Each Monday, we will share some great activation practices throughout the sports and entertainment landscape. This blog will serve as a space to highlight innovative ideas and campaigns. Want to have your idea or campaign featured? Send us a note on Twitter at @NVGTInsights

This week we’ll take a look at two sports teams who are using Tinder to attract their target audience.

Oregon Duck is First Sports Brands to Flirt with Tinder.The University of Oregon became the first school to leverage the online dating app, Tinder in its marketing efforts. The University used the app to give the students a chance to win a date to a game with The Oregon Duck – the university’s mascot. All you had to do was “swipe right” and match with the Duck. 

The winner won tickets, and a date with the mascot, to a women’s volleyball game for her and her friends. 

Oregon received positive attention for the activation among social media channels and also gained awareness for the university’s athletic programs.

Atlanta Hawks Hosting “Swipe Right Night.” The Atlanta Hawks are hosting a Tinder sponsored “Swipe Right Night” this week when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 7. The Hawks are encouraging fans to “find your match with the Atlanta Hawks and Tinder.” A ticket to the event cots $15 and gets you a $10 food and beverage credit. 

Although it’s a bit unclear as to how the promotion will work, there’s speculation that the organization is encouraging fans to “Tinder” during the game. 


This isn’t the first time an organization has used Tinder in their marketing efforts. Dominos Pizza and a New York Animal Shelter have both activated on Tinder to reach a target audience. Partnering with Tinder could be a risky move due to the dating app’s reputation, but the Hawks and Ducks both partnered with the app pretty well and it will be interesting to see if others follow.