OMA Bronze Award
We partnered with Pepsi to create a temporary, eye-catching, and “colossal” activation for merchandising palletized Pepsi products that coincided with the start of the NFL season and the highly anticipated release of Gladiator II. The activation was intended for placement in grocery and mass retail environments across the country.
Program Objective
The challenge was to develop a visually compelling and easily executable display that seamlessly integrated the themes of Gladiator II and NFL football while driving sales of Pepsi products. The display materials featured QR codes, offering consumers details on how to receive a “$10 movie reward” to see the film, further encouraging engagement and purchase.
This activation targeted millions of football fans while paying tribute to the iconic imagery and excitement of Gladiator II. The combination of cinematic and sports themes aimed to create a memorable in-store experience that resonated with consumers and amplified the campaign’s reach and impact.
The Work
A multi-component “wall” structure depicting the Roman Colosseum was chosen for its strong visual appeal to Gladiator movie fans and its ability to reinforce the epic nature of NFL football. This design seamlessly connected the themes of cinematic grandeur and the excitement of game day.
The centerpiece of the structure featured a striking depiction of iconic artist Megan Thee Stallion alongside NFL superstars Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson, and Travis Kelce, all dressed in “Gladiator” attire. The display also included essential promotional information and a QR code, guiding consumers to a $10 reward for movie tickets to see Gladiator II.
Freestanding columns added architectural depth and flexibility, allowing them to be placed adjacent to the main activation for an enhanced visual effect. The wall structure served as a dramatic backdrop for product pallets and strategically stacked products to create a cohesive and eye-catching display.
Additional layers of visual engagement were achieved through SBS hanging pennants and column topping helmets, which amplified the campaign’s immersive theme. All components were litho-mounted for maximum visual impact.
This thoughtful combination of design elements delivered a disruptive, memorable in-store presence that effectively promoted Pepsi products while aligning with both Gladiator II and NFL football.
The Results
The Gladiator-inspired campaign continues Pepsi’s longstanding tradition of staying at the forefront of culture, partnering with iconic artists, and celebrating the passion of football.
This visually stunning display captured the excitement and anticipation of game day, ensuring fans were fully prepared with great food and an ice-cold Pepsi. Designed with flexibility in mind, the activation could be positioned as an island display in large-format environments, with the Colosseum image prominently featured on the back wall, or utilized in an inline space, accommodating a variety of store sizes and layouts.
The “Make Game Day Epic” promotion was a resounding success at retail, earning praise from both retailers and consumers. Shoppers frequently used the display as a photo backdrop, sharing images on social media, which further amplified the campaign’s reach and impact.
If you want your display to drive sales and tell a story, get in touch with us today!
