Client

ESPN Wide World of Sports

Where ESPN’s innovation meets the magic of Walt Disney World® Resort, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has been making sports dreams come true since 1997. Hosting over 60 sports across ten world-class venues, it’s the ultimate destination for athletes and fans alike.

Challenge

Leveling Up
Youth Sports Recruitment

ESPN Wide World of Sports wanted to elevate their youth sports recruitment efforts with a campaign that captured the magic and excitement of competing at one of the most iconic sports complexes in the world. The goal was to connect with young athletes and their families in a way that reflected the unique combination of ESPN’s bold energy and Disney’s enchanting ethos.

Concept:

From Pitch to Pixie Dust

Rocket Chimp partnered with ESPN Wide World of Sports to develop the “Pitch to Pixie Dust” campaign, a cross-platform initiative designed to inspire and engage. The campaign blended dynamic visuals, compelling storytelling, and seamless creative execution to resonate with young athletes and their families.

Deliverables Included:

Creative Direction: A vibrant, bold visual identity that brought the energy of youth sports to life.
Photography: Capturing the passion and energy of athletes in a way that aligned with ESPN Wide World of Sports’ voice and tone.
Display Ads: Eye-catching designs tailored for both desktop and mobile platforms.
Emails: A series of targeted and engaging communications to drive awareness and registrations.
Direct Mail Campaign: Stunning print materials designed to grab attention and inspire action.
Postcards: Vibrant and concise pieces tailored to key recruitment messaging.

Results:

Igniting the Passion of Youth Sports

The “Pitch to Pixie Dust” campaign delivered on its promise of creating a magical yet action-packed experience for young athletes. With bold visuals and engaging messaging, the campaign stood out across platforms, successfully driving awareness and registrations for ESPN Wide World of Sports.

Key Takeaways

Elevate Recruitment Campaigns:

Bold creative direction and cohesive storytelling can transform a standard recruitment campaign into an engaging, multi-platform experience that resonates with young athletes and their families.

Leverage Cross-Platform Strategies:

Using diverse deliverables such as direct mail, postcards, emails, and web graphics ensures the message reaches the audience effectively, no matter where they engage.

Capture the Magic of the Brand:

Combining ESPN’s bold energy with Disney’s magic creates a unique and memorable experience, solidifying ESPN Wide World of Sports as a premier destination for youth sports.

By addressing the need for dynamic visuals and a cohesive campaign, Rocket Chimp helped ESPN Wide World of Sports connect with young athletes and their families, driving engagement and elevating its position as a leader in youth sports recruitment.