How to Maximize ROI of Video Displays with New Fan Engagement Technology

Author: Jordan Edgett

‍

Similar to how other cutting-edge products trickle down from pro and collegiate athletics, video boards are also becoming the standard in high school sports venues. When purchasing or upgrading your display, it's important to understand the technology's dynamic capabilities. Video replays and graphics are great, but consider the last time you were at a collegiate or professional game. How did they engage fans using the video board? What kind of interactive games did they play? Were they able to create a seamless experience from the fan's phones to the display?

REVENUE

Owning a video display can bring in new revenue streams by selling digital ad space. This is not a new concept, but how it is utilized and managed has changed. When you purchase a new video display, there are companies that can assist you in securing sponsorships, providing consultations, and offering ideas for building long-lasting partnerships. Their goal is to help schools fund the entire purchase and create a revenue stream for years to come.

Schools that utilize professional tools and resources see an average of $40,000 increase in revenue, which can directly benefit their students. Just imagine what could be done with that extra money. If your district prohibits selling sponsorships, I encourage you to ask why. It is likely that NIL sponsorships will soon become more common in high schools. It isn't easy to imagine a district turning down sponsorship money for a student-athlete. So why would they reject the opportunity to benefit the entire student body?

As I mentioned in last month's article, most local businesses are eager to support your programs. By creating unique and interactive opportunities, you can make a huge difference in the success of the brand when they see that their participation will have a more significant impact and reach a larger audience. By leveraging the power of digital displays, you can showcase a variety of brands or brand messages that can be updated quickly and easily. This is a far more effective way to create brand awareness than traditional advertising methods, such as a faded photo on a bench or billboard.

ENGAGEMENT

My favorite memories from high school involve filling the stands with friends and classmates at games. The energy and excitement in a packed student section were almost guaranteed at every home game. That's not the case for a lot of schools today. It can feel like a lost cause trying to attract more kids (and faculty) to attend games based on how easy it has become to watch games at home and with the distraction of phones. People are constantly on their phones, requiring producers to create more intentional strategies to keep fans engaged and entertained.

The fun and easy-to-use products you see at professional and collegiate events are available to high schools. Like the pros, they seamlessly integrate with your video display and generally do not require additional hardware. It is easier than you think to run your game day operations the same way as colleges and professional teams.

The activation of certain products by schools and organizations can enhance the experience of fans and the surrounding community while creating additional revenue streams. There are various methods to utilize sponsorships in combination with fan engagement products to keep fans entertained and sponsors' content. Using tools like PostUp, enables fans to share content and see themselves on the video display. Alternatively, you can also challenge your fans' knowledge with "Trivia," presented by your local bank, dentist, or grocery store (to name a few).

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

More and more schools and companies are providing opportunities for students to be exposed to technology. Whether it’s through online courses or hands-on learning, they provide an opportunity for students to learn what it’s like to work behind the scenes on game day. There are students in your halls who are interested in a career in Audio Visual Production, CTE, or Athletic Administration. These career pathways are becoming a fundamental part of the K-12 experience. Giving students early exposure to career options is critical for putting them on a path toward college or a high-paying career. Connecting what students are learning in the classroom to possible career pathways helps them make more informed decisions about their future and deepens their engagement in your school community.

When you realize that some of your best resources are your students, you are able to do more without adding anything to your plate. It’s incredible what kids are able to do with technology these days. Give them access to the tech, and they will produce creative content. A classroom-integrated video display gives students real-world experience, and it gives you game-day assistants. Waunakee High School is one of many great examples of this.

COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL EVENTS

If you put up a new video board in your football stadium or basketball court, your community members will want to use the space for various events. Whether through rentals or community partnerships, video boards can serve numerous purposes. Outside of athletics, video boards are used for graduation ceremonies, school dances, movie nights, city meetings, robotics, school assemblies, club meetings, corporate events, camps & clinics, you name it. The engagement products are suitable for all events.

Whether trying to provide a better game day atmosphere for student-athletes or enhance the fan experience, maximizing your video display is a vital part of creating your brand. Reach out to your video board provider and take advantage of your resources. Technology is constantly evolving, and there may be new products or features that align with your department’s vision.

‍

‍