To kick off the 2018 football season, Buffalo Wild Wings today announced a landmark partnership with DraftKings, a $5 Game Day Menu, a new advertising campaign titled “Escape to Football”, and a refreshed brand logo.
DraftKings Partnership
Beginning September 9 and running through the end of the regular season on December 30, Buffalo Wild Wings partnered with DraftKings to create a custom fantasy football mobile game exclusively available to guests at Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants this 2018 football season.
“As America’s largest sports bar, millions of fans spend their game days at Buffalo Wild Wings each week.
We are thrilled to partner with the industry leader in fantasy, DraftKings, to deliver an experience to our guests that they can’t get anywhere else.” Paul Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Inspire Brands
The Blazin’ Fantasy Football game will reward 600 weekly winners with prizes such as free wings for a year, Buffalo Wild Wings gift cards, Blazin’ Reward points and more.
Guests can access the game by downloading the Blazin’ Rewards app, then clicking the Blazin’ Fantasy Football icon.
The weekly contest includes four opportunities to win every Sunday, starting at the beginning of each half of the 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET football games. Guests will form a team of a QB, RB (2) WR (2), TE, DE and K in each contest, selecting one “Blazin’ Pick” choice as their “double down” player who will receive double the points in that game. Guests will be able to re-draft or maintain their line-up at each game’s half-time. Lineups must be set by the start of the 1st and 3rd quarters.
In addition, beginning September 6, Buffalo Wild Wings will be the official presenting sponsor of the DraftKings’ Thursday Night Showdown contest available to all DraftKings competitors nationwide. Players will have the chance to win cash each week from a $10,000 prize pool.
“We are excited to partner with Buffalo Wild Wings to offer sports fans a unique, in-store fantasy product this football season.
Our mission has always been to create innovative and exciting ways for fans to engage with their favorite sports and our Blazin’ Fantasy Football product is an excellent example.” Ezra Kucharz, Chief Business Officer, DraftKings
$5 Game Day Menu
Beginning September 6, guests will be able to enjoy specialty food and beverage offerings starting at just $5. The complete $5 and up menu available Thursday-Monday will include:
- 38oz Domestic Beer pitcher – New to the menu
- Bratwurst and Fries – New to the menu
- Cheeseburger and Fries
- Tall Craft or Import Beer
- Specialty Cocktails
Escape to Football
Debuting this week, Escape to Football is the new creative campaign for Buffalo Wild Wings this fall. The campaign explores the reality that everyone has commitments and obligations in life that can keep them from where they’d rather be on game day: watching football.
The series of spots place characters in relatable life scenarios – being stuck late at the office, a PTA meeting, touring homes or taking family photos – before ultimately escaping and arriving at Buffalo Wild Wings.
“We’ve all been there – it’s game day and we’re stranded somewhere, instead of watching the game live. It’s a painful, almost helpless feeling for any true fan.
The new creative celebrates the reality that a game should be enjoyed with friends, surrounded by TVs and cold beer.”
Seth Freeman, Chief Marketing Officer, Buffalo Wild Wings
The ads were created by Figliulo & Partners NYC.
New Brand Logo
The Escape to Football advertising campaign will also showcase a refreshed Buffalo Wild Wings logo. The logo features a softer, more neutral warm black and honey mustard color palette and an updated buffalo that is forward-leaning.
