The Newest Revenue Stream

Here it is, folks, an indication that the fans really do control the game (with their wallets). The Cleveland Indians are hosting the first-ever Fantasy Baseball Summit tonight at 6 p.m. EST. Check this:

In partnership with MLB.com, the club will hold its first-ever Fantasy Baseball Summit from 6-9 p.m. ET Tuesday at Jacobs Field. For $75, fans get parking in the players' lot, a buffet dinner in the visitors' clubhouse and two drink tickets. They'll also have access to a Q&A session with Indians general manager Mark Shapiro and assistant GM Chris Antonetti and be in attendance for a live broadcast of MLB.com's Fantasy 411 radio show, hosted by Mike Siano and Cory Schwartz.

The Tribe is one of the first clubs to truly embrace fantasy baseball in such a manner. But such events could become a league-wide trend, said Gregg Klayman, the director of fantasy and interactive games for MLB.com. [...]

But there's something else on the line, as well. All those who attend will be entered into a sweepstakes to win the right to host their league's draft party in the visitors' clubhouse. The rest will receive a 50 percent rental discount to hold their draft in virtually any room at the ballpark.

Talk about impressive. Forget the fact that Mark Shapiro has made some head-scratching moves over the course of the last few years, the fact that he's willing to be a part of something like this is a) great for public relations, and b) great for revenue. What fan wouldn't want to host their live draft inside the heart of their favorite ballpark? I know I would, that's for sure.

Which reminds me, I still need to work that out.