Sporting fans around the world have become nostalgic for normalcy. Luckily, with Spanish football league LaLiga announcing its return earlier this month, many have already come to terms with the new way to watch their favourite players battle it out for victory.
Recently, the global football brand added to this excitement by revealing a fan campaign that would drive the ultimate at-home viewing experience for local football enthusiasts. Marcos Pelegrin, Managing Director of LaLiga South Africa, explained, “Fans have been without football for a few months now, and like everyone, we are ecstatic about the sport’s return to action. Our online campaign has not only created hype around LaLiga’s comeback but also brought the thrill that comes with football straight to a lucky fan’s doorstep, in an experience of a lifetime.”
LaLiga continues to encourage fan engagement by thinking outside the box. The competition gave fans a chance to meet their football heroes, connect with other enthusiasts and generate build-up for the sport. A sport that recently experienced a massive transformation with LaLiga introducing virtualisation of stands and fan audio to their live games.
Following a tiered approach, the online competition encouraged fans to interact as much as possible to increase their chance of winning. It also included incentives from Budweiser, Hollywoodbets and Puma.
“After a three-month break, we are excited that we can watch the kings of football again” said Thomas Lawrence, Marketing Manager of Budweiser Africa. “This is a prime opportunity to encourage football fans to celebrate with the king of beers Budweiser and LaLiga while practising social distancing. This will also ensure we bring the joyous occasion of LaLiga’s return to life.”
Prizes included LaLiga branding of the winner’s living room, merchandise from Puma and Budweiser, a chance to sit side-by-side with the LaLiga trophy, and lastly, a home visit from Hollywoodbets’ ambassadors and former Bafana Bafana players, Brian Baloyi and Jerry Sikhosana.
“I was so excited when I learned that I was the winner of this amazing competition,” said ecstatic winner Manelisi Ntayiya. “This is an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life as I got to share this moment with my family and Bafana Bafana legends in my newly made over living room. Thank you to everyone at LaLiga, Budweiser and Hollywoodbets”
“As true supporters of the sport, we appreciate the lengths that leagues will take to make their fans’ dreams come true. During this extremely difficult time in world sport, it is up to all of us to work together to bring the best in sporting entertainment to the fans” remarked Sandisiwe Bhengu, Operations Executive of Hollywoodbets. “In keeping with our value to elevate our fans’ experience, and of delivering the best in sporting entertainment for sports fans, we’re proud to work alongside LaLiga in making this a truly memorable experience for one lucky football enthusiast.”
One game that fans have been talking about is the clash between heavyweights FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid which the winning fan got to watch in style with his family. The thrilling encounter ended in a 2-2 draw with both teams sharing the spoils.
This game was an interesting one for fans in South Africa due to its rich history and tight competition at the top of the log table. Both clubs also boast talented players from our continent – Barcelona has Guinea-Bissau-born Ansu Fathi in their lethal attack, while Ghanaian international Thomas Partey sits at the heart of Atletico’s midfield.
As it stands, Barcelona is toe-to-toe with Real Madrid in the fight for the LaLiga trophy. Atletico must earn crucial points to keep up with not only the title race, but to secure themselves a position in next season’s UEFA Champions League competition.
Catch all the LaLiga action on SuperSport 7, DStv channel 207. Available on DStv’s Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access packages.
