Thanks to Discover and the Discover Fan Loyalty Poll, I had the outstanding opportunity to attend the 2014 Discover Orange Bowl in Sun Life Stadium this past Friday. On top of an extraordinary matchup that featured the No. 7 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 12 ranked Clemson Tigers, the pre-game festivities were worth the price of admission alone. Between the Fan Zone and the Discover Tailgate party, I cannot oversell the fact that it was truly one of the greatest experiences of my entire life.
- My views are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Discover Products Inc. and its affiliates.
Discover gave me tickets to the 2014 Orange Bowl so that I could have an experience to relive for years. Rooting for the Tigers, I had a feeling that it would be a close game. The Buckeyes put up an excellent fight in a contest that went back-and-forth throughout the game. Clemson would come out on top in the end, but the hours before the game were equally as exciting, thanks to Discover and the tailgate party and fan zone experience leading up to the big game.
Fans were allowed to have their picture taken with the Orange Bowl trophy, as you can see below, as well as in the XBOX fan center. Anyone also could take photos at an ESPN College GameDay set, with their heads in either a Clemson or Ohio State jersey or just out with fellow fans. With caricatures and face painting and a free jump and giveaways, there was clearly something for every fan, regardless of whether you were rooting for the Tigers or the Buckeyes.
Attending the 2014 Discover Orange Bowl was one of the greatest events I have ever had the opportunity to experience!
Just when you thought that things could not get better, the Discover Tailgate Party began right outside the stadium. With complimentary hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, popcorn, cookies, brownies and beverages, as well as a spin-the-wheel contest that sent each and every fan home a winner, it was also an excellent experience. Keeping in mind that there was still a great game on tap, the entire day was shaping up as one that nobody would ever forget.
Unless, that is, if you were cheering for Ohio State. I am guessing that Buckeyes fans still would have to admit that it was a great day and amazing game, although their final memories will ultimately differ a bit from those who celebrated a big Clemson win at the end of the night, which actually lasted into the following morning.
Still, it was a great game and an even greater day, thanks to Discover and the Fan Loyalty Poll and Orange Bowl. Of course, the day of the game and the game itself was just the culmination. This all began months ago with the Discover #FanLoyaltyPoll as well as the interactive social media campaign to get fans involved in the 2014 #DiscoverOrangeBowl!
* Discover Products Inc. sent me a Gift Card for participating as a Blogger in the Discover Fan Loyalty Poll program
Leading up to the official announcement of the Discover Orange Bowl matchup, fans everywhere were able to let the world know which team was the most deserving to play in Miami on January 3, 2014. Fans with rooting interests for various teams all weighed in to let the committee know that they would support their favorite team in this season’s Discover Orange Bowl. While the response was overwhelming, that was only Phase One!
Phase Two was about choosing sides. Fans were asked which side they were on, encouraging them to go to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and show their support for their favorite team, using hashtags to support either #Clemson or #OhioState. Fans of the #Tigers and #Buckeyes showed an overwhelming support for their favorite team, with Ohio State winding up with a 52%-48% edge toward the end of the Orange Bowl. But, while the fans favored the Buckeyes, it was the Tigers who found a way to come out on top in the game.
From the announcement of the matchup right throughout the 2014 Orange Bowl, fans continued to visit http://www.discoverorangebowl.com/ and tweeted their support for the Tigers and Buckeyes. Photos taken at the pre-game festivities and during the game were displayed on the Jumbotron at Sun Life Stadium throughout the game.
All in all, it was a day to remember forever. The fan zone and tailgate party was so much fun, and the fact that the game was extremely close and entertaining just capped off what was an amazing day. Discover certainly picked a great game to sponsor, and they proved they certainly know how to throw a party!
Make sure that you stay tuned to Boston Super Blog for all of the latest polls and results from the Discover Fan Loyalty Poll. We have got you covered throughout the remainder of the 2013 college football season, leading all the way up to the 2014 BCS Championship Game between the Florida State Seminoles and Auburn Tigers! Make sure to Like Discover on Facebook and follow them on Twitter!
The Discover Fan Loyalty Poll is conducted twice a month by Rasmussen Reports, a nationally recognized leader in polling, who gathers sentiment by phone from 1500 college football fans who follow games at least once per week on television, radio, in person or online. The Poll leads up to the 2014 Discover Orange Bowl. Discover’s commitment to college football includes relationships with ESPN and Notre Dame Football on NBC.
About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America’s cash rewards pioneer, and offers home loans, private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts through its direct banking business. It operates the Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation’s leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company.
