Every June, Omaha becomes the epicenter of college baseball as the Men’s College World Series (MCWS) draws fans, families, media, and influencers from across the country. But while athletes are chasing trophies, local businesses have a unique opportunity to chase brand growth, visibility, and revenue.
With over 350,000 attendees during the event, the MCWS is more than a game—it’s a marketing platform. Here’s how your business can maximize this prime-time exposure and convert game-day traffic into long-term brand loyalty.
1. Build Hype with Strategic, Event-Based Campaigns for Local Businesses
The key to capitalizing on a big event is to make your business part of the story.
- Create MCWS-Branded Offers: Think baseball-themed bundles, limited-edition products, or exclusive game-day discounts. Tie your messaging to the event to instantly resonate with fans.
- Align Your Visual Identity: Update your branding temporarily—website banners, social media covers, window decals—to reflect the excitement of the series. Be part of the conversation.
Pro Tip: Use phrases like “Road to Omaha Specials” or “College World Series Deals” to build relevance and SEO value.
2. Turn Foot Traffic into Brand Traffic
Thousands of fans means thousands of potential brand impressions—if you plan for them.
- Merch, Swag, and Sampling: Branded merchandise, freebies, or samples outside the stadium or along fan paths can create instant awareness.
- Capture the Scroll: Design Instagram-worthy displays, neon signs, or themed backdrops to encourage tagging and sharing. Add your social handle or QR code to everything.
3. Geo-Targeted Digital Advertising
Omaha gets an influx of out-of-town visitors during MCWS—don’t miss the chance to reach them.
- Run Location-Based Ads: Use Google and Meta ads to target fans staying in nearby hotels or attending the games.
- Create a Conversion Funnel: Don’t just invite people in—offer a downloadable coupon, lead magnet, or email signup in exchange for a deal.
Marketing Hook Example:
“Here for the MCWS? Show this ad and score 20% off your first drink!”
4. Amplify on Social Media—Before, During, and After
This event has national attention. Use it.
- Content Calendar: Schedule a series of MCWS-aligned posts—countdowns, daily specials, behind-the-scenes content, and fan highlights.
- Hashtag Targeting: Use trending tags like #MCWS, #OmahaBaseball, and #RoadToOmaha to increase your discoverability.
- Collaborations: Partner with influencers, athletes, or other businesses to create engaging co-branded content.
5. Position for Long-Term Brand Equity
This isn’t just a two-week boost—it’s a brand-building moment.
- Collect Customer Data: Use contests, digital receipts, or loyalty programs to gather emails and phone numbers. Follow up post-event with “Thanks for Visiting” campaigns.
- Remarketing Campaigns: Retarget people who engaged with your social content or visited your site during the MCWS with follow-up offers and promotions.
6. Be Everywhere the Fans Are
Omaha’s downtown, Capitol District, and areas near Charles Schwab Field are packed with marketing opportunities.
- Street Teams and Guerrilla Marketing: Hand out branded flyers, drink koozies, or cold towels to hot fans.
- Sponsor Micro-Events or Viewing Parties: Even if you’re not a big sponsor, you can host small-scale experiences tied to the MCWS.
Closing Pitch: Don’t Just Show Up—Stand Out
The Men’s College World Series isn’t just a sports event—it’s a moment of mass attention, emotional engagement, and community pride. Smart marketers will recognize this as a chance to:
- Reach a new audience
- Amplify their brand voice
- Convert attention into lasting engagement
Local businesses, don’t sit in the dugout. Design your game plan, swing big, and let your business be the MVP of this year’s MCWS. Let’s connect to take advantage of every marketing opportunity that comes your way!
