ESPN and creative partner McKinney packed the above spot with shout-outs to college football fans, from ‘Bama’s “Roll Tide,” to the University of Texas’ longhorns to the University of Colorado’s Ralphie the buffalo.
The spot is scored with a custom remix of “Coming Home” by Diddy ft. Sklar Grey from Grammy-nominated producer Swiff D, building upon ESPN’s partnership with Interscope Records. The creative launched across ESPN networks on Monday and is the first in a series of brand spots that will debut throughout the year.
“This year especially, ‘Welcome Home’ is the warm creative tone we need for the return of college football,” said Curtis Friends, senior director of sports marketing for ESPN, in a statement. “It perfectly encapsulates the diversity, emotion, and pure celebration we will experience watching our favorite teams compete once again.”
“No sport feels as familiar, as nostalgic, as heart-warming and joy-inducing as college football,” said McKinney Group Creative Director Lyle Yetman, also in a statement. “And after a year when the sport wasn’t quite the sport we all recognize, fans and players, and even ESPN, are finally coming home to the sport they cherish.”
College football returns to ESPN Saturday, Aug. 28.
CREDITS
Agency: McKinney
Client: ESPN College Football
ESPN Marketing:
Executive Vice President, Commercial Marketing Networks & ESPN: Laura Gentile
Vice President, Sports Marketing: Emeka Ofodile
Senior Director, Sports Marketing: Curtis Friends
Associate Director, Sports Marketing: Maggie Davis Lewin
Marketing Manager: David Dessau
Marketing Coordinator: Willi Anderson
Music Director: Kevin Wilson
Music Ops Supervisor: Joanne Strange
Music Coordinator: Caitlin Delvillano
Producer: Steven Thornton aka Swiff D
McKinney Creative:
Chief Creative Officer: Jonathan Cude
Group Creative Director: Lyle Yetman
Group Client Director: Ryan Gardiner
Creative Directors: Jen MacFarlane, Will Chambliss, Jameson Rossi
Account Supervisor: Maggie Dietz
Strategy: Walt Barron
Production
Producer: Adam Oliver
Business Manager: Laura Gearino
Editor: Peter Norton