Derrick Hall runs the coolest fan program in all of pro sports. Since 2007, a select group of fans get free season tickets to the D'Backs games. Not only that, but they get food vouchers, free parking, + other perks.
Rick Reilly/ ESPN All told, the D-backs put 18 families on scholarship -- 41 season tickets worth nearly $100,000 -- and every one of their stories would make your knees give. There was the daughter whose softball-playing mom broke her leg sliding into second, couldn't work and is now losing her house. There was Beth Godfrey, who was fighting leukemia. She won tickets but died soon afterward. Now those tickets are being donated in her name to charity.
Business of Sports For the second year in a row, the Arizona Diamondbacks are running their “Season Ticket Scholarship Program.” I think this is one of the best initiatives that I’ve seen a professional franchise run. The basic premise is that any fans (usually previous season ticket holders) who are experiencing a financial hardship can apply for this “scholarship” by telling the club about their current situation and their love of the Diamondbacks. Then the team will go back and select a few winners who will received completely free lower-level season tickets for the upcoming season (winners may also receive parking passes and/or concessions vouchers). Fans can be nominated by a friend, or they can send self-nominations and include references.
Derrick Hall interview, by Ed Randall/ WFAN
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