Sports Appreciation People Fans Game Events Offer Athlete

Many professional "athletes" (people who play sports) and sports teams have "fan appreciation events" to try to show how much they "appreciate" (are thankful for) their "fans" (people who really like something, especially a celebrity) and to "connect with" (create a relationship with) new fans.

Some events offer "freebies" (things that are given away for free, at no cost) to attract "attendees" (people who come to an event). For example, they might offer a t-shirt or a discounted ticket to the first 500 fans "at the door" (in line to enter). Or everyone who attends might receive a bag, towel, or "visors" (hats that keep the sunshine out of one's eyes) with the team's "logo" (picture or image representing a team, company, or organization).

Once people are at the event, they may get to "meet the players." There might be opportunities for personal interactions and short conversations. More likely, the fans will be able to ask for the athlete's "autograph" (the signature of a famous person). Fans often ask an athlete to autograph a ball, but they might also ask the athlete to autograph an "article" (piece) of clothing or even the skin on some part of their body!

Some stadiums have "fan appreciation events" where they advertise "discounted" (lower-than-usual) prices for admission or for "concessions" (the food sold at a game or concert). They might have special music to entertain the fans, too, or they might have "fireworks" (noisy and brightly colored explosions in the sky) after an evening game, especially when there is warmer weather during the summer.