Washington Wizards: Hoops & Hounds
The 7th Annual Awards
- Most Creative Partnership
ABOUT THIS ENTRY
On Sunday, January 5th, 2025, the Washington Wizards hosted their first “Hoops & Hounds” night benefitting the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation. The event invited human fans and their pups into the Capital One Arena for a fun night of entertainment and basketball.
How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?
Hoops & Hounds sets a new standard for creative partnerships in sports by proving that game experiences can extend beyond traditional fan bases.
• First-of-Its-Kind NBA Activation: This event introduced a brand-new concept to basketball, opening the door for more pet-inclusive fan experiences across the league.
• Deeper Community Connection: The partnership with Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation added a purpose-driven element, strengthening ties between the team and local organizations.
• Cross-Industry Innovation: By merging the sports and pet industries, this event tapped into an untapped, passionate audience in a way that no other NBA team has done before.
• Social & Influencer Impact: The use of dog influencers and social media engagement created a viral effect, expanding the event’s reach beyond traditional sports media.
This event wasn’t just a basketball game—it was a movement. By pioneering a dog-friendly NBA experience, the Wizards set a new benchmark for how teams can engage fans in unexpected, innovative, and meaningful ways.
Objective
The Washington Wizards aimed to become the first NBA team to host a game experience for dogs and their owners, taking inspiration from baseball’s popular “Bark in the Park” events. Hoops & Hounds was designed to:
• Engage a new fan demographic by welcoming pet owners to Capital One Arena with their pets by their side.
• Create an immersive, pet-friendly experience that felt authentic and community-driven.
• Leverage meaningful partnerships with the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation, supporting local pet adoption efforts.
• Drive media attention and revenue by launching a first-of-its-kind NBA experience.
This initiative wasn’t just about allowing dogs in the arena—it was about creating a fully integrated event that celebrated the intersection of sports and pet culture in an engaging, memorable way.
Strategy & Execution
The Wizards carefully designed and executed Hoops & Hounds with pet lovers in mind:
• Innovative Game Experience: Two dedicated seating sections allowed fans to bring their dogs to the game, a first in NBA history.
• Thoughtful Partner Integration: The Wizards teamed up with Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation, featuring adoptable dogs in pregame player walk-ins and a network interview with the foundation’s executive director.
• Engaging Fan Activations: Fans and pets enjoyed a dog-friendly hospitality zone, including a Doggy Photobooth, live pet portraits, and a Make Your Own Pup Cup Station—enhancing the in-game experience.
• Social & Influencer Strategy: A Dog Influencer Suite hosted local canine celebrities, such as Hammy and Fiona, Koji, and Navy the Corgi, amplifying the event’s digital footprint.
• Exclusive Merch & Giveaways: Fans received Wizards-branded dog toys and custom canvas bags, reinforcing the event’s branding and appeal.
The execution of Hoops & Hounds ensured that fans—both human and canine—experienced a night unlike any other in professional basketball.
Organizations
- The Washington Wizards
- Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation
Links
Featured
- Canine Influencers:
- Hammy and Fiona
- Koji
- Navy the Corgi
- Oliver (Paws in the DMV)
Credits
Rebecca Winn
Senior Vice President
Washington Wizards
Madison Fuller
Marketing Associate
Washington Wizards
Matthew Cone
Producer
Washington Wizards
Yannick Skerritt
Segment Producer, Productions
Washington Wizards
Paul Turner
Vice President, Productions
Washington Wizards
Blaire Houston
Senior Manager, Marketing
Washignton Wizards
Taylor Milner
Director, Game Presentation
Washington Wizards
Emily Miller
Senior Director, Marketing
Washington Wizards
Amanda Zimmer
Senior Production Manager
Monumental Sports Network
Robert Minnitte
Director, Group Ticket Sales
Washington Wizards
Joe Proszek
Senior Manager, Branded Content
Washington Wizards
Michael Coleman
Director, Social
Washington Wizards
Hunter Lochmann
Chief Marketing Officer
Monumental Sports & Entertainment
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