‘The Norton Commons Porch’ is a cutting-edge project that could be an emerging sports marketing trend

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville Arena Sports & Entertainment Properties (LASEP), a property of Learfield Sports, unveiled a new, interactive fan experience at the KFC Yum! Center during this morning’s Louisville Arena Authority board meeting. The Norton Commons Porch, a full-size front porch and home façade, is located inside the venue’s main concourse and offer visitors an opportunity to sample life in Norton Commons, Louisville’s highly successful mixed-use village community located in eastern Jefferson County.

Inside KFC Yum! Center 2 - Norton Commons

The concept developed as part of a larger plan to create unique, interactive experiences for guests at the KFC Yum! Center. Surrounding the continued success of the venue and the University of Louisville’s basketball programs, companies are looking for more innovative ways to interact with their existing and potential customers inside the venue. LASEP and KFC Yum! Center officials not only want to enhance the experience of fans inside the arena but the impact sponsors gain from their partnerships, and this is one step closer to those goals.

“We view the Norton Commons’ porch at the KFC Yum! Center as something that is truly at the forefront of event/sports marketing, advertising and enhancement of the fan experience,” said Gary Friedman, general manager for LASEP. “Event attendees are looking for a truly interactive visit to the arena, and the tie-in with Norton Commons is something that is cutting edge within the industry.”

The Norton Commons Porch includes patio furniture and park benches where fans can congregate, enjoy a drink or participate in any number of activities, such as signings, giveaways and even a photo booth that will send digital prints directly to visitors. In addition, an interactive touchscreen offers information about the Norton Commons Master Plan and residential offerings. Norton logo

The flagship event that will be held on the porch is the live broadcast of the official University of Louisville basketball pre-game radio show. Starting 90 minutes before each game, Paul Rogers, Bob Valvano and other on-air personalities will broadcast live from the Norton Commons Porch. The setting will allow for interviews, game analysis and in person and on air interaction with fans attending the games.

“For Norton Commons, the decision to augment our relationship with the Louisville Cardinals and Louisville Sports Properties by investing in the KFC Yum! Center was an easy one,” said Norton Commons Managing Director, Charles A. Osborn III. “Norton Commons is an ‘uncommon’ concept in the Louisville real estate community that requires creative, innovative and fresh approaches to marketing. With over 50 locally-owned businesses alongside almost 1,000 residential units, we are constantly looking for ways to spread the message about our one-of-a-kind community. The Norton Commons Porch will allow us to showcase our community to those who might not otherwise have that opportunity. We hope this fan experience is going to draw more people to visit, shop, live and play at Norton Commons.”

Inside KFC Yum! Center 1About Norton Commons:
Norton Commons is Louisville’s first Traditional Neighborhood Development (“TND”). Planned TNDs are the cornerstone of the new urbanism movement, which promotes the creation and restoration of diverse, walkable, and vibrant mixed-use communities assembled in an integrated fashion, resulting in a complete community. Norton Commons sits on almost 600 acres in northeast Jefferson County, Kentucky and is currently home to over 650 residences, 50 businesses, 2 schools, and dozens of parks, pools and green spaces. To learn more about Norton Commons, visit www.nortoncommons.com, or @nortoncommonsky on Twitter.