Are You Ready for Some Football Ads?

With football season three months away, a creative team is tackling NC State’s next halftime ad.

Joe Hice, chief communications officer, screened some of the university’s ad campaign highlights for staff last week.

Hice says he expects to park the “Red means go” ads of the past two years for the creation of a new theme that reflects the university’s importance to the state of North Carolina or another theme alumni fondly recall, “We all go to NC State.”

The ad, which will air through basketball season as part of the university’s marketing agreement, will be a transition to a new awareness campaign, Hice says.

The university will select an advertising agency this fall to carry out the next phase of the campaign. But the ad, which will premiere Sept. 4, will have to be in motion before then.

Donna Barnes and Bill Baverstock in Creative Services will take the lead in shooting and editing; Mark Dearmon and Stephanie Hlavin will provide direction for the new spot.

What’s your take on NC State’s halftime ad? Do you recall an ad campaign that made you feel proud? You can watch previous Red Means Go and We All Go to NC State spots online.  Do you have a suggestion for a new theme?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below or on Joe Hice’s blog, HiceSchool.