The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Bank It: Louis Shanks recliner promotion thrives with in-game energy
01.23.2015 | Men's Basketball
Creative innovations at Texas Basketball games aim to create emotional audience engagement.
As Texas Athletics has pulled in-game entertainment into focus this year at men's basketball games, a clear vision has emerged. The goal is for every fan inside the Frank Erwin Center to walk away with a lasting, memorable live experience.
Some are also walking away with new recliners.
Louis Shanks, a longtime corporate supporter of Texas Athletics, has sponsored an on-court promotion since 2002, and it's an opportunity for the "arm-chair athlete" to get into the game. During a timeout, a fan is brought to the court and challenged with making a free throw while reclining in the comfort of an easy chair.
Make the basket, and you can keep the chair.
Already this season four recliners have been claimed – a record number. The previous high for a season's worth of free Louis Shanks recliners was three. The majority of the winners are University of Texas students.
"Kids are hitting shots this year at a record pace. At this point, we might have the entire student body in recliners by the end of the season," said Mike Forwood, owner of Louis Shanks Furniture.
Kel Casto, a UT senior, is a regular at basketball games, and after watching the contest through the years, he knew if he ever had the opportunity, he'd just lay back and shoot with a normal basketball motion.
Contestants get two tries – just like you'd get two free throws during a game – and Casto used the first attempt to pick his line and the amount of force needed in the launch.
"As soon as I shot it, I had that gut feeling it was going in," said Casto, who took his recliner to his grandparents' house. "It was really cool. But I had already decided I was going to celebrate whether I made the shot or not."
Casto's energetic intentions typify the expectations for all Texas fans. More than just being present for games, the audience and its energy create a palpable atmosphere of electric excitement – a setting that is magical for college basketball.
With the guidance of consultant Felisa Israel, a former NBA executive who oversaw game entertainment for the league, creative innovations have materialized for pregame, in-game and even postgame. From mascots entering from the rafters to celebrity national anthem performers to pyrotechnic team introductions, nothing is off the table or too crazy for consideration.
In fact, with an interactive fan dance, Texas became the first intercollegiate athletics program to invite fans of all ages to join the action on the court – a norm in the NBA.
"We aim to give fans an experience that you simply cannot get by watching on TV," Israel said.
And you just might get a cushy new leather recliner as well.
"I always try to call the winners personally," Forwood said. "They're usually surprised that they're getting that nice of a prize. Some of those promotions can be kind of hokey, but this one has gained some significance.
"It's turned into a great deal for everyone involved."
