At this year’s NCAA Men’s Final Four Fan Fest, House of Highlights and Bleacher Report once again brought the heat—and the harnesses. Returning as sponsors, they reintroduced fans to a standout spectacle: the Giant Human Claw Machine, this time wrapped in bold co-branded visuals and packed with custom prize boxes. The experience was produced in partnership with our client, Warner Brothers, as part of their broader activation strategy at Fan Fest.
Back by Demand: The Claw Strikes Twice
When something works this well, you run it back. Last year’s Giant Human Claw was a breakout moment—part thrill ride, part photo op, and fully unforgettable. This year, we dialed it up: fresh exterior, new prizes, same can’t-miss spectacle. Fans stepped into the claw, got hoisted above the prize pit, and aimed for the win—whether that meant championship game tickets, HOH swag, or viral bragging rights.
Why It Worked: Slam Dunk Sponsorship Strategy
This activation checked all the boxes for Warner Brothers and its event partners:
Immersive engagement: Participants weren’t just watching—they were in the action, physically and emotionally.
Built-in buzz: With spectators filming, posting, and sharing nonstop, the claw became a content engine.
Sponsor synergy: House of Highlights and Bleacher Report’s energetic, sports-meets-entertainment identity synced perfectly with the live-action spectacle.
Client visibility: Warner Brothers had a front-row seat to audience interaction—boosting brand perception through experience, not just signage.
The Sequel Advantage: Familiar, but Better
Reintroducing the claw wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was about building momentum. Familiarity turned into anticipation. Anticipation turned into engagement. And engagement turned into exactly the kind of brand activation Warner Brothers envisioned: something fans didn’t just see—they felt.
The Takeaway: Big Moments Win Big Crowds
At an event packed with programming, standing out means thinking taller, louder, and bolder. The Giant Human Claw did all three—delivering a high-impact, high-flying experience that merged physical participation with pure hype.
Because at Fan Fest, it’s not about showing up. It’s about showing off—and this claw knew exactly how to land the spotlight.
House of Highlights: House of Highlights is a digital media powerhouse dedicated to capturing and sharing the most electrifying moments in sports and pop culture. It’s the go-to destination for a younger audience eager to relive the highlights and behind-the-scenes magic of their favorite events and personalities, presented with a fresh and engaging twist.
Bleacher Report: Bleacher Report stands at the forefront of sports journalism, delivering cutting-edge news, scores, and commentary across all major sports leagues. With its finger firmly on the pulse of sports culture, it engages a diverse, global audience through in-depth analysis and multimedia content that goes beyond traditional reporting.
WBD Sports: WBD Sports, a division of Warner Bros. Discovery, is a leading network in sports broadcasting, delivering a wide array of live sporting events and related content. This division prides itself on enhancing the fan experience through innovative coverage and comprehensive access to major sports events worldwide.
NCAA Final Four Fan Fest: The NCAA Final Four Fan Fest is an exhilarating, multi-day event that celebrates college basketball’s biggest moments. It offers fans a vibrant mix of interactive games, celebrity appearances, and exclusive merchandise, all leading up to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship games, making it a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts.
