The Coach in the Stands: What Akron's 'OC For A Day' Contest Reveals About Fan Engagement The "Offensive Coordinator for a Day" contest at Akron University was a viral sensation, garnering over a billion impressions on social media and selling out half of the university's total season tickets within two weeks.
This kind of engagement is not new in sports marketing, but it highlights the growing expectation that fans want more than just a seat at the game – they want to be part of the action.
Marty Whims, the contest winner, was a lifelong season ticket holder and Akron native who had been following the team for years.