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Author’s Note: The opinions and perspectives shared in this article belong solely to the authors and may not align with the stance of Playinmichigan.
While Detroit has yet to be a part of a Super Bowl, Michigan now boasts a fresh achievement in connection with the NFL.
The National Football League has officially announced Little Caesars Pizza, hailing from Michigan, as its newest pizza sponsor on Tuesday.
I’m equally surprised as you are.
The Ilitch family-owned pizza company, known for its resilience, decided to allocate their savings from the 2022 MLB free agency period towards a significant NFL sponsorship opportunity.
Michigan pro sports fans, after enduring nearly a decade of disappointments, are in a position where they must appreciate any victory related to the state. However, the question arises whether this decision could ultimately benefit the Ilitch-owned Detroit Tigers in the future.
Not just cheap Michigan pizza
When I first heard that Little Caesars would be taking over as the official pizza sponsor of the NFL, I’m sure my initial response mirrored that of many others – Seriously?
Initially, I failed to perceive the Michigan-based pizza chain as a significant contender on a national scale.
I acknowledge the merits of Little Caesars and recognize that it can satisfy cravings on occasion. However, I am genuinely curious to encounter someone who claims it as their ultimate, top-choice pizza.
It consistently seemed as though I was never the preferred option, merely a budget-friendly substitute for pizza night.
However, I decided to do some research.
With annual sales of $4 billion, Little Caesars secures the third position in the United States, trailing only Domino’s and Pizza Hut.
To me, Little Caesars has always had a local vibe, similar to Meijer or Vernors. Surprisingly, this chain is present in all 50 states and 18 international markets.
Little Caesars has always been transparent about its use of cost-effective ingredients to offer affordable prices to its customers. Given the current inflation issues exacerbated by the pandemic, the demand for affordable food has grown significantly.
Could the NFL partnership impact the Tigers?
The Ilitch family is confident that this deal will have a positive impact on their bottom line, which is why they are pursuing it.
Partnering with the NFL, the pizza chain can gain substantial exposure as the league holds a dominant position in this country.
Although Little Caesars’ operations are not directly connected to the Ilitch-owned Tigers or the Detroit Red Wings, increased profits could benefit the Ilitches financially.
Since the NHL enforces a salary cap, I don’t think this will have a significant impact on the Red Wings.
On the other hand, the MLB does not share this perspective. An increase in family income could potentially lead to more funds being allocated towards supporting the Tigers.
Mike Ilitch undoubtedly played a crucial role in his efforts to bring a World Series championship to Detroit through his significant spending. However, since assuming control of the team, Chris Ilitch’s level of ambition in this regard has yet to match that of his predecessor.
During the recent offseason, the Tigers made a deliberate decision to avoid excessive spending on Carlos Correa, a highly sought-after free agent shortstop. Instead, Ilitch, the team’s owner, chose to secure Javier Baez for a period of six years at a significantly lower cost, almost half the price.
Looking at it from a price perspective, Correa’s performance for the Minnesota Twins this year has been impressive with a batting average of .307, whereas Baez has struggled for the Tigers, only hitting .188.
In order for this franchise to make progress, it is imperative that money be invested, considering the Tigers have scored the fewest runs in MLB this season with a margin of 38 fewer runs than any other team.
It is hoped that this collaboration between the NFL and Little Caesars could provide some assistance in that regard.
However, it’s important to face the reality that history cautions us against raising our expectations. It’s quite unrealistic to believe that the partnership between a pizza chain’s advertising and the NFL will miraculously lead us to win a baseball championship.
What new products might Little Caesars provide?
Little Caesars has been granted exclusive marketing rights to establish a connection between their chain and the NFL through a new multi-year partnership.
Part of the deal will include:
Nowadays, ordering a Little Caesars pizza has become an interactive experience resembling a social media game. By utilizing their app, customers can conveniently visit the store and input a code into a colossal pizza container to retrieve their purchase. If desired, one can avoid any form of communication or interaction with another person. This arrangement offers a truly advantageous situation for all parties involved.
Introducing innovative offerings: I have several groundbreaking concepts that align perfectly with Little Caesars’ distinctive pizza endeavors.
- Introducing Sunday Kickoff: The classic football-shaped pizza. It’s a simple yet delightful choice.
- Encroachment occurs when an excessive amount of pepperoni is added, to the point where it overflows from the box.
- Tight End: An unimaginable quantity of cheese piled high on a cheese pizza. A surplus of cheese beyond words.
- Introducing Kneecap Pizza Balls: Ideal for Dan Campbell and Detroit. Experience the tangy flavors of pepperoni and cheese as you savor each bite, taking a playful nod at the famous “kneecap” reference.
- Title: Culinary Transgression: A Hot-N-Ready Within the Crust of Another Hot-N-Ready. A Delightful Indulgence with Potential Consequences.
- For just $15, you can get an incredible deal called “The Hail Mary”. It includes four Hot-N-Ready’s, two crazy breads, a dozen wings, and two 2-liters of Pepsi.
Introducing the new packaging: Get ready to see the familiar bright orange Little Caesars pizza box with the NFL logo. It’s definitely an upgrade from the enormous crazy bread bag they used to use for their PIZZA! PIZZA! Deal back in the 80’s.
How about this for a unique promotion idea: a sizzling Hot-N-Ready football introduced during the last two minutes of a game? Imagine quarterbacks having to handle a red-hot football straight out of an oven, adding an exciting twist to the game. Additionally, we could explore the possibility of at-home delivery by none other than Drew Brees, who is currently available for new opportunities.
