Fan Superstitions Go Deep, Research Shows

A Marriott Bonvoy survey conducted by Wakefield Research showcasing game day superstitions of fans has been released in coordination with the hotelier’s Score Big with Marriott Bonvoy Game Day Rituals contest.

Wakefield Research surveyed 1,000 sports fans around the country who have a game day ritual, using an email invitation and an online survey. The results said 63% who have game day rituals think their team will lose if they don’t complete their rituals and 74% said they would risk their job to watch their team play for a championship during work hours.

Beginning February 20 through Monday, March 11, sports fans can visit www.scorebigwithmarriottbonvoy.com, enter their Marriott Bonvoy number or sign up to become a member for free, and share their eccentric game day rituals as part of the contest, which is an extension of a new advertising campaign, which features NCAA athletes, coaches and sports fans.

“Our Game Day Rituals campaign encapsulates the exceptional travel experiences that Marriott Bonvoy provides for travelers, from sports fans to players and coaches alike,” said Mandy Gill, vice president, continent marketing, Marriott International. “Whether it is our convenient accommodations, exceptional associate service, or key amenities, each Marriott Bonvoy brand helps bring game day rituals to life, complementing every fan’s unique personality, passion and lifestyle.”

One fan and a guest will win an exclusive experience at the Women’s Final Four in Cleveland that includes flights and hotel accommodations, transportation, courtside seats and more for the semifinal and championship games, as well as a game day rituals session with University of Texas Director of Player Development Sydney Carter. Those who don’t win the contest will have an opportunity to get in on the excitement by bidding on a Marriott Bonvoy Moments package for a similar fan experience.

The contest celebrates Marriott’s eighth year as the Official Hotel Partner of the NCAA and the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower is a half-mile from the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, where the Women’s Final Four will take place. Sheraton Phoenix Downtown will be the main hotel for the Men’s Final Four on April 6 and 8 in Glendale, Arizona, at State Farm Stadium. The “Game Day Rituals” campaign features a variety of NCAA athletes, coaches, and fans as they prepare for games at various hotels. In the linear spot, Carter meditates at the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. Other campaign commercials include the Fairfield Inn & Suites Raleigh Wake Forest with North Carolina point guard Elliot Cadeau along with a UCLA fan and his pet at the pet-friendly Aloft Tampa Midtown while Duke’s Blue Devil mascot sports his forehead tape to amp the team up for a game.