As part of the 2015 NCAA Men’s Final Four events taking place this week in Indianapolis, The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, has planned a series of interactive experiences for fans of all ages.
"Each Final Four, Coca-Cola aims to make the experience even more memorable for fans who join us in celebrating the joy of college athletics," said Ivan Pollard, senior vice president of connections for Coca-Cola North America, in a statement. "With a slate of activities offering something for everyone, we look forward to keeping fans refreshed throughout the weekend."
In the weeks leading up to the tournament, the company’s Coke Zero brand has been encouraging college basketball fans to embrace rivalries by being “Open To Try" being Frenemies. Through social media and original content, the Frenemies campaign offers a playful look at the joy of defeating your biggest rival but celebrates the way rivalries bring fans together, the company says. The Open to Try campaign is the social companion to the brand's larger You Don't Know Zero 'Till You've Tried It campaign, which will come to life in Indianapolis through a variety of out-of-home, digital, social and on-site activations, it says.
Also in Indianapolis, the company will offer the following fan-friendly experiences:
Coca-Cola NCAA Youth Clinics (April 4)— The NCAA Youth Clinics are a community outreach program that connects area youth with select college championships. On Saturday, April 4, children in grades third through eighth and their families will receive basketball clinic instruction from NCAA coaches and student-athletes while also learning tips about how to live active and healthy lifestyles. During the clinics, parents have the opportunity to participate in an educational session on collegiate athletic recruitment and eligibility as well as the importance of physical fitness and sports injury prevention. The youth clinics will take place at multiple locations, including Pike High School, Lawrence North High School and Indy South Sports Academy. Check-in for each event begins at 8:30 a.m. and the clinics run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All clinics are free, but require pre-registration at http://www.ncaa.com/final-four/coke-youth-clinics.
The Coke Zero Countdown Concert (April 4)– As part of the 2015 NCAA March Madness Music Festivalproduced by NCAA and Turner Live Events, The Coke Zero Countdown Concert will feature a performance by a multi-platinum artist in between the semi-final games. Critically acclaimed bands Passion Pit and Bleachers also will perform Saturday, April 4. Performances will take place at White River State Park from noon to 9:30 p.m. The Coke Zero Countdown Concert is a non-ticketed event open to the public on a first-come basis. The concert also will be live streamed at www.ncaa.com/musicfest.com.
NCAA Final Four Dribble Refreshed by Coca-Cola (April 5)— Encouraging fun, healthy, active living for Indianapolis' youth, as many as 3,200 children and their families will join the NCAA and Coca-Cola for the Final Four Dribble. Participants will parade through downtown Indianapolis, led by NBA legend David Robinson, while dribbling basketballs. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, and the walk begins at 2 p.m., starting from South Capitol Avenue and finishing at Lucas Oil Stadium at 2:30 p.m. Participating children will receive a T-shirt, basketball and free entry into Final Four Fan Festpresented by Capital One. The event is free, but requires pre-registration at http://www.ncaa.com/final-four/final-four-dribble.
Final Four Fan Fest presented by Capital One (April 3-6) — Final Four Fan Fest fills the Indiana Convention Center with pregame activities. Coca-Cola's footprint will feature appearances by legendary coaches and former student-athletes as well as samples of Coca-Cola products. Tickets are on sale at the door and range from $5 for kids 3-11 and $10 for adults 12 and older.
Powerade Combine (April 5) - Fans can put their basketball abilities to the test at the Powerade Court within Final Four Fan Fest. The Powerade Combine will challenge athletes at several timed stations, testing their speed, agility and shooting for the chance to win Powerade. For more information, visit http://www.ncaa.com/final-four.
