From the Bleachers to Brand Loyalty: Why Supporting School Sports Isn’t Just Good—It’s Smart
There’s something magical about high school sports.
The roar of the crowd. The feeling of community pride as students, families, and alumni pack the stands to cheer on the next generation. These moments are the emotional core of American neighborhoods.
For brands looking to earn loyalty that lasts beyond the final buzzer, what better investment is there than to impact a community through the programs that brought us Friday Night Lights, Remembering the Titans, and Hooziers.
At Campus Multimedia, we help brands bring their mission to life by becoming part of youth sports through sponsorships, student athlete recognition, and coach support. From personalized incentives to stadium takeovers, our programs turn everyday school moments into powerful brand activations that drive awareness, goodwill, and measurable ROI.
Jersey Mike’s Subs: Fueling Recognition, Feeding Loyalty
Jersey Mike’s makes every athlete feel like they belong in the spotlight. Through the “A Student Above” program, Jersey Mike’s recognizes student-athletes and high achievers across the country, partnering with over 6,500 high schools and distributing over 10 million coupons through trusted coaches and educators. Their commitment includes weekly recognition, staff support, and national contests that capture widespread attention.
For schools, this means:
Resources to reward students in meaningful, flexible ways
Support with team meals and catering
School-wide incentives like the Courage Award, backed by the prestigious Naismith Awards
For Jersey Mike’s, the results are unmatched:
National PR and brand buzz
Local foot traffic tied directly to reward redemption
Loyalty forged at the most impressionable stage of life
“High School athletics go beyond the scoreboard, and the impact you made on a high school kid today will go further than any game or match he will ever win. So, thank you for providing our students with this opportunity, and every week we will shout out our Jersey Mike’s for this opportunity. ”
Big 5 Sporting Goods: Connecting with Families One Ticket at a Time
Recognition isn't the only way brands can embed themselves in youth sports. Tapping into the energy of packed stands and hometown pride, Big 5 Sporting Goods launched a custom ticketing program that connected their brand to the heartbeat of high school football.
In partnership with Campus Multimedia, Big 5 distributed over 1 million branded tickets, raffle items, and store discounts to high schools, helping schools offset ticketing costs while giving students access to affordable gear.
Schools saved money.
Students saved on equipment cost.
Big 5 became the name families trusted for game day.
For coaches, students, and families, each ticket carried more than a seat, it carried the legacy of Big 5’s commitment to schools, sports, and hometown heroes.
Beyond the Buzzer: How DoorDash Supports Schools 365 Days a Year
DoorDash partnered with Campus Multimedia to transform their school sponsorships from game-day visibility into year-round community impact, becoming a recognizable presence in the lives of students, families, and educators far beyond the sidelines. Through geo-targeted school sponsorship and activations, DoorDash launched highly personalized campaigns that blended their brand seamlessly into school life.
Their “Game of the Week” sponsorships brought energy and excitement to high school football games, complete with oversized donation checks, PA announcements, and team giveaways, all designed to boost school pride and student recognition. Their sponsorships ensured that every athlete, regardless of the sport, knew that DoorDash was their #1 fan.
But they didn't stop there. At graduation ceremonies, DoorDash awarded $500 scholarships to deserving seniors in surprise, on-stage moments that left lasting impressions. At community events, they provided packages filled with gifts, supplies, and branded resources to help schools host successful celebrations with less stress.
DoorDash demonstrated how brands can meaningfully integrate into school ecosystems.
The same brand that supported seniors as they walked on the field for the last time was the same brand that honored seniors as they walked at graduation. Their model shows that when companies show up with heart and purpose, they build not only brand visibility but loyalty that lasts far beyond the final whistle.
The Big Picture
Long-term customer loyalty begins in the bleachers but ends in the communities.
Students who feel seen become lifelong supporters.
Schools that feel supported become brand advocates.
Communities that see a brand showing up in meaningful ways—remember.
Whether it’s a free sandwich after practice, a store discount before a big game, or a banner that funds a new scoreboard, these touchpoints create memorable moments tied to measurable brand growth.
If your brand is ready to go beyond awareness and make a real difference where it counts, let’s talk about how Campus Multimedia can help you activate in schools with purpose, creativity, and heart.