Owning The 4th…

As one goes through the sports calendar it is always interesting to note what the opportunities are that can still be “owned” or created by brands or teams. While the biggest days to still grab are those around the MLB All-Star Game next week, it is noteworthy that no one really has grabbed the opportunity to activate around July 4. Maybe because the day is such one of leisure and activity may be spread too thin, but the day is still one of the quietest news days of the year. at a time when activity is very high. From Indy Car at Pocono to NASCAR to the Wimbledon Finals to baseball, there are key goings-on in sport, and this year the spirit of World Cup abounds as well. Then of course there is Competitive Eating, the one “sport” that seems to captivate the day with its own “World Series,” the Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Is there an opportunity for July 4 to become a Youth or Casual Sports Day, or maybe even a day when “Sandlot Sports” or pickup games abound.  Maybe it is a call for activity along the lines of Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign…a day where people should be active and promote their independent activities. Maybe it is the day where a summer-long initiative is launched. There are no shortage of local and national events to activate around on the Nation’s Birthday. It is a feel good day where a feel good brand or activity could rise up and take some of that slow news away. Competitive eating does a good job of grabbing the spotlight, so maybe a healthier activity could too. It’s all about the opportunity.

Have a great 4^th!