Grand Forks International (GFI) organizing committee is introducing a passport program at this year’s tournament, which runs from Aug. 29 to Sept. 3.
The passports will be available for fans at James Donaldson Park, in which they can then visit participating businesses to have their passports stamped.
Passport holders have a chance at prizes near the end of the tournament.
Gerry Foster, GFI co-ordinator, said that while the passport program isn’t a unique idea, this is the first time the GFI has done it.
“I thought about this quite a while ago and spoke to someone in the business community who helps with the GFI and said it would be a good idea,” he said. “People will be able to pick up the passports at the ballpark when the tournament starts.”
Within the passport, there will be names and addresses of businesses that want to be a part of the program.
“The idea is that you take your passport and you go to these businesses and ask for them to stamp their passport,” he explained. “Once they get the passport filled up, we’ll have a draw towards the end of the tournament and we’re going to have two draws of $150 and possibly a third draw for 2012-2013 tournament pass.”
Businesses are asked to put in $10 to be a part of the passport, which Foster pointed out, is also good advertising for them as well.
“We’re aiming to get customers into businesses in Grand Forks and to promote businesses during tournament week,” he said. “It will promote businesses and add some excitement to fans who are visiting.”
The businesses are mostly downtown retail businesses, but there will be around 30 businesses participating.
Businesses can still sign up for $10 but slots are filling up quickly.
For more information, call 250-442-8323 or visit grandforksbaseball.com.