Sports Career Consulting Blog

SportsBiz Madness: 2025 Case Study Tournament (Championship Round Results)

We have a champion! 

Both teams brought their A-game in what might be the most competitive Championship round we’ve ever seen. Flower Mound High School’s Red Bull pitch was bursting with energy, bold ideas, and creative activations that felt right at home with Red Bull’s high-octane brand. From a Red Bull-themed scavenger hunt to college night promotions, they leaned all-in on what makes sponsorships fun and engaging. They even went the extra mile with a live-action sales role-play video to showcase how they would land the deal in real life. This was yet another standout case study from Flower Mound, and honestly, we expected nothing less from a team that’s delivered all year long in SCC competitions.

However, Grant High School took it even further, creating the most comprehensive and realistic sponsorship pitch. Not only did they target two sponsors—the regional favorite Burgerville as the team’s primary, top-tier sponsor, and national icon Big League Chew as a lower-tier national sponsor—but they designed activations that were fun, engaging, and deeply connected to both brands.

Grant High School’s championship-winning strategy stood out for its exceptional attention to detail and a deep understanding of what makes minor league partnerships work. While Flower Mound focused on landing a big-name, national brand as a sponsor, Grant went a step further by giving their fictional team, the River City Raptors, a geographic identity in the Pacific Northwest. This allowed them to craft a realistic and targeted prospecting strategy, identifying sponsors that made sense not just in theory, but in practice.

Their prospecting process led them to Burgerville, a beloved local favorite, and Big League Chew, a national icon with deep minor league baseball roots in the Pacific Northwest—not just for the sake of name recognition, but because both brands reflected the values, community connection, and grassroots energy that are essential to a successful MiLB franchise. It was this big-picture mindset, understanding that minor league teams thrive on local relevance and meaningful partnerships, that truly set Grant apart. Their ability to combine creativity with real-world authenticity made their pitch not just impressive but also believable and impactful throughout the community.

The Burger Bombs Cannon stole the show: launching foam burgers into the crowd, each redeemable for free food at Burgerville. The Burger Bus concept adds a ton of value to the partnership, shuttling fans between the stadium and Burgerville locations, while also creating a post-game tradition and boosting traffic at the restaurant. Even the mascots got in on the action, with “Danny the Dino” (the team’s mascot) teaming up with Bunzee the Burger (Burgerville’s mascot) for some next-level fan fun.

Grant’s attention to detail was next level. They delivered a realistic rate card that provided their sponsor with significant value while leaving room for other deals with potential partners, backed it up with ROI projections, and supported their pitch with videos, mockups, and activations that brought the entire plan to life.

After coming close in past tournaments, Grant High School is finally bringing home their first-ever Case Study Tournament championship, adding to their impressive run of two Fantasy Football Challenge titles in 2021 and 2022. In doing so, they denied Flower Mound the chance at a historic SCC competition sweep, as Flower Mound had already won this year’s Fantasy Football Sports Marketing Challenge.

Congrats, Grant High. You are the 2025 SportsBiz Madness Case Study Champions! 🏆

2025 SportsBiz Madness Case Study Tournament Final Bracket

SportsBiz Madness: 2025 Case Study Tournament (Final Four Round Results)

The Championship Round is Set! 

In this year’s Final Four round, students were challenged to create a cause-related event designed to raise money and awareness through an athlete or celebrity foundation.

It was a highly competitive round, and narrowing it down to two finalists was no easy task. Every team that made it this far should be incredibly proud of their work and their achievements in this tournament.

That said, two teams have earned their spot in the championship round. Read on to find out who’s advancing!

Deep Run High School (Virginia) VS. Flower Mound High School (Texas)

Students at Flower Mound High School (Dude Perfect’s Thrill Fest) edged out Deep Run High School students (The Brady Benefit) to punch their ticket to the Championship Round of this year’s tournament. Both entries delivered high-impact, well-executed event strategies, but Dude Perfect’s team pulled ahead by playing to their strengths and developing creative event activations and promotions that aligned with the brand.

The Thrill Fest concept was unique, high-energy, and right in line with what you’d expect from the Dude Perfect brand. From tiered ticketing and matched donations to smart, fan-friendly fundraising ideas, their plan had a ton of personality. Their sponsor lineup (Nerf, GoPro, and Dr. Pepper) made perfect sense and featured interactive activations that added energy and value to the event. Whether it was exclusive Nerf gun testing, a GoPro demo zone, or creative raffles and merch, every piece felt like something Dude Perfect fans would love, inspiring them to engage with the event.

Flower Mound students also impressed with a detailed crisis management plan, including a detailed “table” to prepare for any potential publicity problem, and a fun, memorable promotion strategy that included countdown teasers, a blimp flyover. It even an incredibly on-brand parachute stunt off the Dude Perfect HQ. It was incredibly unique, but it worked.

To their credit, Deep Run students delivered a polished and professional campaign with The Brady Benefit. Creating an event tied to Tom Brady’s TB12 foundation, The Brady Benefit was a great concept and featured really cool fundraising ideas like QR code donations, touch-to-give kiosks that demonstrated long-term potential. However, one factor that ultimately held them back was the Nike sponsorship, which, while compelling, didn’t quite align with Brady’s real-life brand relationships — including his long-time ties to Under Armour and his status as an investor in NOBULL. That kind of detail makes a difference in a challenge where sponsor alignment is part of the evaluation.

In the end, it was Flower Mound’s authentic brand fit, creative sponsor activations, and strong execution across the board that earned them the win.

Congrats to Flower Mound High School. We’ll see you in the Championship Round!

Wichita East High School (Kansas) VS. Grant High School (Oregon)

Grant High School came out swinging in this Final Four matchup and never looked back. Their Pass the Mic campaign, led by Zendaya, wasn’t just a fundraising event—it was a full-on movement to break the stigma around mental health. The event also featured major “guest” celebrities like Simone Biles, Terry Crews, Naomi Osaka, and others sharing their own personal mental health stories in schools and at live events across the country. It was powerful, emotional, and thoughtfully designed to elevate awareness by leveraging the reach and influence of a celebrity foundation. From school visits to a two-day Raise Your Voice music festival in NYC, the event was built to drive real change.

One of the most creative fundraising ideas? “Beacon Bands,” $50 collectible wristbands with embedded digital chips that unlocked exclusive content. Fans could collect all eight to earn free festival admission, and the wristbands were sponsor-branded—creating buzz, incentivizing donations, and opening up a whole new revenue stream for fundraising. That was just one example of the team’s creativity. Combined with a Netflix docuseries, live coverage of the events, custom sponsor activations, and smart, well-researched messaging, Grant’s submission was on a different level. Wichita East’s Messi Match for Hope was a solid, professional campaign—but it couldn’t match the depth, originality, and purpose-driven focus Grant brought to the table. They’re moving on to the finals with a well-earned win.

Congrats to Grant High School for a standout case study and a spot in the Championship Round!

🏆 Championship Stakes: History on the Line

This year’s final has major historical implications.

• No school has ever won both the Case Study Tournament and the SCC Fantasy Football Competition in the same year — but Flower Mound High School has a chance to make history.
• The winner of this year’s final will also claim their third SCC competition trophy, joining Blacksburg High School and Green Run High School as the only schools to hit that mark.
• Grant High School has two championships under their belt (both from Fantasy Football), but a case study tournament title would add a new type of trophy to their collection.
• Flower Mound, meanwhile, enters the final with one Fantasy Football title (this year) and a Case Study Tournament win from 2017, the inaugural year of the event.

No matter who comes out on top, some history will be made in this year’s championship!

2025 SportsBiz Madness Case Study Tournament Bracket

SportsBiz Madness: 2025 Case Study Tournament

In the Elite Eight round of our annual SportsBiz Madness Case Study Tournament, students were challenged to create a comprehensive marketing plan to support the launch of Major League Volleyball (MLV), a brand-new professional women’s volleyball league. With teams set to debut in 2026 and the Omaha Supernovas leading the way as the founding franchise, students were tasked with helping MLV stand out in a crowded landscape alongside competitors like PVF, LOVB, and Athletes Unlimited (AU).

Teams were required to submit a complete marketing strategy covering brand identity, fan experience, revenue generation, promotion, grassroots outreach, and—most importantly—a creative plan to differentiate MLV from other professional volleyball leagues.

Congratulations to the four schools who are advancing in this year’s tournament.

FINAL FOUR SPOTLIGHT:

Flower Mound High School, Texas (2nd Period)

Students from Flower Mound (2nd period) delivered a highly interactive, tech-driven, and practical strategy that positioned MLV as a bold and immersive fan experience — all while continuing the school’s tradition as a powerhouse in this competition.

With a brand built on passion and energy, and a tagline of “Spike Your Passion, Elevate the Game,” this group presented a thoughtful vision for a league designed to engage fans through both innovation and emotional connection. What set their submission apart was their ability to balance creative fan interaction ideas with feasible execution.

Highlights from their campaign included:

• LED wristbands that synced with the energy of the game
• Real-time in-app fan voting for songs, halftime show elements, and MVPs
• Collectible mystery pins sold at games to encourage repeat attendance and revenue
• Themed game nights (Retro Night, Mascot Night, etc.)
• A fantasy volleyball league with in-app monetization
• And a clever PR stunt featuring MLV players going undercover at local schools to generate viral buzz ahead of the launch

Their promotional plan featured a pre-launch countdown campaign, surprise pop-up events, and thoughtful integration of influencers and social media challenges to build buzz. Ultimately, Flower Mound’s success came from its ability to deliver a fan-first experience that felt both creative and achievable. The strategy wasn’t just bold, it was innovative, growth-oriented, and comprehensive enough to be implemented immediately with real-world results.

Way to go, Flower Mound. Welcome back to the Final Four!

Deep Run High School, Virginia

Students from Deep Run High School took a unique and imaginative approach by positioning MLV as a league exclusively for athletes under the age of 21, creating a unique identity focused on developing the next generation of volleyball stars. While this concept doesn’t reflect MLV’s current real-world structure, the challenge asked students to find a way to differentiate the league — and this team did exactly that. Their U21 model offered a compelling and internally consistent vision that set MLV apart from competing pro volleyball leagues.

Their tagline, “The Future of Volleyball Starts Here,” aligned seamlessly with the brand’s purpose, and their campaign was grounded in creative, real-world strategies that would provide MLV with dynamic marketing opportunities, including:

• A robust SWOT analysis identifying the benefits and risks of a youth-focused model
• A grassroots pipeline through local camps, clinics, and training partnerships
• Dynamic game-day experiences, including a “Volleyball Village,” VIP fan interactions, and immersive in-game content
• A solid revenue strategy involving tiered ticketing (including premium seating and luxury suites), exclusive merchandise, and an aggressive sponsorship plan designed to offer partners highly engaging digital activations

What really stood out was the cohesion, every element of the plan worked together to reinforce the league’s identity as a launchpad for rising stars. This wasn’t just a collection of random ideas thrown together to see what might stick; the group presented a thoughtfully integrated marketing strategy with a clear purpose and direction. While some may debate the mainstream appeal of a U21-only league, this team’s vision demonstrated real growth potential, creative thinking, and strategic focus, making the concept feel unique and viable.

Congrats to Deep Run students for developing a differentiated and professional plan that met the challenge head-on. Welcome to your first Final Four appearance!

Grant High School, Oregon

Grant High School students built an incredibly bold and empowering league identity, positioning MLV as the electric new face of women’s professional volleyball. With the tagline “Harness Your Power,” their campaign fused high-energy aesthetics, immersive tech, and a strong message of female athleticism and confidence.

Their brand personality stood in sharp contrast to the current pro leagues — breaking from the traditional and embracing a neon-charged, youth-focused experience. Some highlights included:

• A professional-grade hype video showcasing the league’s aesthetic and energy
• Mockups of social media posts, merch collections, and event flyers
• A unique court design strategy using LED lighting, synced music, and visuals
• A digital-first marketing approach amplified through Twitch partnerships and influencer campaigns
• Content marketing focus, including a Netflix mini-docuseries titled Behind the Net

Their revenue model was just as dynamic — blending ticket sales, merch, content partnerships, and strategic brand sponsorships with both national and local corporate partnerships, highlighted by partnerships with local bars and restaurants in host cities to create viewing events and deepen grassroots support.

One area where the plan could have gone further was its ticket promotion strategy. More detail on theme nights, group sales, or promotional tactics (including giveaways) could have elevated the campaign’s rollout. Still, Grant students’ comprehensive approach to building a long-term success plan for MLV is undeniable. This team didn’t just design a brand — they delivered an experience.

Congrats to Grant High School students for earning a well-deserved spot in the Final Four!

Wichita East High School, Kansas

Wichita East High School advances to the Final Four with an excellent strategy that positioned Major League Volleyball (MLV) as more than just a league—it’s a movement. Their tagline, “More Than a League, It’s a Volleyball Revolution,” captured a brand’s identity built on empowerment, athleticism, and community.

Students delivered a well-integrated marketing plan with a SWOT analysis that was both comprehensive and thoughtful, connecting all the dots in building a strategy for the league’s short- and long-term success. Their campaign blended immersive fan experiences with innovative technology — from mic’d-up players and LED court visuals to fan voting, trivia, and themed game nights. Every piece of the game day experience was designed to engage fans and keep them coming back.

Their revenue strategy stood out in a category where many teams missed the mark. While several entries overlooked key financial elements like ticketing, sponsorships, and media deals, Wichita East recognized how critical these components are to the league’s financial sustainability and growth potential. Their plan included traditional revenue drivers such as ticket sales and merchandise, as well as high-impact opportunities through sponsorship and streaming partnerships, all of which are essential for building a successful professional sports league from the ground up.

Wichita East created a campaign that was both visionary and executable. Well done, and congratulations on reaching the Final Four!

UPDATED BRACKET:

Congrats to those students who advanced to the Final Four round of the competition, and good luck!

SportsBiz Madness 2025: Case Study Tournament (Opening Round Results)

OPENING ROUND RECAP

Thank you to all who participated in the competition’s opening round! Your students submitted many great ideas, showcasing creativity and strategic thinking. While only eight teams can advance, every team should be proud of the effort and innovation demonstrated throughout this challenge.

The teams moving on distinguished themselves by focusing on fan experience both in-stadium on game days and at home, ensuring their team apps became an essential part of the fan journey. The most successful submissions found creative ways to maximize app usage, integrating features that kept fans engaged beyond game day. Additionally, the strongest entries explored innovative revenue streams, including advertising, subscription-based premium services, in-app purchases, and microtransactions, demonstrating a deep understanding of how teams can monetize digital engagement while enhancing the overall fan experience.

Many submissions could have gone further in exploring how the app could enhance the in-stadium experience on game days, incorporating features that improve everything from parking and concessions to mobile ordering, seat upgrades, and customer service. There were also missed opportunities to generate revenue. Additionally, we were surprised that more teams didn’t incorporate AR and VR features, which represent a major opportunity to enhance fan engagement both at home and in the stadium.

Congratulations to the teams advancing to the bracket round! Teams were randomly drawn into the bracket—there was no seeding—so every matchup is a fresh opportunity to showcase creativity and strategic thinking. We look forward to seeing what students come up with for the next challenge as they compete for the chance to move on to the Final Four round of the tournament.

Here are some standout highlights from the teams advancing to the Elite Eight bracket round of our competition:

FLOWER MOUND HIGH SCHOOL #2 (Texas)

This submission stood out for its highly interactive approach, blending augmented reality, live game access, and gamification to keep fans engaged year-round. On game day, fans can purchase tickets, order concessions for express pickup or seat delivery, and access live stats and exclusive content. A scavenger hunt challenge takes fans around the stadium, unlocking rewards and team history, with the first to complete it winning three tickets to the next home game—a creative way to drive engagement.

Beyond the game, the app’s AR feature brings soccer to life in 3D, offering a player’s perspective of the action. A $5.99/month premium membership unlocks VIP discounts, practice footage, and on-field access, creating a new revenue stream while enhancing fan connection. The Las Vegas-themed loyalty program adds excitement with point-based rewards and a “spin-the-wheel” feature for the chance to win bigger prizes.

The marketing plan was equally bold, featuring a QR-coded soccer ball displayed on the Las Vegas Sphere, Jumbotron QR codes for instant discounts, and social media activations with athletes and influencers. Flash sales and limited-time memorabilia auctions add exclusivity and urgency to drive in-app purchases.

With AR-driven fan experiences, smart revenue strategies, and high-energy marketing, this app is built for long-term success—a really impressive submission from Flower Mound students!

LAKE OSWEGO HIGH SCHOOL (Oregon)

This submission stood out for its on-brand and immersive approach to fan engagement, creatively tying the team’s identity to a tropical treasure hunt experience. The gamification elements—like the Treasure Map feature, Coconut Drops, and interactive challenges—make using the app fun and engaging while keeping fans active throughout the season. Fans move along a virtual treasure map by checking scores, watching highlights, and purchasing merchandise, ultimately unlocking prizes and exclusive rewards when they reach the treasure chest.

On game day, stadium check-ins unlock exclusive content and rewards, while fans can access live stats, replays, and trivia contests to enhance the in-game experience. The stadium check-in feature is a great idea, as it checks the boxes on engagement, gives fans a reason to log on to the app, and builds loyalty. Even in the off-season, the app remains highly engaging through daily challenges and social media-driven fan interactions. The app encourages users to participate in social media challenges, where fans can share their progress on the treasure hunt, post AR selfies using team filters, or complete themed activities for bonus points and exclusive rewards. These challenges not only increase engagement but also help amplify the team’s brand across social platforms.

What truly set this submission apart was its creative revenue approach. The “Sponsored Coconuts” concept allows businesses to sponsor in-app rewards, such as discounts or prizes for fans who complete challenges. Additionally, in-app purchases enable fans to buy special currency to unlock exclusive content, gear, and premium rewards. These monetization strategies ensure that the app remains both engaging and a revenue producer for the team.

By blending interactive gamification, innovative revenue generation, and a strong brand identity, this app concept is highly creative and commercially viable, making it a standout submission! Well done, Lake Oswego High School students!

FLOWER MOUND HIGH SCHOOL #1 (Texas)

One of the key aspects evaluated in this case study was how well teams could design an app that enhances the fan experience, builds brand loyalty, generates revenue, and drives engagement year-round. Flower Mound High School delivered a standout submission, creating a Las Vegas Dealers team app that blends technology, gamification, and innovative monetization strategies to keep fans engaged both in the stadium and at home.

According to the group’s report, “Our app will include a variety of features designed to enhance the fan experience before, during, and after games, both in the stadium and at home. Fans will have access to live scoring updates, instant replays, and even a personalized AI Chatbot for game-day planning. Beyond game day, interactive experiences such as an AR Player View and a Swipe-to-Score game will keep fans engaged throughout the entire season.”

In addition to features such as AI-driven game-day planning, instant replays, and live stats, the AI Chatbot provides personalized recommendations for seating, food options, and arrival times based on real-time data. This was advanced, next-level thinking! This group also introduced unique and innovative features that helped them stand out.

💡 Innovative & Unique Features:

• Player Cameos – Fans can purchase or win personalized video messages from players, adding a special level of engagement and exclusivity.
• Merchandise Resale Marketplace – A standout idea that connects fans year-round while generating team revenue through a 5% transaction fee on resales of team gear.

Outstanding work from Flower Mound High School!

Deep Run High School (Virginia)

Deep Run students Max and Kaden created a well-rounded approach to fan engagement, gamification, and community building through the team’s app, ensuring Arizona FC supporters stay connected year-round. It blends real-time updates, interactive gaming, and game-day conveniences to enhance the overall experience.

The live updates tab keeps fans informed with real-time scores, schedules, and stats, while the gaming tab features Arizona FC-themed mini-games, virtual memorabilia collection, and leaderboard challenges. A “bonus game of the week” adds variety and keeps fans coming back. The app streamlines the in-stadium experience for those attending matches with interactive maps, mobile food ordering, and exclusive fan interactions like video board appearances and synchronized light shows.

What truly sets this submission apart is its focus on building a thriving Arizona FC community. Strategic athlete partnerships and targeted advertising help drive downloads, while exclusive rewards, behind-the-scenes content, and fan-driven engagement make it a key pillar in Arizona FC’s long-term growth and brand loyalty. Excellent work, Deep Run High School students!

Grant High School (Oregon)

Grant High School students (Team 2) created a mobile app for the Baltimore Blue Crabs Football Club that truly excels in fan engagement, gamification, and community building, using “Crab Coins” to reward participation in daily app streaks, mini-games, and game-day predictions. Fans stay connected with interactive games like Crab Ball, Pac-Crab, and CRABBLE, while the Game Guesser feature adds an extra layer of excitement by letting users predict game-day details for rewards. Customizable avatars further personalize the experience, with fans using Crab Coins to unlock exclusive outfits and accessories—a fun engagement tool that also generates revenue through microtransactions.

What truly stood out was the sea-themed loyalty program, which reinforces the team’s brand identity with rankings such as “ocean floor,” “the reef,” “tidal wave,” and “sand bar.” As fans accumulate Crab Coins, they unlock better deals, perks, and exclusive experiences, keeping them invested in the app and the team.

Beyond entertainment, the app incorporates a charitable component, donating a portion of proceeds to marine wildlife conservation for every goal scored, with fans voting on supported causes. Volunteer-driven initiatives, like marine habitat clean-ups, also earn fans rewards, seamlessly blending community impact with brand loyalty.

The app also serves as a hub for ticketing, merchandise, and in-game purchases, generating revenue through advertising, premium game upgrades, microtransactions, and exclusive app-only discounts. By combining fun, rewards, and purpose-driven engagement, this app is not only highly creative but also a perfect extension of the Blue Crabs brand—fantastic work from Grant High School!

JEFFERSON FOREST HIGH SCHOOL (Virginia)

Fandum is a bold and innovative fan engagement app for San Diego FC, blending elements of Pokémon Go and Instagram to create an interactive, content-driven experience. Fans can “catch” players while traveling, access exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, and use augmented reality (AR) to scan players for real-time stats and history. In-game trivia and polls keep fans engaged during match breaks, ensuring continuous interaction.

The Dumstars rewards system incentivizes engagement by allowing fans to earn points through check-ins, games, and content interaction, redeemable for merchandise, discounts, and even game tickets. Revenue streams include in-app merchandise sales, paid advertising, premium subscriptions, and future expansion into team-exclusive sports betting. Athlete-driven promotions and in-game advertising will ensure strong adoption and visibility.

By combining gamification, social media-style content, and multiple revenue channels, Fandum creates a dynamic and immersive fan experience, helping Jefferson Forest High School students to advance to the next round!

Downers Grove North (Illinois)

The Storm app for the Windy City Storm offers useful game-day features, including mobile ordering, interactive stadium maps, digital payments, and in-game contests to enhance the fan experience. A Snapchat filter partnership adds a unique touch, and raffles, birthday rewards, and a subscription-based streaming model aim to keep fans engaged beyond matchdays.

A highlight feature is the app’s attention to fan safety and security. The built-in reporting tool allows users to flag disturbances and unclean areas in real-time, ensuring a safe and enjoyable game-day experience. Additionally, the app prioritizes data security by requiring secure sign-ins through phone passcodes or face identification, protecting users’ information while providing a quick and seamless login experience.

While the brand loyalty system allows fans to earn points for purchases, the revenue model relies on standard approaches like premium seating sales, merchandise purchases, and sponsorships with local food establishments. The marketing strategy includes QR code promotions and influencer partnerships, though it lacks the innovation seen in other finalists.

Congratulations, Downers Grove North students, you’re advancing to the Elite Eight!

Wichita East High School (Kansas)

The Kansas Sunflowers Fan App is one of the most comprehensive and well-executed submissions, checking every box for fan engagement, game-day enhancements, and revenue generation. Designed as a one-stop hub for Sunflowers fans, the app seamlessly integrates live match updates, mobile ticketing, in-seat food ordering, and an interactive stadium map to create a smooth and immersive game-day experience.

Wichita East’s app development strategy successfully combines engagement, fan experience enhancement, monetization, and marketing. The Sunflower Rewards Program drives loyalty by rewarding fans for attending games, making purchases, participating in polls and trivia, and interacting with exclusive content. A standout feature, Fan Coach Mode, lets users predict match starting lineups and compete for prizes, adding a competitive edge to fan participation. Meanwhile, Augmented Reality (AR) features, branded sponsor activations, and digital collectibles provide innovative ways to connect with fans while generating revenue.

The team’s marketing strategy was well thought out, ensuring strong adoption and engagement. They created a compelling reason for fans to download and actively use the app through athlete promotions, in-game advertising, social media campaigns, and app-exclusive incentives like flash merch drops and VIP giveaways.

By successfully blending cutting-edge technology, fan-driven gamification, and strong revenue streams, this app delivers one of the most complete and compelling digital experiences for an MLS team. A standing ovation for students at Wichita East High School!

SCC’S 2025 SPORTSBIZ MADNESS TOURNAMENT BRACKET

The eight teams advancing in the tournament will compete head-to-head to be crowned champs of the 2025 case study tournament. Teams were not seeded. The bracket pairings were drawn at random. Good luck to our participating students in the “Elite Eight” round!

As part of the excitement surrounding Super Bowl LIX, Sports Career Consulting hosted a student competition challenging participants to design a point-of-purchase promotional display for a consumer goods brand linked to the Big Game. A huge thank you to all the schools that participated—we hope you and your students enjoyed the activity!

Entries were judged based on creativity and students’ ability to demonstrate a strong understanding of promotional strategies. With over 100 submissions, the winning entries stood out for their inventive approaches to product promotion and their well-developed strategies to drive sales. The top submissions went beyond the display itself, integrating additional activations to support their marketing campaigns. Clearly, these students put significant thought and effort into their designs, which ultimately set them apart.

We saw several impressive entries featuring thoughtful concepts, execution, and activations. There were many AI-generated submissions, but most lacked detailed descriptions and missed the mark. Given their significant media presence, we expected to see more tie-ins with Taylor Swift and the Kelce brothers. Additionally, while we anticipated more digital and tech-driven activations, few submissions incorporated QR codes, AR, VR, or other technology to enhance engagement with their promotional displays.

That said, there were some standout creative ideas! One submission played on Super Bowl hero Cooper DeJean’s name with a Levi’s “DeJeans” promotion, while another gave the classic Funyuns snack a clever twist with “Quinyons,” a nod to Eagles star Quinyon Mitchell. Another fun concept featured Pepsi’s “Are You Worthy?” campaign, leveraging Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy’s name in a sweepstakes promotion. A McDonald’s Happy Meal collaboration with Patrick Mahomes was also a strong idea, though it leaned more toward a brand partnership than the in-store consumer goods display we were looking for in this challenge.

Congratulations to all the students who participated—we loved seeing your creativity in action! As a reward for their efforts, the top students will receive Amazon gift cards: $25 for first place and $10 for second and third place.

WINNER:

First Place: “LAYS STADIUM” (Guilderland High School, New York)

Congrats to Guilderland High School in New York for one of its students winning SCC’s Super Bowl LIX Promotions Competition!

Big, bold, and built to sell—this year’s winning display had it all. This Lay’s Super Bowl Stadium Display brought the excitement of game day right into the store, turning a simple snack display into a memorable shopping experience. Shoppers couldn’t miss it—this massive, stadium-shaped setup was designed to grab attention the moment customers walked into stores. Complete with stacked family-sized chip bags forming the “stands” of the stadium; the display didn’t just look good—it encouraged impulse buying. The display was also primed for social media buzz, with its bold branding and football theme making it photo-worthy.

What set this student’s entry apart was how comprehensive and well-thought-out his strategy was. He didn’t just create an eye-catching display but also backed it up with an analysis of shopping habits, identifying how to capture consumer attention and drive sales. At its core, this competition was about selling products, and Emmy’s display delivered on that goal better than any other entry. By turning an ordinary shopping trip into an engaging, Super Bowl-themed experience, he created a promotion that not only looked great but also worked.

Very well done. Great job!

Runner Up: “NFL X DISNEY PRINCESSES” (Hinsdale South High School, Illinois)

A student at Hinsdale South’s Super Bowl promo earned a runner-up finish in this year’s competition. Her Game Day Princesses display stood out because of its outside-the-box thinking. While most entries focused on chips and soda, she took a completely different approach, using a licensed toy to help an existing Super Bowl sponsor, Disney, gain more value from its partnership with the NFL. She zagged when everyone else zigged, recognizing an untapped opportunity to connect young girls with football in a fun, meaningful way. By featuring Disney princess dolls dressed in NFL jerseys, the display aligned perfectly with the NFL’s growing focus on engaging female fans, especially given this year’s increased emphasis on marketing to women and girls.

Beyond its creativity, this display was smartly executed. Positioned at a low-to-medium height in high-traffic areas near snack aisles, it ensured visibility for kids and parents alike. The promotion also had built-in engagement—each doll-and-jersey package included a child-sized jersey, making it easy for girls to show their team spirit. A social media contest encouraging families to post photos of their dolls for a chance to win NFL tickets added another layer of interaction. What made this idea really shine was its long-term potential—new jerseys, accessories, and dolls could be introduced each year, making it an annual Super Bowl tradition. By recognizing the NFL’s push to expand its female fan base and finding a creative way to enhance an existing sponsor’s presence, Lana’s promotion truly delivered a winning game plan.

Impressive!

Third Place: “Goldfish Bowl: Snack Like A Champion” (Hinsdale Central, Illinois)

This Goldfish Bowl Game Day Showdown display made snacking fun and interactive by turning it into a Super Bowl prediction game. Shoppers could choose between two big Goldfish bins, each labeled with one of the competing teams, and a scoreboard above tracked sales from each bin, updating weekly. A simple but catchy sign—“Pick Your Team & Snack Away for Game Day!”—helped tie the promotion to the Super Bowl, making it feel like part of the game-day excitement. To extend the engagement, the display included a QR code linking to Goldfish’s Instagram poll, where customers could vote for their team online.

This promotion worked because it was simple, engaging, and well-placed. The display grabbed attention, got shoppers involved in a fun way, and encouraged impulse purchases near checkout and end caps, where people naturally pick up snacks. Plus, offering discounts when purchased with drinks or other game-day foods made it even more tempting. Even without an official NFL partnership, this display tapped into Super Bowl hype and made buying Goldfish feel like part of the celebration.

Great work!

Thanks again to those who participated. We look forward to seeing what your students come up with next year!