Fans of all ages got to step out onto the 50-yard line and compete in the biggest VR Football game ever seen. This was all part of the 10-day Super Bowl Live event leading up to the big game in Minneapolis, MN. The experience is part of Sleep Number’s fan engagement at the game.
Sleep Number VR Experience at the Super Bowl
The Sleep Number VR Experience at the Super Bowl offers fans an immersive and interactive journey that blends cutting-edge technology with personalized sleep solutions. It’s a unique opportunity to experience sleep innovation in a setting that resonates with excitement and energy. Sleep Number, widely recognized for its advances in sleep technology, has introduced a virtual reality experience that takes participants on a thrilling multiplayer game to understand better sleep health and the impact of a Sleep Number bed. For fans attending the Super Bowl, this interactive experience is conveniently located at a designated fan zone within the stadium area, making it accessible to thousands of visitors.
Located in the heart of Minneapolis and just steps away from where the Patriots and the Eagles battle it for the championship at Super Bowl LII.
The Sleep Number engagement is the must-see spot this year. Nearly 6,000 people participated in the VR experience, while countless others watched through the glass front.
Multiplayer Experience – Thousands of People Played
Football fans visiting the Fan Fest for the Super Bowl were treated to a unique experience as they got to step out onto the U.S. Bank Stadium field and immerse themselves in the virtual reality world with a Quarterback Challenge VR game. As they donned the VR headsets, the excitement was palpable; fans found themselves standing in the shoes of a quarterback. The high-tech simulation allowed participants to throw virtual passes as they attempted to hit targets downfield, all while feeling the rush of adrenaline akin to a real football game. The interactive experience brought fans closer to the game, providing a thrilling glimpse into the life of an NFL quarterback, making it an unforgettable addition to their visit.
A huge 30-foot video wall displays a spectator-mode view of the VR experience.
Whether you’re an athlete or an everyday all-star, up your game with better sleep every night, the game demonstrates how everyone, from parents to pros, is achieving their goals with great sleep.
Sleep Better. Play Better.
The game experience is fun, but it has a message. The first part of the game sets the stage: You have 60 seconds to throw as many passes as you can at targets down the field. The further the target, the higher the points. In the first half of the game, you are in peak condition after just having a great night’s sleep. The second half becomes more challenging as the game simulates what it is like after having a poor night’s sleep.
Fans Love to See Their Name on the Big Leaderboard
One of the experience’s highlights is seeing the names of the top scorers. The leaderboard is viewable high above the players in the virtual stadium when they are in the VR game.
So they know how they are doing while playing. Everyone outside the VR experience can see live updates on the oversized video wall displaying the leaderboard and gameplay as they happen. This leaderboard system shows off the event’s Daily and All-Time high scorers.
At the end of each round, the displays show the results. Below, a fan captures their ranking on the leaderboard.
Built for Big Crowds
Because the game is designed for multiple people (8 people) at the same time, you can see your fellow players. The space was designed to maximize throughput, averaging eight people at a time every 90 seconds.
On the 50-yard line, all the other players compete against you.
Great Photo Opportunities
Everyone wanted their photos taken while playing the game or right afterward for a posed show in front of the 10-foot by 30-foot displays that showed the gameplay in action.
Lead Generation Tool
We also provided the lead generation App used at the activation to collect data from everyone who attended and opted into Sleep Numbers mailing lists. This App was integrated with the official NFL Fan Mobile Pass. By combining the two Applications, people who registered also entered for the chance to win tickets to the Super Bowl.
Brad Paisley Stops By to Play and Photo Opps
Country music superstar Brad Paisley surprised shoppers at the Mall of America for a popup music event in the Sleep Number store. Paisley performed several songs to an overflowing crowd during the performance. But before his music event, he stopped by the Super Bowl Live event to test his skills on the gridiron. Afterward, he took time to take photos with fans and the Groove Jones team that was onsite.
Big Time Performance
The overall campaign generated a lot of excitement, awareness, and lead generation for new Sleep Number customers.
• 481,452,973 Earned Media Impressions
• 21,684,533 Social Impressions
• 5,584 People Played the VR Quarterback Challenge
• 10,779 Leads on new Sleep Number Customers
Award-Winning Production
Elevate Award
Best in Experiential Activations
Winner: ICX Deployment of the Year – Best in Experiential Activations
ICX Deployment of the Year
Client: Sleep Number
Campaign: Super Bowl Activation
Event Marketer
Gold EX Award
Winner: Best Use of Technology and Social
Client: Sleep Number
Campaign: Super Bowl Activation
The ICX Association’s 2018 Elevate Awards were handed out in 12 categories; Top awards went to Panera Bread—ICX Influencer of the Year and Sleep Number—ICX Deployment of the Year.
The Association’s annual Elevate Awards recognize and honor the individuals and organizations setting the pace in using technology to elevate the customer experience. The Super Bowl deployment we helped Sleep Number with was part of the overall campaign for Sleep Number which won them Top Honors as the 2018 Best Deployment of the Year.
