The passion for football runs deep in Texas. High school, college, or pro…every game draws in thousands of football fans and sports fans, creating a vibrant atmosphere that businesses can tap into. Aligning your marketing campaigns with football season helps you connect with a highly engaged target audience and positions your brand as part of the excitement.
The History of Marketing and Football
Football has long been a cornerstone of sports marketing strategies. Since the early days of televised games, brands have seized the chance to connect with sports teams’ loyal supporters. The Super Bowl, in particular, has become as famous for its commercials as for the game itself. From iconic TV spots to stadium sponsorships and halftime promotions, businesses have used football to increase engagement and reach new audiences.
It’s now 2025, and marketing efforts have expanded. Social media platforms, streaming services, and online communities allow brands to create engaging content and connect with a broader audience before, during, and after live events. From hashtag challenges to real-time fan engagement and limited-time promotion ideas, football offers countless ways to produce quality content that resonates.
Marketing Campaign Ideas for Football Season
Football season is the perfect time to be fun with your marketing campaigns. The excitement, the camaraderie, and the sheer passion of fans create a unique environment where brands can make a big impact. Here are four creative marketing ideas to help your brand this football season.
1. Fan Loyalty Program
Loyalty programs aren’t new. Brands in nearly every industry use them to keep customers engaged and coming back. The concept is proven: reward repeat interaction, and you build a stronger connection. This football season, you can bring that same winning formula to your business with a Fan Loyalty Program built around the excitement of the game.
Start by giving customers a “fan card” or digital check-in option. Each time they make a purchase during football season (especially on game days) they earn points toward rewards. Those rewards could be:
- Discounts on future purchases
- Exclusive branded merchandise (shirts, hats, drinkware, etc.)
- Early access to new products or services
- Free add-ons or upgrades with purchases
- Access to special events you host, such as watch parties or customer appreciation nights
- Tickets to local football games
- Gift cards to your store or partner businesses
- VIP seating or reserved spots at events you sponsor
- Personalized thank-you packages for top participants
- Social media shout-outs and features on your website
The more they participate, the more they feel like part of an insider club that’s tied to both your brand and their team spirit.
You can also build momentum by offering double points on rivalry games, surprise giveaways during playoffs, or instant rewards when their team wins. Tie your promotions to the season’s emotional highs, and you’ll keep your audience engaged far beyond the stadium.
Marketing Expert Tip: Track member activity closely and use that data to send personalized offers, like special rewards when their favorite team wins.
2. Local Team Sponsorship
When football season kicks off, your business has a golden opportunity to connect with an energized community…by sponsoring your local team!
A local sponsorship can go so much farther than just logo on a banner. After all, it’s the perfect chance to stand alongside something your audience already supports. It doesn’t matter if it’s high school Friday night lights or a youth league, your presence on the field, in programs, and across team social media keeps your brand in front of fans all season.
Ways to maximize your sponsorship:
- Host a Game Night Giveaway – Hand out free merch or services to lucky fans in the stands.
- Feature the Team on Your Social Media – Share game highlights, athlete interviews, and upcoming match schedules.
- Create Special Game Day Offers – Offer discounts when customers wear team gear to your store.
A local football sponsorship builds community goodwill while driving brand recognition, turning hometown pride into long-term customer loyalty. When the scoreboard lights up, make sure your brand is part of the winning moment!
3. Game Day Recipe Contest
When fans gather for football, the food is almost as important as the score. This season, stand out from the pack by hosting a Game Day Recipe Contest that brings your customers’ creativity to the table and keeps your business in the conversation long after the final whistle.
Invite customers to submit their best tailgate or watch-party recipes. Ask them to share a photo and the story behind their dish. These personal touches create content that’s perfect for your social media marketing, website, and email newsletters…turning your audience into both the creators and the stars of your digital marketing.
Each week, you can highlight standout submissions, encourage fans to vote, and celebrate winners with themed prizes such as team gear, local dining gift cards, or branded cookware. At the end of the season, consider compiling the top entries into a downloadable digital cookbook that features your brand on every page. You can even take it a step further by hosting a live cook-off at a local venue, giving the community a chance to taste and cheer on their favorites.
Marketing Expert Tip: ALWAYS repurpose user-generated recipes and photos throughout the season in your email marketing campaigns and social channels for authentic, ongoing engagement.
4. Tailgate Kit Giveaway
Everyone knows that football season is prime time for tailgating. Your business can tap into that excitement! But how?
A tailgate kit giveaway can include fan favorites like a portable grill, folding chairs, team-themed drinkware, snacks, and a cooler. Add in a branded item or two so your company stays in the spotlight long after kickoff.
How to run your giveaway:
- Collect Entries In-Store and Online – Give customers a chance to sign up when they visit your location or website.
- Promote on Social Media – Post photos and videos of the kit to spark interest.
- Announce the Winner Before a Big Game – Build anticipation by revealing the winner right before a major matchup.
- Partner with a Local Influencer or Sports Personality – Gain more reach by having them help promote the giveaway.
- Offer Bonus Entries – Give extra chances to win when customers make a purchase, refer a friend, or share your post.
Bonus:
- Incorporate a Community Tie-In – Donate a smaller kit to a local charity or youth sports team to add goodwill.
This type of promotion brings energy to your brand, drives foot traffic, and creates shareable moments online.
Marketing Expert Tip: Follow up with all entrants after the contest with a thank-you email blast and a special offer to turn new leads into customers!
Score Big with MARION’s Marketing Expertise
Now is the time to get in the game and make the most of this football season.
At MARION, we create sports marketing strategies that connect with your target audience, increase engagement, and deliver measurable results. From full-service campaigns to focused marketing projects, our Houston marketing agency is ready to help.
Get in touch with our team today!
