The 2019 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was one of the most exciting championships in history, full of memorable moments. From Brad Keselowski’s improbable victory in a battle of brother vs. brother to Daniel Suarez’s first Cup Series triumph, the season was chock-full of excitement.
One of the most prominent venues for the final championship race was the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. Due to its unique position, it is one of the most visited motorsport venues in the world. From the moment the green flag drops, the action never stops – whether it’s a practice session or the actual race. There are lots of ways to get donations at Bristol.
Even those who aren’t avid NASCAR fans will have heard of Bristol. Situated in the Appalachians, the speedway regularly attracts big-name celebrities and sports stars, as well as fans from around the world. It is perhaps best known for its ultra-modern grandstands and paddock area. The speedway also has an impressive array of corporate sponsors, making it a lucrative platform for fundraising.
Bristol is steeped in motorsport history. It was the site of one of the most infamous accidents in Monster Energy NASCAR history, where Dale Earnhardt was killed in a spectacular crash in the 1994 race. Since then, the speedway has taken great care in ensuring that this incident is never forgotten. A memorial plaque and wooden archway have been erected in Earnhardt’s honor, paying tribute to the iconic driver and competitor he was.
There are lots of different ways to fundraise at a motorsport event. While many tracks offer corporate partnerships and merchandise discounts, perhaps the most effective method is to ask for donations at various points during and after the event. The key is to find the right moment. During a typical NASCAR race, fans are bombarded with advertisements as they watch the action unfold. While some fans might be receptive to a small pop-up ad in the corner of the screen, others might find it distracting and wish the ad-free experience continues.
After the race has finished, it’s a good idea to visit the track’s hospitality tent for interviews, photos, and autographs with the winning drivers. Many NASCAR tracks host drivers after the race, which is when they are most amenable to chatting and taking photos. In addition to this, many tracks host fan festivals and concerts in the summer, which could be worth checking out if you are looking for a new way to raise funds.
Why Are People Still Willing to Donate At Bristol?
It’s not just the historical significance of Bristol that helps it to remain a popular venue for fundraising. It also offers a variety of corporate partnerships, which provide an abundance of revenue streams for the nonprofit. The most recent addition to the speedway‘s roster of partners is Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the premier mixed martial arts organization in the world. UFC has a longstanding partnership with NASCAR, which dates back to 2012. It was during this time that the two organizations officially announced their intentions to work together, with the goal of creating an annual fight night at the track. As part of this, a $250,000 bet was placed on the outcome of UFC 205, which UFC won by decision.
The success of this event was such that UFC decided to put on a second annual event, which took place last year. This time around, the organizations decided to go the extra mile and hold the fight at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Not only does that mean a direct financial benefit for the speedway, but it will also provide an additional, memorable moment for fight fans.
How Can A Nonprofit Benefit From An Auto-Industry Partnership?
The automobile industry is a significant contributor to the American economy, employing millions and generating billions in revenue. Not only does it provide valuable equipment for the military and police forces, but it also funds important research and development, creating a significant impact within the community.
It’s well known that NASCAR drives a large portion of its revenue through merchandise sales. It also holds an annual toy drive, in which it collects new and used toys, games, and puzzles for children in need. Many major car manufacturers have similar drives, which benefit a variety of nonprofits. In some cases, these partnerships provide valuable in-kind donations, such as providing equipment or vehicles for the police and military. In other cases, the company provides an avenue for fundraising, allowing donors to give money directly to the cause they’re supporting.
The Perfect Platform For A Direct Mail Campaign
If you’re looking to raise funds through direct mail, then Bristol is the place to be. The speedway has an incredible 192,500 square feet of meeting space, including the grandstands, which makes it easily accessible via its dedicated mailman. In addition, almost all of the major roads leading to the facility are lined with billboards, providing an ideal opportunity to display your message.
It’s well-known that NASCAR fans are a dedicated bunch. They’ll go to great lengths to follow the sport, and even those who aren’t that into motorsport might be swayed by a well-designed direct mail piece. For example, just this year alone, Bristol is estimated to have generated $37.8 million from automotive-related sources, such as car dealerships, as well as other types of businesses related to the automotive industry.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Partnership
UFC is another major force in the world of mixed martial arts and one of the premier promoters of fight nights, held around the world. Its partnership with NASCAR is another way it uses sport as a way to promote itself and its various events – including its annual fight night at the speedway. The organization will hold an unofficial unveiling of its U.S. headquarters this week in Charlotte, North Carolina, with key executives and employees visiting the area to celebrate.
Since its inception in 1994, the UFC has worked with numerous sports organizations, including the PGA Tour, the NHL, the NFL, and more. As part of this, it has also worked with NASCAR on multiple occasions, hosting various events at the track, including driver appearances, charity drives, and exhibition matches. It was during one of these events, a 2016 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race, that the organizations officially announced their intentions to work together. Since then, the two sides have maintained a close relationship, with the UFC often using the speedway as a backdrop for events and media appearances.
How Can I Benefit From A Concert Partnership?
Many of today’s biggest musical acts, including Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, and the Rolling Stones, have taken the reins in promoting various causes, most recently through branded entertainment events. If your organization is looking for a way to raise funds through music, then the perfect partnership is a good match. The key is to find artists who are dedicated to social change and have an understanding of the importance of giving back.
Some of the best-known venues for concerts, including the Hollywood Bowl, the House of Blues, and Madison Square Garden, regularly donate significant sums to charity. If you can work out a deal with a top musical act, you’ll undoubtedly be able to raise a considerable amount of money. Concerts are a proven way to generate excitement, with many fans not just attending but also volunteering, which offers further opportunities for fundraising.
What About Corporate Sponsorships?
One of the most prominent ways to fund-raise at a motorsport event is through corporate sponsorship. This could entail the company sponsoring a driver, team, or even the entire event. As previously stated, many racetracks host corporate sponsorships, either directly or through their hospitality tents. The key is to find the right partner – including one that is most effective in generating revenue.
Where Can I Find More Information On How To Get Donations At NASCAR Events?
If you’re looking for more information on how to get donations at a NASCAR event, then be sure to check out the different venues’ websites, social media accounts, and fan clubs, as well as the event’s official website.
On behalf of the editorial team, I’d like to thank you for reading. I hope I was able to provide helpful info on how to get donations at Bristol Motor Speedway and other venues. If you have any additional questions or ideas on how to fundraise at athletic events, then feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].