“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.” – Nelson Mandela
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ still lingering at the top of our minds, we couldn’t help but take a deeper dive into the fan engagement and fan-focused experiences throughout the tournament.
From the moment the gates opened on July, 20th – FIFA set the standard for fans through the FIFA Fan Festivals in all nine host cities, allowing fans to experience the electric, unbelievable atmosphere of celebration without even having to enter the stadium, giving each host city the opportunity to be involved for the first time ever, living up to FIFA’s mission to “make football truly global, accessible and inclusive.”
From the interactive experiences, the FIFA store, mini football pitches, children’s colouring stations, large viewing screens, and comfortable seating to delicious food stalls – these Fan Festivals had it all and left you buzzing for more, but it did not end there.
The fan engagement transcended through the gates of the stadiums breaking records and setting new milestones on and off the pitch. We saw tournament sponsors and partners engaging with fans through a new dimension, to the interactive on-field and in-stadium activities, no one was left out.
Being a part of a fandom gives one a sense of belonging, a sense of community – one that lasts a lifetime. Fans see their clubs, teams, and countries as an extension of their identity, giving them a strong connection to the team, the players, and the result – playing a massive role in the game. Sure they contribute to the financial model through merchandise purchases, but their support from a physical and psychological level counts just as much. Without the loyalty and commitment of fans – the game just won’t be the same, the stadiums would be empty and the atmosphere would be silent.
It is thus, vital to recognise the importance of taking care of these relationships in developing personalised, real, and meaningful fan interactions – forming or retaining a bond, a connection. In turn, the fans will not only continue to support their favourite teams but promote them on and off the pitch, online and offline – and the same goes for brands.
Whether it’s live in-person interactions, behind-the-scenes exclusive fan experiences, or interactive games – elevating the overall fan experience and creating a captivating fan journey is key. Engaged fans play a fundamental role in amplifying the brand (corporate, club, or person). They act as the promoter, the manager, the revenue generators, and the community – know your fans, leverage your connection, and embrace personalised, interactive experiences that foster fan-generated content and create enhanced in-stadium experiences.
#FanEngagement #BrandSponsorships #FIFAWWC