Nov 06, 2009 at 03:08 PM
written by Brian Gainor

Activation Tactic of the Week

Are you looking for new ways to leverage a corporate partner specializing in transportation services?


The 2009 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies was being called by many the "Amtrak Series", a dream scenario for the inercity passenger rail operator. With New York serving as its busiest train station and Philadelphia's 30th Street Station ranking 3rd, Amtrak did everything in its power to capitalize on the moment.

Amtrak serviced chartered trains for the Yankees and Phillies organizations to travel to play their World Series games on the road. When the two (2) opponents faced off in the 1950 World Series, they opted for a similar route of travel due to its convenience. Check out a quick clip of some prominent Yankees players traveling through the train station on their way to Philadelphia for Game 3:

Amtrak also polled passengers traveling on trains between New York and Philadelphia about their favorite team preferences. All passengers that participated in the study received their team's official Championship series t-shirt (as of Oct. 31st, fans had chosen the Yankees over the Phillies by a 1.7-1 margin). Amtrak distributed 500+ commemorative t-shirts through the initiative.

Amtrak currently operates 32 sports charters, including six (6) for Major League Baseball organizations.

Source: AOL Money & Finance



Brian Gainor is a passionate sports marketer with agency experience as well as an extensive background working in the NFL, NFL Europe, and collegiate athletics. Brian completed his MBA/MSA graduate work at Ohio University (Athens, OH) and currently resides in Charlotte, NC. As a Sports Partnership Activation Consultant, Brian created Partnership Activation, Inc. to provide sports business professionals with "industry best practices" - creative ideas that provide opportunities to generate incremental revenue. Be sure to check out all of Brian's past posts, too. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, SponsorPitch, LLC.