Maybe advertising during the Superbowl or World Cup Championship event is not in your budget, but don't dismiss the opportunity to take part in sponsoring a sporting event.  What better way to show support in your community than to sponsor a little league team, or perhaps a bowling or golf league?  For a minimal investment, your business name and logo will be in front of hundreds or possibly thousands of prospective customers every week.

No one knows your business better than you.  Use your imagination with custom promotional items and win more customers and increase sales.  Think of new ways to use printed advertising to conquer your competition.

1. Baseball and Soccer Teams

You could sponsor a whole team and purchase uniforms with your company brand for the world to see.  If the costs involved with total sponsorship are a little steep for your budget, consider supplying the team with useful items that promote your business such as water bottles, towels, and noisemakers for the fans.

1. Bowling Teams

Bowling teams usually consist of 4 or 5 team players; this makes sponsoring bowlers a more affordable alternative.  Registration is usually a low cost of under $50.  Many leagues require players to have a uniform.  Sponsors that provide shirts for their team are in high demand.  Promote your business with custom designed polo shirts that your team will love to wear.  Bowling balls get pretty oily and you will often see players wiping their balls.  Another great promotional item to supply your team is with a bowling towel with your logo.  Darker colored towels with light printing are recommended.

1. Golf Outings

Consider advertising in your local community golf outing.  Even if you are not a golfer yourself, don't underestimate the buying power of businessmen and women that do.  Your local Chamber of commerce or business association may host annual golf outings as a fundraiser for the community.  Prizes are usually awarded at the end of the event.  Many token gifts are given to each participant to show appreciation.  This is a great opportunity for you to advertise your business with various promotional products that bear your name.  Golfers are always losing their balls and are grateful to receive a few free ones. They will be reminded of your company and your generosity the next time they reach in their bag. Other printed advertising items golfers will love are logo printed towels, tees, divot repair tools and even an emergency pack with Band-Aids and miscellaneous items.

1. Fishing Tournaments

All types of sporting organizations are looking for company sponsorship, fishing clubs included.  Many sunglasses and hats have been lost in the water when boats travel at high speeds to reach the prime fishing spot first.  One of the most useful printed promotional products for fishermen is the sunglass strap.  They are very inexpensive and just about every fisherman uses them.  Key chains that float in water are also priceless to fishermen.  Dropped keys could cost them the tournament.

1. Cycling

Organized bicycle rides like RAGBRAI in Iowa often have teams of riders that wear matching custom designed jerseys or t-shirts.  Long rides require lots of water.  Keep your prospective customers hydrated by providing sports water bottles they can attach to their bicycles.  Your name and logo can be printed on plastic or aluminum bottles for cyclists or any type of outdoor sports.

These are just a few ideas to get you started.  Think about how your business could profit with printed promotional products related to the fun and leisure times of sporting events.