Any sports fan knows that watching a game on television doesn’t cut it. It’s not quite the same as the thrill of sitting in the bleachers, savoring in the atmosphere: the cheering fans, the first-hand look at the players’ reactions, the heartburn from the junk food.

Businesses can take advantage of that excitement by rewarding their customers — and employees — with tickets.

“Businesses are often holders of season ticket accounts. They use them to reward an employee or to try to cement a relationship with their providers,” said Rebecca Hale, director of public information for the Seattle Mariners.

Corporate partners who choose to sponsor games receive season tickets as part of their package. The level of investment varies and the commitment is for a year or more.

The Kitsap BlueJackets, getting ready for their inaugural season in July, were still looking for corporate sponsors in mid-April, though mostly only had one level of sponsorship left.

Using season tickets is not only a great idea for showing appreciation to business suppliers and partners for their services, but also a chance to communicate with other businesses in a nonworking atmosphere, said Steve Stagner, Kitsap BlueJackets COO.

“You can get to know each other better, on a personal level, in a more casual and relaxed format,” he said. Sponsorship, which includes tickets, also shows that the business supports the local community, he added.

Some companies go a step further, using tickets for drawings or raffles for customers, or for boosting employee morale. “We use our tickets primarily for employee contests or ‘atta boys,’” said Ron Rogerson, Kitsap Community Federal Credit Union senior vice president for marketing. “Atta boys” is code name for rewarding employees doing an exceptional job or who have stepped up to do something positive.

Besides rewarding staff at all the branches, the credit union uses tickets for random contests: For example, be the first person to answer a trivia question right, and you’re off to the game. “It creates a nice environment, a lot of good will, team work and camaraderie,” Rogerson said.

Another way the credit union gets involved with the BlueJackets is by helping the team with miscellaneous jobs like staffing an information booth or ushering. Employees who sign up to participate have their admission paid.

“We don’t just like to write a check, we like to be involved,” Rogerson said.

Businesses looking to write a check, take note: The trick with sponsorships and season tickets is to not wait until the season is under way. By the time the season starts, season tickets are hardly left if not sold out.

The Kitsap BlueJackets were already sold out of season tickets in April. For the Mariners, more than 17,000 season tickets were available and were expected to be sold out by the end of April. Those who miss the cutoff dates can still buy single-game tickets, but the price per game is much higher. Some teams offer group discounts to single games, but there are often limitations to seating arrangements and dates.

Other local teams such as the Seattle Sonics and the Seahawks offer similar opportunities, but get sold out just as fast. As some of the games wrap up, think ahead to the next seasons, and make a note on your calendar to start inquiring a couple or so months in advance.