Let your video or LED board pay for itself...and then pay you.

How can a full-color video board pay for itself?

Some dream of a brand new video or LED scoreboard in their stadium or arena. In reality, sometimes the budget can't quite cover our dreams. This is where sponsorships come in. You can use your full-color video or LED board as an advertising tool and actually get people to pay you to have their name in lights.

What kinds of advertising can be done on these boards?

There are two different types of advertising. One is just that – advertising, which can be sold to generate revenue. Ads can be sold for a specific event or events, or for all events during a specific period of time. The advertising is sold in-house or through an advertising agency.

The other comes in the form of sponsorships, which are long-term agreements based on a facility rather than an event. Sponsorships are primarily used in sporting venues and allow a corporation to partner with a sports team or facility in branding their company, creating a stronger affiliation between the sponsor and the audience than advertising generally does. (Think Pepsi Center, SBC Center, Petco Stadium, etc.) This branding opportunity gives the sponsors exposure to a target audience that will make buying decisions in the present and in the near future.

Aren't sponsorships just for professional sport stadiums and arenas?

Sponsorships can be implemented at any level. Sponsorships provide a tie to the community that offers companies a deeper connection to their target audience. This positioning is a highly effective business strategy in today's competitive marketplace.

How would a high school go about finding sponsorships?

A local high school can find sponsorships right next door in the town's restaurants, hangouts, shops, small businesses, etc. You don't have to limit yourself to just one sponsor. In fact, the more the merrier, and the more money it can put in your pocket.

What does a sponsorship entail?

Sponsorships can include:

• A logo on the scoreboard
• Category exclusivity
• Animated advertising on a video or LED board
• Advertising space in other areas of the venue
• Free tickets
• Promotional opportunities during select events
• Logo and credits on school materials
• Logo and hotlink on school website
• Direct mail lists
• Public relations efforts supporting the partnership

This would also be a great project for business students to tackle. The possibilities are endless, so remember to dream big.