Red Wings spice up Thanksgiving with Zamboni gravy boat

A New Thanksgiving Tradition: The Detroit Red Wings’ Zamboni Gravy Boats

Red Wings spice up Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Detroit has always been a special time, with traditions deeply rooted in family, food, and sports. In 2023, the Detroit Red Wings introduced a unique giveaway. It seamlessly combines hockey, holiday spirit, and a touch of humor: the Zamboni gravy boat.

A Viral Sensation

Before their November 22 game against the New Jersey Devils, the Red Wings made a special announcement. The first 7,500 fans would get Zamboni-shaped gravy boats. The buzz skyrocketed when the team shared a video online. The video featured the miniature Zamboni pouring a steady stream of gravy onto mashed potatoes. It was simple, clever, and irresistibly shareable—perfectly embodying the spirit of a modern, viral marketing campaign.

Ben Broder is the Red Wings’ Vice President of Marketing. He explained the thought process behind the giveaway: “We wanted a unique item that’s great for friends and family. Something they can share around the table the next day.” Fans were excited to grab this unique keepsake. It is sure to spark conversations at countless Thanksgiving dinners.

Building on a Thanksgiving Tradition

Thanksgiving Eve has long been a marquee event for the Red Wings. In Detroit, it’s not just about turkey and stuffing—sports are a central part of the holiday. While the Lions dominate Thanksgiving Day, the Red Wings have transformed the night before into a must-watch event. They draw fans home for a game steeped in nostalgia and camaraderie.

“It’s phenomenal because we’re a family organization,” Broder said. “Everybody comes home then—high school and college friends, family, everyone else.”

With this in mind, the Zamboni gravy boat was born. It celebrates the Red Wings’ deep ties to the community. It also captures the lighthearted joy of the holiday season.

A Collaborative Creation

The Red Wings partnered with BDA, a branding and licensing company, to design the gravy boats. With BDA’s licensing agreement with Zamboni, the team managed to incorporate the iconic ice-resurfacing machine into the giveaway. Additionally, Meijer, a beloved regional grocery chain, joined as a partner, tying the promotion directly to the Thanksgiving feast preparation.

Red Wings giving away zamboni shaped gravy boats on Thanksgiving eve game at Little Caesars Arena

This isn’t the first time hockey and gravy have intersected. Back in 2017, the Washington Capitals sent gravy boats to their season ticket holders. The Red Wings took the concept to the next level. They made it a fan-exclusive giveaway at a holiday game.

An Annual Tradition in the Making

The Zamboni gravy boat is more than a quirky keepsake—it’s the start of a new Thanksgiving Eve tradition. Fans are already anticipating future designs. Broder hints that this giveaway will become a yearly event.

“Every year, they’re going to say, ‘We have to go to the next one.’ They’ll want to see what the design’s going to be,’” he said.

As families gather in Detroit for Thanksgiving, the Red Wings have ensured that their games will be a seasonal highlight. They create unforgettable moments for all attendees. With the Zamboni gravy boat, they’ve added a dash of fun and creativity. It is a perfect blend of hockey fandom and holiday cheer.

So next year, as Detroit gears up for another Thanksgiving Eve game, one thing is certain. Fans will be lining up for the action on the ice. They also want a chance to take home a piece of hockey history—and a side of gravy.

Source: