Sports, in general, looks a tad bit different these days due to the coronavirus pandemic. Packed stands, roaring crowds and the scent of nacho cheese wafting through the stadium is on hold for the time being. But just because you can’t physically attend a game, doesn’t mean you can’t be there in spirit — and in cutout form.
The Cincinnati Reds kicked off the season in late July, but fans aren’t allowed to attend the games quite yet. So they are selling limited-time Reds Fans Cutouts to help keep Great American’s seats warm (metaphorically, of course [it’s summer, so the seats are already super hot]).
For $75, you can submit a photograph (they have very specific guidelines for how to set up and take your submission photo) and they will print a 2D version of your 3D form so you can silently cheer your team to victory. All proceeds benefit the Reds Community Fund, which is “dedicated to improving the lives of youth by leveraging the tradition of the Cincinnati Reds and the game of baseball.”
According to the website, once your cutout has been placed in the stands, you will receive a photograph of it. And, after the season, you will have the opportunity to pick it up once it has been removed.
The cutouts are roughly 24-inches-by-17-inches.
They have not yet announced a date for when human fans can make their way back to the ballpark, but a recent article by sports publication The Athletic says they are working to get them back in the stands ASAP.
For more information, visit mlb.com/reds.
This article appears in The Burger Issue 2020.