That's Entertainement
You know you must determine whether or not you want a performer that is basketball-oriented or not. You also have to decide if you want a performer for a specific period of time (such as a half-time entertainer) or if you want someone who will perform throughout the event.
Both are effective; it just depends upon your schedule of events for the evening. For instance, you could hire the High Impact Squad and perform their 8-minute half-time routine as part of the program.
Or, you could hire one of several entertainers who would be a part of a couple of "skits" or acts and perform during the game. Then,
Another group of entertainers that are usually very versatile and willing to try about anything –mascots. First check with area professional and college teams. Local mascots are often available for very reasonable prices. If all else fails, you can bring in a mascot from a team or several performing mascots who are not affiliated with a specific team.
Be sure to check your local market for entertainers based in the area. Do a Google search, contact pro, and college teams, check with talent agents, etc. There are often entertainers who may not typically perform for a basketball event but will be willing to give it a try. Dance teams, martial arts clubs, bands, and--who knows what else may be available. For an extensive list of performers, go to gameops.com.
When you contact the professional entertainers, be prepared for a price tag that might make your legs wobble! If you have never hired a professional act a $2,000-$3,000 (or much higher) price tag could scare you a bit. Please, don't throw in the towel. You may not have the cash in your account to cover the expense, but that is no reason to give up. Get creative in your financing.
You should put together a sponsorship proposal and present it to a business that has an interest in your audience. Your demographics are a draw for several companies, including quick-serve restaurants, soft drinks, auto insurance, video games, cosmetics, footwear, etc.
Unless you are in a basketball-crazy community and can guarantee a few thousand spectators, it may not be impossible to cover the cost through sponsorship. Get what you can! If you can't cover the costs, at least minimize them.
Another viable option is co-sponsors. Perhaps two or more corporate partners would be willing to share the sponsorship of your entertainment. It's worth looking into.
Trade Outs/In-Kind Sponsorship
You will have some expenses in addition to the performance fee, including transportation, meals, and lodging. These expenses could be covered through trade-out agreements. Simply provide promotional benefits in exchange for hotel rooms, meals, and airfare. Hotels and restaurants are usually very cooperative.
Become a booking agent
You may negotiate a more favorable rate for an act if you can arrange for them to make multiple performances in the area. For instance, try and book them at other high schools, colleges, and professional teams when they are in the area. This will spread the cost among several teams/groups. Also, a performer may quote you a fee of $2,500. However, if you can book them for three performances, the fee drops to $2,000 each. It would be wise to charge the other teams/groups the regular fee of $1,500. The total performance fee would be $6000, but you would collect $5,000, thereby reducing your cost to just $1,000! Remember . . . be creative!
One group of students booked a performer for multiple appearances and not only covered the cost of the performance for the Tip-Off but actually made $200 profit on the arrangements. It can be done!
