.

Sonny Cheeba
11-30-2008, 10:31 PM
tfc tampons.

Parkdale
11-30-2008, 10:37 PM
tfc tampons.

oh when the reds.....

Jbraun
12-01-2008, 12:45 PM
There is a Cito Bobblehead for sale on Craigslist today - $15. Your dreams can come true.

jaahuuu
12-01-2008, 01:46 PM
I'd like a bobblehead, but that would be about it, maybe a one time thing given out at the end of the game, one of the core guys mentioned above.

I think most of the rest of the giveaways have been pretty useless. The TFC-Houston mini-banner is hanging on a wall in my bedroom but the kia hat is somewhere in my closet, as is the White hat from the 07 LA game, the gatorade towel with almost every team logo on it, the car flag, and a couple different carlsberg hats.

Mrs. Workie
12-01-2008, 01:48 PM
I've got enough crap at my house, I don't need anymore.

Let's take the money that they would use for this and put it toward replacing the flags they lost.

Pookie
12-01-2008, 02:37 PM
Bobbleheads are not useful.

The Carlsberg "hats" along with the Kia Touque were ok.

Though not TFC related, my favourite were the free Schick Razors. Getting a couple of those saves you some $$ on replacement blades.

Stencils
12-01-2008, 02:43 PM
Bobbleheads are not useful.

The Carlsberg "hats" along with the Kia Touque were ok.

Though not TFC related, my favourite were the free Schick Razors. Getting a couple of those saves you some $$ on replacement blades.

It's funny, they gave those razors away on the day I needed to buy a razor to keep at my girlfriend's place. I was a happy lad.

Laurignano
12-01-2008, 06:00 PM
You guys do realise...people will throw these onto the pitch when we score a goal.... lol

flatpicker
12-02-2008, 01:25 PM
^ I don't believe that people would start throwing bobbleheads on the pitch.

That's just dumb... people love free shit... they will hold on to them.

Sonny Cheeba
12-02-2008, 01:56 PM
yeah and bobbleheads come in boxes and such, people don't usually ditch the box at the park. they keep it in there until they get home and put it in their display cases along with stolen pint glasses and swarovski crystal ducks.

Red CB Toronto
02-23-2016, 11:36 AM
How the heck did a thread from 2008 get a bump up to the top this morning without even a new post?

Fort York Redcoat
02-23-2016, 11:44 AM
^prove you didn't cause it by you just posting. Do you have a fever...



...for giveaways???g:D

OgtheDim
02-23-2016, 11:49 AM
Its an open poll......somebody voted.

Red CB Toronto
02-23-2016, 11:53 AM
^prove you didn't cause it by you just posting. Do you have a fever...



...for giveaways???g:D

I may, have no prove, heck its just one of those mornings. Someone has a desire to look this up. I could care less about bobble heads.

lintberg
02-23-2016, 02:48 PM
LOL!
A few years back I attended a Marlies game and was given a Julian De Guzman TFC bobblehead!

Red CB Toronto
02-23-2016, 03:00 PM
LOL!
A few years back I attended a Marlies game and was given a Julian De Guzman TFC bobblehead!

Yeh, thats the only TFC bobblehead give away I can even remember at it was not even at a Reds game. Think it was done as way to attract TFC fans to Marlie games. To be quite honest I have enjoyed the Marlies each time I went.

Klinsmann
02-23-2016, 03:41 PM
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTk4WDgwMA==/z/V5AAAOSwcBhWU2~j/$_27.JPG

I have this one at home........

Fort York Redcoat
02-23-2016, 03:57 PM
^86 Record holding caps for Canada!

Red CB Toronto
02-23-2016, 04:00 PM
^86 Record holding caps for Canada!

Canada needs someone to reach the century mark, he is getting closer by the game.

T-boy
02-23-2016, 04:26 PM
They should make a Seba bobble head with a tiny body and a massive noggin!

lintberg
02-24-2016, 10:42 AM
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTk4WDgwMA==/z/V5AAAOSwcBhWU2~j/$_27.JPG

I have this one at home........


That's the one!

eustacchio
02-24-2016, 12:49 PM
I have one of those JDG bobbleheads - still in the Marlies' branded box - my sister and her boyfriend at the time attended the game and gave me the bobblehead.

Ossington Mental Youth
02-24-2016, 04:54 PM
I have one of those JDG bobbleheads - still in the Marlies' branded box - my sister and her boyfriend at the time attended the game and gave me the bobblehead.

My buddy gave me one, works for MLSE in the sound Dept, knows I'm a massive fan

Cashcleaner
02-25-2016, 10:16 AM
Bobbleheads are not useful.

The Carlsberg "hats" along with the Kia Toque were ok.

Though not TFC related, my favourite were the free Schick Razors. Getting a couple of those saves you some $$ on replacement blades.

Honestly, the TFC/Kia toques are pretty good as free merch goes. I still have two of them and wear them on occasion. One of them has a weird faded effect going on with the TFC crest - it actually looks pretty tight (the dark onyx looks like like copper); but the other looks almost new. Not bad for free!

Cas87
02-25-2016, 11:23 AM
I always enjoyed when they gave out Primo Pasta at the end of the game (the couple of years they were a sponsor).

Everyone else wouldn't bother taking it, and I would get my pantry re-stocked for free. lol

Eastend
02-27-2016, 02:43 PM
Personally I like the t-shirt giveaways. Especially when they have different sizes...aka larger ones. I wear them more then jerseys and can wear them to the gym and rep the club.

Dom