The distribution of free products, services, and experiences as incentives for COVID-19 vaccination became a widespread practice among businesses and government entities during the pandemic. In San Diego, specific events and local businesses participated in these initiatives to encourage community vaccination. These incentives ranged from sports tickets and food to recreational rentals and travel packages. The availability of these offers was often limited by time, location, or the number of participants, and typically required proof of vaccination status, such as a CDC vaccination card.
Sports and Event Tickets
Several major sports organizations and event venues in San Diego offered free tickets and merchandise to individuals who received vaccinations at specific events.
San Diego Padres Vaccination Event San Diego County partnered with the San Diego Padres to host a vaccination event at Petco Park’s Gallagher Square. This event was held on August 24, with operating hours from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the public and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for fans attending the Padres game against the Dodgers.
Attendees who received a vaccine at this event were eligible for specific incentives: * Tickets: The first 150 people to receive a vaccine were given a pair of tickets to the Padres' September 8 game against the Angels. * Merchandise: These participants also received a commemorative t-shirt. * Vaccine Options: Participants could choose from Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. * Parking: Free parking was provided at the Padres Parkade at 440 11th Ave from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for those receiving a shot. A voucher was issued to waive the parking fee.
Eligibility for the incentives extended to all individuals receiving a vaccine at the event, including those getting their second dose, provided they were among the first 150 to arrive.
State-Level Lottery and Prizes California’s "Vax for the Win" program included lottery drawings for high-value prizes accessible to residents who had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. A drawing scheduled for July 1 included travel and experience packages. While not exclusively for San Diego residents, these prizes included locations relevant to the area: * Travel Packages: Winners received accommodation packages in various California cities, including San Diego. * Event Access: Prizes included floor seats to Los Angeles Lakers games, passes to Disneyland, Legoland, and SeaWorld. * Cash Stipends: The state provided an additional $2,000 in cash to winners to cover travel costs.
Food and Beverage Offers
Fast-food and casual dining chains implemented various promotions for vaccinated customers, ranging from one-day events to ongoing daily offers.
Taco Bell Taco Bell participated in the "Vax for the Win" program by offering free food on a specific date. Participating California locations, including the location at 7232 Broadway in Lemon Grove, offered a free seasoned beef Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco. To redeem, customers were required to show their COVID-19 vaccination card. This offer was valid for one day only, specifically on a Tuesday.
Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme offered a free glazed doughnut to any customer presenting a valid COVID-19 vaccination card. This was a nationwide offer available at all U.S. locations. The promotion allowed customers to claim one free doughnut per day through the end of the year. No purchase was necessary to redeem the doughnut.
White Castle White Castle provided a free "dessert-on-a-stick" to customers with proof of vaccination. This offer was valid through the end of May. The available flavors included Gooey Butter Cake, Fudge Dipped Brownie, Fudge Dipped Cheesecake, and Birthday Cake. No purchase was required.
Other Food Incentives * Super Duper Burgers and Uno Dos Tacos (San Francisco): While located in San Francisco, this offer illustrates the type of social-media-based incentives used during the vaccination drive. Customers who posted a photo of themselves at their vaccination site on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook with the hashtag #covidvaccine could show the post to the cashier at Super Duper Burgers or Uno Dos Tacos to receive free fries (with a burger) or free chips and salsa (with a taco). * Pho Ca Dao & Grill: This restaurant chain offered free meals to on-duty first responders at their locations. The offer was limited to the first 50 first responders per day and was valid through April 16, between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Recreational and Retail Incentives
Beyond food and sports, businesses in the recreation and retail sectors offered free services or discounts to vaccinated individuals.
Everyday California Located in San Diego, Everyday California offered free rentals to vaccinated customers. The offer was valid Monday through Thursday until June 14. * Items Included: Paddle boards, surfboards, and snorkel rentals. * Redemption Process: Rentals had to be booked online using the code VACCINE. Proof of vaccination had to be shown in-store upon pickup. * Clothing Discount: Customers could also receive 20% off clothing through June 14 by showing proof of vaccination in-store or using the code VAX20 for online purchases.
Flatstick Pub Flatstick Pub in Sacramento offered "Shot for Shot Wednesdays." Through December 29, 2021, customers showing a COVID-19 vaccination card received a free game of mini golf and Duffleboard every Wednesday.
Retail and Dispensary Offers (National/Regional) Several other businesses offered incentives, though not specific to San Diego: * Cincinnati Reds: Offered $10 tickets to fully vaccinated fans through the end of May. * The Mint Dispensary (Arizona) and The Greenhouse of Walled Lake (Michigan): These dispensaries offered free cannabis products (edibles and pre-rolled joints) to vaccinated individuals. These offers were regional and age-restricted.
Support for Health Care Workers
Initiatives were also launched to support health care workers and first responders directly. In San Diego, community support manifested through donations and food services. * Hospital Donations: Sharp Healthcare, UC San Diego Health, and Scripps Health facilitated donations of masks and protective gear for health care workers. * Feeding Workers: The San Diego Dining Group (which includes Greystone the Steakhouse, Saltwater, Butchers Cut, Osetra the Fishouse, Oseteria Panevino, and Farmers Table) provided free meals to health care workers and first responders through community kitchens during the pandemic. A GoFundMe was established to support this service.
Conclusion
The initiatives in San Diego and the broader California region demonstrated a collaborative effort between government agencies, professional sports teams, and private businesses to incentivize COVID-19 vaccination. These offers provided tangible value to consumers, ranging from immediate gratification in the form of food and merchandise to high-value lottery prizes like travel packages and event tickets. The majority of these promotions required physical proof of vaccination, such as a CDC card, and were subject to specific timeframes and location restrictions.