Sports Career Consulting Blog

SCC FFL 2024: Sports Marketing Challenge #6 Recap & Final Scores

With the final scores tallied, we are thrilled to announce the winner of SCC’s tenth annual Fantasy Football Sports Marketing Challenge! But before we reveal this year’s champion, we want to recognize the outstanding effort from all participating schools. Your creativity, strategy, and passion were evident throughout the competition, and we hope everyone enjoyed the experience.

Without further delay, we would like to recognize Jessica Brown’s class at Flower Mound High School in Texas as the champions of this year’s Fantasy Football Sports Marketing Challenge! Congratulations to the St. Louis Spartans front office for delivering Flower Mound’s first-ever win in this competition. Their hard-fought victory put them well ahead of the runners-up, Matt Kabza’s back-to-back defending champions from Grant High School, who represented the Toronto Monarchs front office. The Spartans will now add an SCC FFL championship trophy to their collection, which also includes a championship from our Spring Case Study Tournament.

Rounding out the top five, we have:

• 2nd Place: Grant High School (Oregon), representing the Toronto Monarchs front office, led by Matt Kabza.
• 3rd Place: Blacksburg High School (Virginia), representing the Guadalajara Goats front office, coached by Jessica Catley.
• 4th Place: Helena High School (Montana), representing the Utah Yetis front office, led by Jessica Freeman.
• 5th Place: Wichita East High School (Kansas), representing the Wichita River Riders, coached by Brandon Reith. Congratulations to Brandon’s students for achieving Wichita East’s highest finish in ten years of participating in this competition — a tremendous accomplishment!

To celebrate their championship, Flower Mound students will receive a championship trophy to display at school proudly. In addition, the St. Louis Spartans front office at Flower Mound and the Toronto Monarchs front office at Grant High School will be rewarded with a classroom pizza party for their first and second-place finishes, respectively.

Challenge #6 Recap:

The sixth and final challenge tasked students with developing a comprehensive strategy for digital marketing, social media, and technology for their franchise. The level of creativity and innovation on display was truly impressive. Students introduced many forward-thinking ideas, including metaverse activations, AI integration, omnichannel social campaigns, and more.

Three submissions rose above the rest: Toronto Monarchs (Grant HS), St. Louis Spartans (Flower Mound), and Guadalajara Goats (Blacksburg HS). Their innovative use of AR, VR, loyalty systems, and gamification set a new standard for excellence, distinguishing them from the competition. Each team delivered standout gamification features and integration of AR fan tools, creating unique, interactive, and engaging fan experiences.

#1 – Blacksburg High School, Virginia (Guadalajara Goats)

The Guadalajara Goats delivered an exceptional submission packed with standout creative elements. Their Gliding Goat mobile game, interactive widgets, and gamification features like fan predictions and voting brought a fresh, engaging approach. The use of AR, live game notifications, and innovative partnership ideas — including a co-branded free taco promotion — added even more depth to their strategy.

Another element that set this entry apart was their incredibly detailed live website, loaded with dynamic content and fan-focused features. Their mock-ups of a feature-rich, content-driven website demonstrated high levels of creativity and strong strategic thinking. The Goats successfully integrated every aspect of the challenge into a cohesive, fan-first marketing strategy. Very well done, Blacksburg High School. Way to finish strong!

#2 – Flower Mound High School, Texas (St. Louis Spartans)

The Spartans excelled with highly creative elements like the AR Spartan Shields and exclusive content through “Behind the Shield.” Their gamification concepts were well-thought-out, and their digital strategy was clear and actionable. The depth of the ideas and the incorporation of cutting-edge AR/VR technology make this one of the top entries. The live link to a custom website also strengthened their presentation score. This was another well-executed challenge from Flower Mound students in this competition, whose consistency helped propel them to a championship this year. Fantastic work, Spartans front office!

#3 – Grant High School, Oregon (Toronto Monarchs)

The Monarchs front office demonstrated next-level use of AR overlays, player POV cameras, Metaverse events, and AI-driven chatbots. Their “Royalty Rewards Program” is a creative, gamified approach to building fan loyalty. Branded partnerships with Shopify, Tim Hortons, and Meta reinforce this as a forward-thinking entry. The Monarchs front office went above and beyond, submitting digital content samples from the app, interactive mobile features, and much more. Really impressive stuff from Grant High School students!

SCC FFL 2024 FINAL STANDINGS

SCC FFL 2024: Sports Marketing Challenge #5 Recap & Scores

Here’s a summary of the top-performing schools and an overview of how teams fared in the fifth sports marketing challenge. We’ll be recapping the top three entries below.

In the fifth challenge, students were tasked with crafting a comprehensive ticket sales and sponsorship strategy, including creating a detailed promotions calendar. The strongest submissions excelled in creativity and practicality, presenting ticket sales plans designed to maximize season ticket revenue, incorporate theme night promotions, and leverage group sales to fill the stadium on game days. Additionally, these top entries featured well-thought-out activation plans that delivered significant value to corporate partners.

This challenge showcased excellent strategic thinking across the board, particularly in how many teams approached market segmentation. It was encouraging to see so many submissions recognizing the importance of tailoring ticket packages to different target audiences, from casual single-game buyers to premium seating and corporate hospitality clients. Several teams also incorporated dynamic pricing models, demonstrating a solid understanding of balancing affordability with maximizing revenue. Additionally, most teams did a commendable job of integrating methods to measure sponsorship ROI, which is crucial for building long-term partnerships.

However, there were areas where teams could have further strengthened their submissions. Many missed opportunities to integrate the frequency escalator model, which is essential for an expansion franchise to cultivate a loyal fan base by moving casual attendees to become repeat buyers and, ultimately, season ticket holders. Additionally, several teams enhanced their sales approach by including dedicated sales staff, such as inside sales teams to drive ticket sales or specialized group and premium seating staff. Lastly, teams could have boosted their scores by expanding sponsorship plans to include more opportunities, creating broader inventory and sponsorship categories, and highlighting more than just one or two brand partners. While these elements weren’t listed as requirements for the challenge, they represented opportunities to demonstrate advanced learning and distinguish themselves from the competition.

With one challenge remaining, Flower Mound High School is currently in the lead and poised to claim this year’s crown. However, the competition is far from over—there’s still room for surprises. Several schools remain in striking distance, and a standout submission in this final challenge could shake up the rankings with a come-from-behind victory for the ages.

#1 – Blacksburg High School, Virginia (Guadalajara Goats)

Congratulations to the students at Blacksburg High School for earning the top ranking in the fifth sports marketing challenge! The Guadalajara Goats’ submission stood out for its comprehensive ticket sales, sponsorship, and promotions strategy, effectively balancing fan engagement and revenue generation. They focused on premium seating, including Silver, Gold, and Platinum-Tier suites designed to offer exceptional experiences for fans and, even more importantly, to drive significant revenue. Their Holiday and Special Event Packages and corporate hospitality options showcased a smart packaging plan approach that adds value for fans and business partners alike.

The Goats front office also excelled in their sponsorship strategy, securing Telmex as the naming rights partner and Coca-Cola for exclusive concessions. Their integration of pouring rights into the sponsorship plan showcased a next-level understanding of sponsorships, adding high-value inventory that would most certainly lift revenue projections for the franchise in its inaugural season. The Goats’ activation plans demonstrated a clear commitment to providing sponsors with measurable ROI. Blacksburg students did an excellent job recognizing the importance of ROI while determining specific metrics for measuring sponsorship impact and communicating those results to corporate partners to ensure long-term commitments to the franchise.

Innovative tools like AI-based logo tracking and promo codes further emphasized this focus. Additionally, their multi-channel ticketing strategy, from season ticket plans to individual sales and an AI chatbot for seamless customer support, underscored their commitment to accessibility and convenience for fans. Outstanding work, Blacksburg HS students!

#2 – Capital High School, Montana (Utah Yetis)

Capital High School students scored an impressive second-place finish in this challenge, further cementing their status as one of the competition’s top teams. Their submission stood out for its well-rounded approach, featuring diverse ticketing options, community-centered theme nights, and strategic sponsorship activation. The Yetis’ focus on group packages and themed events—highlighted by meaningful ties to the NFL’s Crucial Catch and My Cause My Cleats campaigns—helps them leverage the power of the NFL brand to advance the team’s individual goals. This approach rallied community support and aligned with the team’s vision and brand messaging throughout every challenge in this competition. Consistency is key!

The Yetis also demonstrated advanced thinking in sponsorship strategy. Their use of a wide range of metrics to measure ROI showed a clear understanding of why evaluating sponsorship effectiveness is crucial to the long-term success of any sponsorship program. Additionally, their activation strategy went beyond traditional in-stadium signage and naming rights to include an advertising campaign, youth football camps, player appearances at the sponsor’s business, and retail promotions, effectively incorporating the promotions mix into their overarching strategy. One standout element was their proactive approach to protecting sponsors from ambush marketing attempts—a truly next-level consideration that added significant value for corporate partners.

On the ticketing front, the Yetis made smart moves by hiring both inside and outside sales teams, ensuring effective promotion of group sales, premium packages, and season tickets. This approach and consistent focus on community engagement and innovative sponsorship activation solidified the Yetis as a formidable contender in the challenge and the competition. Really well done, Yetis!

#3 – Flower Mound High School, Texas (St. Louis Spartans)

Congratulations to Flower Mound High School students for securing the third-highest ranking in the fifth sports marketing challenge! After a slow start to the season, the Spartans have surged to the top of the standings, demonstrating improvement with each challenge and a growing consistency that positions them as favorites for this year’s championship as we head into the final challenge.

The Spartans’ ticket sales strategy stood out with innovative offerings like personal seat licenses (PSLs), group packages, and premium seating options designed to maximize revenue while elevating the fan experience. They also demonstrated advanced comprehension of ticket sales marketing with the inclusion of a dynamic pricing strategy, helping the organization maximize revenue through fluctuations in supply and demand.

One of the most sales-savvy strategies in this competition came from the Spartans’ data-driven marketing approach. The team leveraged its inside sales staff to make cold calls to fans who had previously purchased tickets, including former season ticket holders from the Rams era and fans of the well-supported UFL Battlehawks. This targeted outreach demonstrated a keen understanding of converting existing fan interest into a loyal and engaged Spartans community. It was a standout example of combining thoughtful strategy with practical execution—really smart!

Additionally, their sponsorship strategy shone with a 15-year naming rights partnership with Boeing and creative activations, including a full-sized airplane model and interactive fan experiences. By balancing practicality with fan-focused innovation, the Spartans have solidified their place among the top teams in this competition. Great work, Spartans!

On to the next one…

Best of luck to all competitors as you take on the sixth and final challenge! In this round, students will craft a digital and social media marketing strategy for the franchise, focusing on innovative ways to integrate technology that positions the franchise as a forward-thinking, tech-savvy leader in the sports industry.

SCC FFL 2024 STANDINGS AFTER CHALLENGE #5

SCC FFL 2024: Sports Marketing Challenge #4 Recap & Scores

Here’s a summary of the top-performing schools and an overview of how teams fared in the fourth sports marketing challenge. We’ll be recapping the top three entries below.

In the fourth challenge, students were tasked with designing a stadium for their new franchise, emphasizing an enhanced fan experience. Notably, while only two schools utilized AI in their designs last year, nearly every team incorporated AI-generated stadium renderings this time, reflecting the growing trend of using technology in sports marketing. It was fun to see how students leveraged AI to really help their creativity shine through.

With only two challenges left, some clear front-runners are emerging. Flower Mound has extended its lead, but it will be exciting to see if anyone at the top of the standings can close the gap in the upcoming challenge.

#1 – Capital High School, Montana (Utah Yetis)

Congratulations to the students at Capital High School in Montana for achieving the top ranking in the fourth sports marketing challenge! The Utah Yetis front office submission was distinguished by a well-rounded approach to the fan experience, blending innovative amenities with thoughtfully crafted traditions. Highlights included premium seating options with heated seats, interactive mini-screens for replays and stats, and on-brand food and beverage offerings inspired by local favorites, showing a commitment to creating a stadium experience that truly resonates with the community. Their research into local culture and tastes brought authenticity to the stadium, making it feel unique and deeply connected to the local fan base, which is essential to cultivating a positive fan experience.

The Yetis’ customer service approach was also impressive, offering both game day staff for a personal touch and self-help service options through interactive touch-screen kiosks throughout the stadium. These kiosks provided maps, item prices, and answers to frequently asked questions, ensuring fans had convenient access to information. The team also integrated their fan code of conduct into this service model, reinforcing their mission to provide a fun, safe, and family-friendly environment. The “Yetis Yell” tradition further energized the stadium, fostering a sense of unity and excitement that embodied the team’s commitment to a memorable, inclusive experience for all. Great job, Yetis!

#2 – Blacksburg High School, Virginia (Guadalajara Goats)

Props to students at Blacksburg High School, representing the Guadalajara Goats, for their impressive second-place ranking in Challenge #4. The Guadalajara Goats front office delivered the most comprehensive and well-rounded submission, covering all requirements in detail and integrating each element to develop an exceptional fan experience. Their ability to build upon previous challenges, especially with a strong emphasis on things like community connections, showcased consistency and growth throughout the competition, making their response to challenge number four truly stand out.

The customer service plan was particularly impressive. It featured an app-based support system and well-placed assistance stations throughout the venue, ensuring every fan felt supported and valued. They outlined a clear plan for prioritizing customer service, placing an emphasis on providing the best possible fan experience at every turn.

Overall, the Guadalajara Goats delivered a submission that met every requirement and had a consistent vision that elevated the fan experience to the highest level. Way to go, Blacksburg High School students!

#3 – Flower Mound High School, Texas (St. Louis Spartans)

Congratulations to students at Flower Mound, representing the St. Louis Spartans front office, who secured third place in Challenge #4 with a submission that skillfully balanced innovative fan experiences and seamless stadium functionality. The Spartans’ design featured a unique coliseum-inspired stadium with themed elements that celebrated team spirit and the city’s rich history. Their game day traditions, such as the dramatic “Spartan March” and symbolic lighting of the victory torch, contributed to a truly immersive experience that engages fans through active participation, creating an atmosphere of excitement and pride.

Their customer service plan stood out as well, with highly trained staff on-site and easily accessible maps at every entrance, ensuring fans could navigate the stadium with ease. The Spartan app offered premium features for ordering food directly to seats, accessing replays, and engaging with game stats, making the fan experience as smooth as it was engaging. This well-rounded approach helped Flower Mound students build a more considerable lead in this competition. Can anyone catch them?

On to the next one…

Best of luck to all competitors as you focus on the fifth challenge, where students will develop a ticket sales, sponsorship, and promotions strategy for the franchise.

SCC FFL 2024 STANDINGS AFTER CHALLENGE #4

SCC FFL 2024: Sports Marketing Challenge #3 Recap & Scores

Here’s a summary of the top-performing schools and an overview of how teams fared in the third sports marketing challenge. We’ll be recapping the top three entries below.

Halfway through the competition, many teams are within striking distance of the top spot on the leaderboard. The third challenge focused on community relations, crisis management, and publicity, and students impressed us with their thoughtful strategies. Through creative community initiatives, proactive crisis responses, and dynamic publicity plans, teams demonstrated a strong understanding of connecting their franchise with fans and the wider community.

#1 – Grant High School, Oregon (Toronto Monarchs)

A standing ovation for Grant High School students after securing an impressive second place in Challenge #3! The Monarchs’ front office displayed impressive creativity with immersive, fan-centered events like Monarch’s Fright Nights and their Golden Ticket contest, sparking excitement and building strong community connections. Their Crown Care Foundation takes it a step further by supporting causes like youth education and local environmental efforts, solidifying the Monarchs as a franchise that’s all about inclusivity and family-friendly fun. This was just one of many ways they tied strategy to key concepts from their textbook.

Their media strategy was impressively thorough, with the extra touches—like a detailed media guide—really giving them an edge. The report was professional and comprehensive, covering social media outreach and showcasing how prepared students were for crisis management with a well-executed press conference video. This proactive approach made fans feel closer to the team and fostered a solid sense of trust. The Monarchs’ all-around dedication to community engagement, media presence, and unique events earned the highest score in this challenge. Great job, Monarchs!

#2 – Flower Mound High School, Texas (St. Louis Spartans)

Hats (or helmets) off to the St. Louis Spartans for taking the second spot in Challenge #3! The Spartans delivered an impressive community relations plan that connected deeply with their local fans. Their partnerships with The Children’s Charity of Saint Louis and the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative demonstrated the team’s commitment to resilience and unity in the St. Louis community. The Christmas Carnival event at their stadium was a great idea, featuring family-friendly activities, player meet-and-greets, and a strong focus on charitable giving, making it clear that the Spartans are all about making a positive impact.

The Spartans nailed their communications strategy, using engaging social media updates, in-stadium announcements, and consistent messaging to spotlight the team’s values. When it came to the quarterback contract crisis, they took a thoughtful approach, balancing transparency with respect—a move that reinforced their brand’s commitment to community and teamwork. The student video and team press release showcased proactive planning and really highlighted the effort they put into this challenge. With a mix of creativity, brand alignment, and strong community connections, the Spartans maintained their well-deserved spot at the top of the standings.

Keep up the great work, Flower Mound students!

#3 – Green Run High School, Virginia (Oklahoma Outlaws)

Kudos to Green Run High School students for claiming third place in Challenge #3! The Outlaws’ front office showed excellent recognition of the powerful platform that professional football has. They effectively leveraged that influence with their annual Battle for the Frontier rivalry against the Dallas Cowboys. This event stokes competitive spirit and cleverly channels the excitement of a rivalry game into community impact, with a portion of ticket sales supporting youth sports initiatives in Oklahoma and Texas.

The Outlaws’ community efforts were spot-on for their fan base, with standout events like Cultural Awareness Day, celebrating Native American heritage, and their Pink Out Game for breast cancer awareness. These initiatives were impactful and on-brand, reinforcing the Outlaws’ commitment to diversity, unity, and using their platform to build up the local community.

Their communication strategy had depth, using social media, local media, and game-day experiences to share the team’s story and build a positive community-focused reputation. When it came to crisis management, the Outlaws hit the mark with a respectful, straightforward response that kept fans reassured and reinforced the team’s values.

By tapping into the pride and heart of Oklahoma, the Outlaws really set themselves apart in this challenge, landing a well-deserved top spot.

On to the next one…

Best of luck to all competitors as they gear up for the fourth challenge! Students will present a stadium plan for their franchise with design and a fan experience strategy. This challenge allows students to unleash their creativity, and we can’t wait to see the unique ideas each team brings to their vision!

SCC FFL 2024 STANDINGS AFTER CHALLENGE #3

SCC FFL 2024: Sports Marketing Challenge #2 Recap & Scores

Here’s a summary of the top-performing schools and an overview of how teams fared in the second sports marketing challenge. This is the first submission where bonus points were awarded based on rankings, and we’ll be recapping the top three entries.

After two challenges, the competition remains tight, with many teams still vying for the top spots. The second challenge required students to demonstrate their understanding of branding, and we saw an impressive display of creativity through team names, logos, merchandise ideas, mascots, and slogans. The submissions truly showcased each team’s ability to build an identity for their expansion franchise.

Points for Challenge #2 have been tallied, and updated standings are available at the bottom of this post. Thanks to opportunities to generate bonus points in this year’s competition with our new rankings system, the competition is wide open!

#1 – Flower Mound High School, Texas (St. Louis Spartans)

Congrats to the St. Louis Spartans front office, the top-ranked team in the second challenge. Flower Mound students earned the highest scores possible in creativity, relevance, and overall presentation, making them the top-ranked team. Their branding strategy successfully connected the team to St. Louis, with team colors derived from the city’s flag and a powerful Spartan warrior logo symbolizing strength and resilience. Their slogan, “From the Arch to the End Zone,” created a strong local connection, enhancing fan engagement and pride in the city.

The stadium design featured a coliseum-style structure with modern amenities, catering to both casual and die-hard fans. Their game day traditions, such as having a special guest ‘gong’ a giant shield to symbolize defense and unity while whipping fans into a frenzy right before kick-off, were both exciting and perfectly aligned with the team’s brand identity. The Spartans also excelled in merchandising, offering creative products like replica armor jerseys and victory coins, which helped to differentiate their brand. The team’s price points reflected the research and attention to detail that defined the Spartans’ response to the second challenge, demonstrating practicality and relevance.

The team’s licensing partners strategy was practical and effective, aligning with well-known retailers like Nike and Fanatics to expand their reach. This strong combination of branding, fan engagement, and merchandising made the Spartans the top-ranked team in this challenge.

#2 – Capital High School, Montana (Utah Yetis)

The Utah Yetis front office impressed with a strong branding strategy that showcased creativity and deep community engagement. Their use of light blue, dark blue, dark gray, and light gray not only highlighted Utah’s natural beauty but also connected the team to the snowy, mountainous landscape that fans in Salt Lake City are proud of. The slogan, “Fear the Frost,” captured the fierce, relentless nature of the team while maintaining the family-friendly tone they emphasized.

Their mascot, Everest, represented the strength and perseverance of a mountain climber, which tied in beautifully with the team’s branding. Game day experiences were designed to be exciting for all ages, with snow guns creating a blizzard-like entrance for players and the “Yeti Yell” engaging fans after every touchdown. The “Icettes” cheer squad represented an excellent extension of the brand.

They also crushed it with their merchandising strategy, offering a range of on-brand licensed products from Nike puffer jackets to Yeti Yell horns, as well as unique items like limited edition Nike Dunks for the inaugural season. Their use of pop-up shops and strong licensing partnerships showed a well-thought-out distribution plan.

Overall, the Utah Yetis’ branding, merchandising, and fan engagement strategies were all highly creative and practical, earning them a well-deserved second-place finish. Great job, Capital High School!

#3 – Wichita East High School, Kansas (Wichita River Riders)

Shoutout to the Wichita River Riders for their third-place finish. Wichita East students did an amazing job of tying their team identity to the city of Wichita. The connection to the Arkansas River gave their name real meaning, and using red and blue from the Wichita flag was a smart way to build community pride. It wasn’t just about having a cool name and colors though—the Riders focused on creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, making sure fans of all ages have a reason to support the local franchise.

One of the biggest highlights was their mascot and logo—a frog on a paddleboard! While quirky, it is memorable and totally unique, helping build a brand that fans can really connect with. It also fits perfectly with the target audience they identified in the first challenge, and it’s sure to result in TONS of merch sales. The franchise also offered some great ideas for branding the game day experience, with creative ideas like the “Riverwalk” promenade and river-themed game day traditions. The team’s focus on building brand loyalty through family activities, interactive experiences, and a rewards program showed they’re all about keeping fans engaged and excited. Awesome work, River Riders!

On to the next one…

Good luck to all competitors as they prepare for the third challenge in this competition. In this round, students will submit a communications plan for their franchise, including a community relations strategy and a crisis management plan, create a press release, and prepare for a press conference addressing a preseason contract dispute involving the team’s quarterback.

SCC FFL 2024 STANDINGS AFTER CHALLENGE #2