Elevating game-day through strategic brand presence.
College Football
Sponsorship Campaign
Branding | Illustration | Print & Digital Layout
CHALLENGE
Gate City Bank, sponsor of the FARGODOME stadium and NDSU Bison Football, needed to boost visibility and fan engagement through its stadium fan corner. The goal was to design experiences and merchandise that would connect with the community in an authentic, memorable way.
SOLUTION
I developed a multi-channel campaign of giveaways, print ads, and digital promotions that elevated Gate City Bank’s sponsorship. Each piece balanced brand consistency with creativity, using illustration, messaging, and merchandise design to engage fans and strengthen community connection.
RESULTS
6 exclusive giveaways tailored to NDSU fans
Print ads that built anticipation and boosted attendance
Digital campaigns driving brand awareness and account growth
Stronger brand loyalty through community connection
Game Day Giveaways
Developing custom designs created unique gifts tied to each home game, featuring original illustrations, typography, and references to Bison fan culture. Practical and fun, they excited fans and extended the brand beyond the stadium.
Bandana with custom illustration representing Gate City Bank and the Bison football team.
Can koozie designed to evoke the look of fan apparel worn during games.
Dishcloth printed with custom football-inspired design featuring a classic Midwestern saying.
Design Process
The concept of the bandana design was developed to connect brand goals with fan culture. A Western theme reflected current trends, and replacing the cowboy’s horse with a bison tied the design directly to the team’s mascot.
Sketchbook design concepts.
Finalizing idea with digital sketches.
Final digital drawing for main image of bandana design.
Fan Corner Branding
Branded shirts, giveaway items, and fan corner exhibit design.
Stickers
Air Fresheners
Lip Balm
Digital Reach
Complementing the in-stadium and print efforts, digital ads promoted NDSU debit cards and a special checking account offer. Designed for clarity and impact, they extended the sponsorship online and drove measurable account growth.
Print Advertising
A series of newspaper and magazine ads promoted the game day giveaways, encouraging attendance and building anticipation for each home game. These ads aligned event promotion with brand messaging, reinforcing Gate City Bank’s role as a community supporter.
