The Los Angeles Dodgers and partner Sanrio Inc. will distribute Hello Kitty tote bags to the first 50,000 fans in attendance on Wednesday, Sept. 5, for the 7:10 p.m. game vs. San Diego.
The second Hello Kitty giveway item was added to the 2012 Dodgers promotional calendar last month, following the sold-out July 1 game, in which a Hello Kitty mini-bobblehead was given away.
This is the second consecutive year that the Dodgers have partnered with Sanrio in offering Dodger fans collectible co-branded giveaway items.
On Sept. 5, Hello Kitty will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi will be on hand.
Yamaguchi took over as the third Hello Kitty designer in 1980 and in her 30-year career has guided Hello Kitty through various transformations and elevated her status as a global star icon.
Currently, there are more than 50,000 varieties of Hello Kitty merchandise products sold every year in 109 countries worldwide. Yamaguchi makes personal appearances throughout the world, and conducts events in which she visits Sanrio stores and events and personally draws, signs and distributes pictures to fans.
At Dodger Stadium, Yamaguchi will draw a special Hello Kitty during pre-game to be given away to a lucky fan.
Fans can purchase tickets by visiting www.dodgers.com/promotions or by calling 866-DODGERS. A special premium package that includes an opportunity to meet Yamaguchi and Hello Kitty in person is also available now and can be purchased by calling the Dodgers Premium Seating and Services department at (323) 224-1370.
Sanrio, best known for Hello Kitty and home to many other endearing characters, including Chococat, My Melody and Keroppi, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010. The worldwide lifestyle brand was founded on the “small gift, big smile” philosophy, that a small gift can bring a big smile to people of all ages.
In the Western Hemisphere, Sanrio character-branded products are sold in upwards of 12,000 locations, including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 100 Sanrio boutiques. For more information, visit www.sanrio.com.