Over two months of brainstorming, project
planning, demanding traveling schedules and putting in long hours by EXP
staffers, it all came to an end through a spectacular and memorable 2012 MTN8
last Saturday.
Some highlights that made the 2012 MTN8 a
success:
The Football
The Branding
To increase brand exposure for this year’s
MTN8 tournament on the field from last year’s edition, EXP set up LED boards on the
side of the pitch, the branded centre circle banner, 3D mats which were
activated before kick off during all the knockout matches as well as the final.
Banners were
effectively used to drive product messaging and generic MTN 8 artwork.
The branding
activation ensured higher brand exposure through TV.
The Activations
To provide football fans with a treat, the
EXP activations team went all out with some exciting activations during the
2012 edition of the MTN8.
A
Y’ello Dome was created inside the stadium which consisted of various
entertaining elements such as foosball and play station consoles. Fans inside
the Y’ello Dome also had an opportunity to compete in a Spin and Win
competition run by MTN roaming promoters with portable LCD screens. Up to 20 Y’ello Seats were made available at the stadiums
whereby fans stood a chance to win a Y’ello Seat upgrade from their
general match ticket which enabled one fan and friend to watch the match from
the best seats at the stadium.
Once
upgraded to the Y’ello Seats, fans received an MTN hamper, MTN8 clothing, food
and refreshments.
For
the final, a unique,
innovative and highly impressive visual MTN8 final was put together by EXP with
elements such as fireworks and pyro techniques, live music performances before
the game, congratulatory message on LED boards to the winner, Wafa Wafa
skydivers who dropped the trophy before the start of the game and illustration
of final starting line-up using MTN8 branded boards with names of players.
The Competitions
Competitions
to reward key stakeholders such as fans and media continued to be on the
forefront by MTN connecting fans with their passions for the beautiful game
through classic football tales and unique competitions that culminate with a
once-in-a lifetime experiences.
EXP
successfully ran the now famous Last Fan Standing competition. Rewards for the
2012 Last Fan Standing winner was an awesome prize of a trip to Spain to watch
the El Clasico (Barcelona v Real Madrid derby) during the 2012/13 season and R1
million in cash forming part of the winnings.
There
was also the continuation of the Female Fan of the Match, which honours ladies
that come to the stadiums clad in their spectacular club regalia, continued to
be a success again this season. A prize of R8 000 of which R4 000 was
donated to charity of their choice, was the winning prize for the female football
fans that attended the games dressed to their nines.
In 2012, EXP also put together the
second installment of the Last Journo standing – a football trivia competition
– that engaged football media around the country and acknowledged them for
their continuous support of the MTN8 and local football in general.
The MTN8 Final
At the end of the tournament, nine thrilling
matches were staged, 810 minutes of football, an avalanche of 28 goals were
scored which saw a spectacular culmination of the 2012 MTN8 much to the joy and
jubilation of the winning team Moroka Swallows and satisfaction from client -
MTN.
During the final, Sthembile Ubisi from Tembisa
realised his dream of winning R1 million and a trip to watch the El Clasico in
Spain through his winning of the 2012 MTN8 Last Fan Standing title. The
competition continued to be a huge hit among the media with interviews of
Sthembile captured live on SuperSport and SABC during halftime of the final.
Another memorable aspect of the final was
when EXP PR hosted the eight finalists of the Last Journo Standing competition inside
hospitality offering them a special and different view of the match as opposed
to their usual press box viewing areas.
EXP put together a tournament to remember. Wafa
Wafa!