ticketmaster-nba-all-star-2024-arcade-front-of-booth

NBA All-Star 2024: First-time Sponsor Ticketmaster Shoots its Shot with a Retro Arcade

“As the go-to ticket provider for the NBA, our goal of activating at Crossover is to drive awareness that Ticketmaster is the trusted marketplace for secure and verified NBA tickets. And we’re hoping that this experience, this arcade, will give fans the opportunity to engage with the sport that they love and also make lasting memories.”

–Sonika Patel, SVP-Marketing, Ticketmaster


Ticketmaster’s retro arcade activation at NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis offered basketball fans a chance to literally shoot their shot, but as a first-time sponsor, the brand was taking a shot, too. From Feb. 16-18 at the NBA Crossover fan experience, Ticketmaster stepped onto the court to show fans why it’s the go-to platform for verified NBA tickets by leaning into fan insights, the ’90s nostalgia trend, NBA traditions and its “Make More Memories Live” messaging.

A vibrant blue footprint beckoned attendees into the Game and Go Arcade at the Indiana Convention Center during NBA Crossover, where classics like NBA Jam, claw machines and pop-a-shot were designed to engage hoops lovers of all ages and demographics. Attendees also received scratch-off tickets revealing Ticketmaster prizes and, in some cases, Ticketmaster gift cards.


coca-cola-mls-all-star-week-2023-overall-footprint_teaserMore on Sports Sponsorship:

“The ’90s nostalgia has never been hotter and retro arcades are cool again. So we figured, let’s just bring this back with our own twist,” says Sonika Patel, svp-marketing at Ticketmaster. “This NBA-themed vintage arcade felt like an authentic way to celebrate their passion and their excitement for basketball, while still giving them the opportunity to win prizes. We hope that this experience helps us connect with fans and get even closer [to them].”

The activation also included a dj spinning tunes; appearances by former NBA and WNBA stars, like Dominique Wilkins, Joakim Noah and Tamika Catchings; NBA trivia games hosted by sports journalist Taylor Rooks; and a chance for fans to capture “game face moments” in a made-for-content space.

“We leaned in on NBA history and fan traditions. As part of that tradition, we unlocked that fans really love to get in on the action, so we said, ‘Let’s create a space for them to quite literally shoot their shot,’” says Patel. “And throughout the preparations we [asked], what are the different things that’ll actually excite the fans? So we recruited NBA legends… But then also leaning in on the trivia. We know that NBA trivia questions are a fun way to interact with fans. Again, our hope was to give fans a good time, and connect back to making memories both on-court and off-court.”

 

Swing Through the Game and Go Retro Arcade:

Photos: Courtesy of Ticketmaster

Kait Shea
Posted by Kait Shea

Kait joined EM in 2015 and today enjoys her role as senior editor, digital content. When she’s not in reporter mode, rocking mermaid pants at Comic-Con or running laps at MWC Barcelona, you can find her at home listening to music.
View all articles by Kait Shea →

Receive the latest news and special announcements from Event Marketer

SIGN UP FOR UPDATES

© 2024 Access Intelligence, LLC – All Rights Reserved. |