The RV, in which ESPN
personalities “travel” to games in ESPN’s NBA on-air promotions, will
be on-site at more than 20 regular season NBA games this season, the
NBA All Star Weekend and the NBA playoffs, according to a news release
from the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). The tour begins with the San Antonio Spurs’ home opener versus the New Orleans Hornets tonight (October 28).
“We’re excited that ESPN
has decided to continue this promotional effort in which the motorhome
plays such a key role,” said Gary LaBella, RVIA vice president and
chief marketing officer. “The tour and the commercials help promote
RVing to another important television audience and enhance Go RVing’s
advertising on other ESPN programming such as NASCAR, PBA bowling and
thoroughbred horse racing.”
The “NBA on ESPN RV
Tour” promotes ESPN and ABC’s expanded NBA television coverage, airing
games on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays throughout the season. As the
RV travels from game to game, it also makes a number of in-market stops
including visits at ESPN Zones, ESPN the Weekend at Walt Disney World
Resort in Orlando, and at a number of charitable organizations. Last
season, the RV crisscrossed its way across the country, making more
than 36 different stops at NBA games in more than 14 different states,
while logging more than 40,000 miles.
At each tour stop, NBA
fans have the opportunity to tour the RV, parked in a prominent
location of the hosting arena, as well as participate in activities
such as free throw contests, vertical jump challenges, souvenir photo
stations, and more. NBA on ESPN branded premiums, such as
mini-basketballs, T-shirts, backpacks and rally towels are also given
away at the RV. Fans can also track the RV’s progress online and view
photos and videos of tour stops via the RV’s Facebook Fan Page and
Twitter feed.