Cleveland Indians #TribeLive 'Scavenger Hunt' Celebrates MLB Opening Day

To celebrate Major League Baseball ‘Opening Day’, the Cleveland Indian’s hosted a scavenger hunt around the city – hiding bags of club swag and then tweeting clues for fans to find them.

The team’s marketers scoped out several notable locations around town and then seeded visual and verbal clues to the secret spots across its social media channels.

Sleuthing supporters were challenged to unlock the tips and clues that were posted on the team’s official Twitter feed with copy and Vines to help locate the gift bag giveaways.

In celebration of Opening Day, there will be Indians bags hidden around the city. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/cwoweniGSg

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 7, 2015

Confirming #TribeLive search details: Those who find bags will have 1 in 12 chance to win an OD #TribeLive ticket. https://t.co/2oO40Xqv5G

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 7, 2015

Progressive Field has been found! We have 4 more to go! Stay Locked. #TribeLive pic.twitter.com/PjT6UauBp9

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 7, 2015

KeyBank has been found! Next Clue: Carlos Santana lead the league in FREE passes last year! #TribeLive pic.twitter.com/vEzPiQTw9f

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 7, 2015

To add an extra incentive to the search, in addition to the freebie gifts, 1-in-12 off the bags contained tickets to the Indian’s season opening game.

Our #TribeLive Opening Day winners are…@KBruckss & @CHRISTINA0NEiLL – Friends who sprinted to grab their bag! pic.twitter.com/PWFbWLeGpK

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 7, 2015

Perhaps because of time constraints to the opening game, or perhaps to make sure everyone feels included, the clues weren’t too tough.

Comment

Finding fresh approaches to promotional giveaways can be a challenge for sports marketers, but this blended physical/social tactic is participatory, engaging, fun and accessible.

This is a great example of bridging the online world with the offline world as it engages fans both via social and in-person.

A combination that helps develop a stronger and deeper fan relationship.

It both engages physically, spreads the word socially and rewards.

It is even reminiscent of the geocaching real-world adventure trend that is happening now.