17 Old-School Sports Fan Giveaways That Are No Longer Offered
These 17 giveaways were once common at sports events but have mostly disappeared due to changes in fan preferences, safety rules, and marketing strategies.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Sports teams used to hand out a wide range of physical items to attract fans and create loyalty. Many of these giveaways were popular in past decades but have since been phased out. This list highlights 17 examples that are rarely, if ever, seen at stadiums today.
1. Team Ashtrays
Amitbalani on Wikimedia Commons
Some teams gave away branded ashtrays to fans during the 1960s and 1970s. Smoking was more accepted at the time, even inside stadiums. As smoking bans spread and public health awareness increased, these items were no longer appropriate. Teams quietly dropped them from their promotions.
2. Plastic Helmets with Snacks
Giorgio de Angelis on Pexels
Mini plastic helmets filled with peanuts or popcorn were popular in the 1980s. They were cheap to produce and fun for kids to take home. However, concerns over plastic waste and food safety led to their decline. Today, more sustainable packaging is preferred.
3. Team-Branded Cigarette Lighters
Joe Haupt on Wikimedia Commons
Promotional lighters were once handed out at games, especially by tobacco sponsors. These items were popular with adult fans and collectors. As tobacco advertising became restricted, most teams stopped working with cigarette brands. Lighters also raised safety concerns in large crowds.
4. Paper Megaphones
Robisnos61 on Wikimedia Commons
Paper or cardboard megaphones with team logos were given to fans to boost crowd noise. They were inexpensive and easy to distribute. Over time, they were replaced by digital audio systems and scoreboard animations. Teams shifted focus to more modern forms of fan engagement.
5. Team Yearbooks
St. Louis Park High School on Wikimedia Commons
Printed yearbooks were often handed out free or for a low price at the gate. They included player photos, stats, and season schedules. As websites and apps took over, the need for printed versions dropped. Most teams now offer digital downloads instead.
6. Inflatable Batons (Noise Sticks)
Lieselore0815 on Wikimedia Commons
Inflatable plastic batons that fans banged together were popular during the 1990s. They made a loud noise but were often distracting or annoying to others. Many teams stopped giving them out due to complaints and cleanup issues. Some leagues even restricted them entirely.
7. Commemorative Coins
Alta Falisa on Wikimedia Commons
Coins with team logos or special dates were once common giveaway items. They were usually made of cheap metal or plastic but looked valuable to collectors. Rising production costs and declining interest led to their phaseout. Teams now prefer more functional items.
8. Bumper Stickers
Downtowngal on Wikimedia Commons
Bumper stickers featuring team slogans were standard giveaways in earlier decades. Fans liked displaying them on cars or lockers. Over time, fewer people wanted to stick anything permanently to their vehicles. Static clings and removable decals replaced them.
9. Schedule Cards
Atlanta Falcons on Wikimedia Commons
Wallet-sized cards with the season schedule were handed out at the start of each year. They were helpful before smartphones became common. As digital calendars and team apps grew in use, the demand for printed schedules dropped sharply. Teams rarely produce them now.
10. Mini Pennants
Polina on Pexels
Small felt pennants were once given to fans as collectible souvenirs. They featured team logos and often hung in bedrooms or offices. Production costs and reduced interest in wall decorations led to their decline. Teams focus now on items fans can wear or use.
11. Bobbing Headbands
Infrogmation on Wikimedia Commons
Some teams gave away novelty headbands with spring-mounted mascots or logos. They were fun to wear during games but broke easily and were hard to recycle. They also obstructed views and annoyed nearby fans. These items were phased out by the mid-2000s.
12. License Plate Frames
Will Hart on Wikimedia Commons
Plastic license plate frames with team branding were a common car accessory giveaway. Fans often used them to show support on the road. With changing vehicle designs and reduced interest in physical car decor, the trend faded. Teams rarely offer these today.
13. Team Matchbooks
Tangerineduel on Wikimedia Commons
Matchbooks with team logos were once given out at stadium bars or sponsored events. Like lighters, they were tied to the era of smoking in public spaces. They became obsolete due to fire safety regulations and changing social norms. Most teams cut them by the early 1990s.
14. Autograph Books
BiochemistryMajor2016 on Wikimedia Commons
Teams once gave away small books designed for collecting player autographs. They were especially popular at youth events and fan festivals. As security around athletes increased, spontaneous signings became rare. Autograph books are now replaced by digital content or signed merchandise.
15. Foam Fingers with Moving Parts
Chris Metcalf on Wikimedia Commons
Some foam fingers came with movable thumbs or rotating sections to stand out. These versions were more expensive and harder to store or clean. They didn’t last long and were eventually replaced by the classic one-piece design. Teams moved toward simpler, cheaper giveaways.
16. Team-Branded Viewfinders
LoMit on Wikimedia Commons
Children once received plastic viewfinders that showed slides of players or stadium scenes. They were exciting in a pre-digital photo era. With the rise of smartphones and tablets, the appeal disappeared. The cost of production also made them unprofitable.
17. Cloth Seat Cushions
Pharos on Wikimedia Commons
Teams gave out thin seat cushions with logos for fans sitting on hard bleachers. While useful, they were costly to produce and bulky to carry home. Many were left behind or damaged during games. Teams replaced them with smaller or disposable items.