High school football is more than a game—it’s a tradition that unites communities, fuels school spirit, and creates unforgettable Friday nights. But during the pandemic, COVID restrictions limited live attendance, leaving many fans unable to experience the excitement in person. In response, WTOL 11 launched Game Night Live, a live-stream broadcast of local high school football, ensuring the action could be enjoyed by everyone from the safety of their homes.

Building a Brand for Game Night Live
The challenge was to create a complete brand for this new branch of WTOL 11’s iconic Big Board Friday. The goal? To capture the energy of Friday night football while providing a professional, modern viewing experience across multiple platforms.

A Bold, Dynamic Look and Feel
The Game Night Live brand centers on the excitement of the game, with a design aesthetic that mirrors the intensity of the field:
• Color Palette: Bold reds, blacks, and silvers evoke the intensity of competition under the stadium lights.
• Graphics Package: Clean, modern lines paired with textures like turf and football leather, creating a sense of authenticity and grit.

Television Broadcast Elements
To enhance the live-stream experience, we created a polished suite of on-air elements:
• Show Open: A high-energy introduction featuring player highlights, slow-motion plays, and roaring crowds, setting the tone for every game.
• Live Broadcast Graphics: Lower thirds, scoreboards, and transition animations designed to seamlessly integrate with live coverage.
• Promotional Pieces: Engaging teaser spots aired throughout the week, building anticipation for upcoming matchups.

Expanding the Brand Online
With digital platforms playing a key role in engaging fans, we developed a variety of assets for social media and YouTube:
• Social Media Graphics: Interactive game schedules, real-time score updates, and celebratory posts for team victories.
• YouTube Story Graphics: Attention-grabbing designs for game highlights and recaps, optimized for short-form video.

Merchandise and Promotions
To build excitement and give fans something to remember, we created branded swag and promotional materials:
• Swag: Game Night Live T-shirts, hats, and rally towels that fans can proudly wear.
• Print and Digital Ads: Eye-catching visuals for local newspapers, electronic billboards, and online ads.
• PowerPoint Sales Presentation: A professional deck to secure sponsorships and partnerships, emphasizing the reach and value of the live-stream broadcasts.

Why It Matters
Game Night Live bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, allowing high school football fans to stay connected, even during challenging times. It’s more than a live stream—it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of Friday night football.

We’re proud to have built a brand that amplifies the energy of the game and brings the excitement to screens across the region.