155. Unleashing the Marketing Benefits of the Backyard Brawl is Back: Pitt vs. WVU

Sales Culture with Joe Lemon

• In this episode, we're diving into the marketing benefits of the Backyard Brawl, the highly anticipated college football game between the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and West Virginia University (WVU).
• The Backyard Brawl is not just a rivalry game; it's a spectacle offering unique marketing advantages for universities and local businesses.

Segment 1: The Backyard Brawl Tradition

• A brief history of the Backyard Brawl: The intense football rivalry between Pitt and WVU has roots dating back over a century.
• The significance of the rivalry: The game sparks tremendous passion and engagement from fans, alumni, and the local community.
• Attendance and viewership: The Backyard Brawl draws a large crowd to the stadium and garners significant TV ratings, providing an excellent platform for marketing exposure.

Segment 2: Amplifying University Branding

• Showcasing university values and culture: The Backyard Brawl serves as an opportunity for both universities to emphasize their unique identities and engage with their respective fan bases.
• Brand partnerships and sponsorships: Local businesses can collaborate with Pitt and WVU to increase their visibility by aligning their brand with the passion and excitement surrounding the game.
• Merchandise and apparel: The Backyard Brawl generates demand for branded merchandise, allowing universities and local vendors to capitalize on sales and promote team spirit.

Segment 3: Targeted Fan Engagement

• Tailoring marketing campaigns to fans: Both universities can leverage the Backyard Brawl to connect with their target audience—alumni, students, and passionate football enthusiasts.
• Social media engagement: Creating buzz through social media campaigns, contests, and hashtags can boost fan engagement, encourage sharing, and extend the reach of the event.
• Fan experiences and activations: Providing unique game-day experiences, such as tailgating events, exclusive access, and interactive activities, enhances fan loyalty and generates positive brand associations.

Segment 4: Local Business Opportunities

• Boosting the local economy: The Backyard Brawl brings an influx of visitors to the host city, providing an economic stimulus for local businesses.
• Local partnerships and promotions: Restaurants, bars, hotels, and retailers can collaborate with Pitt and WVU to offer game-day specials, discounts, and promotions, attracting both local residents and out-of-town visitors.
• Leveraging game-related events: Local businesses can organize pre-game and post-game events, watch parties, or sponsor fan gatherings, creating additional marketing opportunities.

Segment 5: Alumni Engagement and Fundraising

• Alumni outreach: The Backyard Brawl serves as a rallying point for alumni, creating a perfect occasion for universities to engage with their former students and promote alumni initiatives.
• Fundraising efforts: Universities can leverage the game to drive donations, scholarships, and other fundraising campaigns, tapping into the heightened enthusiasm and emotional connection surrounding the Backyard Brawl.

CTA 1:

Subscribe to Fresh Thought Friday, you'll get a curated memo that explains how industry leaders use content to create communities and tackle obstacles collectively - joelemon.co

Resources

• https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/best-cobranding-partnerships