Watch CBS News

IronPigs Giving Away A Free Funeral To One 'Lucky' Fan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – There are plenty of giveaways at baseball games that are fan favorites. Bobbleheads, t-shirts, and hats will all help a baseball team sell tickets to a game, if the play on the field alone doesn't get the job done.

Minor league teams are known for more unconventional giveaways. You know, like free funerals.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will be giving away a free funeral or memorial service on what they're calling their "Celebration Of Life" night on August 20th at Coca-Cola Park.

The giveaway, valued at around $10,000 will of course include a casket, as well as the services of a funeral director and staff, body removal and preparation (such as embalming or cremation), a funeral ceremony, graveside services, and the use of a hearse to move the body. There will also be a headstone provided, as well as a floral arrangement.

"The best fans in Minor League Baseball deserve the opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime giveaway,"  IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes said in a press release. "Unquestionably, this is the most highly-coveted 'out-of-the-box' promotion in IronPigs history."

Out of the box... get it?

At this point you must be wondering how you go about winning the funeral. They can't just shoot a headstone out of a hot dog gun. Well, you have to tell them why you deserve it.

Fans can register by submitting an essay of 200 words or less that describes their ideal funeral and why they feel they will, eventually, be deserving of the free funeral. All essays must be received by July 31, 2013 for consideration. All entrants must be present at the Tuesday, August 20 game to be eligible to win.

You can either send your entry via email to info@ironpigsbaseball.com, including your essay and personal information, or mail it to the IronPigs at CELEBRATION OF LIFE, Coca-Cola Park, 1050 IronPigs Way, Allentown, PA, 18109.

Good luck winning, and good luck not having to cash it in for a while.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.