The Red Sox have decided to "ramp up their marketing efforts" to young fans by "eliminating the $30 fee for membership in Kid Nation, the Sox’ official club for fans 14 and under," and giving away free tickets to 25,000 kids who sign up, according to Beth Teitell of the BOSTON GLOBE. The team's research "found that people who go to games as kids are 2.9 times more likely to become 'core' fans later on." The Red Sox "started wooing mom bloggers" from around New England by "plying them with opportunities -- the bloggers have taken a field-side yoga class and tried on the Sox’ World Series rings -- and seeking their advice." The team is "planning to offer face painting and magic shows and Simon Says during every home game." The “Kids Clubhouse” -- located in a new Kid Nation Concourse -- will be "open from innings three through seven, an escape hatch not just for kids, but also for parents." The team also has "commissioned an approximately $15,000 eight-foot tall Wally bobblehead to preside over the concourse." Additionally, several games in April are "slated to start at bedtime-friendly" 6:00pm ET instead of 7:05pm, and the team hopes to use part of Gate B "to create a new, kid-themed 'Gate K,' pending approval." The Red Sox are also "making available more $9 SRO tickets for older students" (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/12).
