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Social Media Apps to Help NCAA Fans Connect and Experience ‘Buick Human Highlight Reel’

Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Foursquare Apps Maximize March Madness Engagement

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Contact(s)

Nick Richards
313/720-9541
nick.richards@gm.com

Gail Dent
NCAA 
317/917-6117
gdent@ncaa.org


 


DETROIT – With NCAA March Madness® underway, college basketball fans can maximize their experience online with Buick and NCAA-sponsored apps on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Foursquare.

Among the NCAA Final Four® social attractions is the launch of the Buick Human Highlight Reel program, a yearlong initiative highlighting a growing collection of user-generated videos that tell inspiring true stories of former student-athletes making a difference in their communities.

Elements of the social media campaign include a Buick-NCAA Team Badge application found on the Buick Human Highlight Reel tab on Buick’s Facebook page, “Reel” content on the site’s video gallery and an onsite Foursquare special at Bracket Town in Houston. In addition, Buick Human Highlight Reel content is viewable on Buick’s YouTube channel and is being promoted via the official Buick Twitter feed.

Launched on March 14, the Buick-NCAA Facebook app allows college basketball fans to post a college-specific “March Madness” badge on their profile to show support for their team. The app is accessible exclusively through Buick’s Facebook page and will keep a tally of the number of fans for each team.

The Buick Human Highlight Reel also has a presence on the mobile social network Foursquare that enables NCAA fans to “check in” at the basketball tournament’s Bracket Town, the ultimate NCAA “Final Four” fan fest with basketball competitions, clinics, performances and more. For every check-in received from March 31 to April 4, Buick will donate $1 to Samaritan’s Feet, the official charity of the NCAA.

“Through the power of social media we will enable greater fan engagement in one of the most exciting events in NCAA sports, and share inspiring stories about former student-athletes who have made a profound difference away from the game,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president, Buick Marketing. 

Buick will be the exclusive title sponsor of a 30-minute television show featuring select Human Highlight Reel stories that will air prior to the 2011 NCAA Men’s Final Four® semifinal games on April 2. Selected video profiles also will air during preliminary-round tournament coverage on truTV.

Even more content will be online at www.ncaa.com/buick, including videos by filmmakers associated with Zooppa, a creative network with more than 100,000 members.  These amateur filmmakers will create 60-second mini-documentaries about former student-athletes who are making a difference.

Also planned for the Buick Human Highlight Reel website is a “Tell Us Your Story” section, which will enable fans to share stories about their favorite NCAA “difference makers.”
About Buick

Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan and highly anticipated all-new 2012 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan. Buick is the fastest growing major brand in the U.S. and remains a best-selling brand in China, with continuing record growth. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com , on Twitter @buick  or at www.facebook.com/buick .