At Super Bowl LIX, the NFL Fan Experience in New Orleans showcased the intersection of sports and social justice through the "Champions of Change" activation, a RISE production that was activated in collaboration with CR&A Custom. Designed to educate and inspire, the immersive Champions of Change experience invited attendees to explore the impact of athletes in driving meaningful societal progress.
The Champions of Change Experience
RISE, a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination and champion social justice, created "Champions of Change" as an interactive platform that engages visitors in thought-provoking activities. Attendees could participate in the RISE Road to Progress timeline, which highlights significant milestones in sports history related to social justice, step into a virtual locker room featuring stories of legendary athletes who have fought for equality, and test their knowledge with the Champions of Change game. The activation provided a dynamic space for reflection and learning, encouraging participants to consider their role in fostering positive change.
Super Bowl Leadership Program & Racial Equity Initiatives
The activation was part of a larger RISE initiative leading up to the Super Bowl. RISE engaged with New Orleans youth and college students through its fifth annual Super Bowl Leadership Program. This program challenges young people to think critically about racial inequities in their communities and equips them with the tools to become leaders in advocating for justice and creating lasting change beyond the Super Bowl weekend.
Research highlights significant racial disparities in New Orleans, including homelessness, over-incarceration, and systemic discrimination. RISE’s presence at the NFL Fan Experience aimed to bring these disparities to the forefront and encourage attendees to take action in their communities.
CR&A Custom’s Role in Bringing the Experience to Life
CR&A Custom, a leading large-format digital printing company based in Los Angeles, played a crucial role in executing the Champions of Change activation. Specializing in experiential graphics, CR&A Custom printed and installed the visual elements that transformed the space into an engaging and educational environment. Their work ensured that the messaging of RISE was not only impactful but also visually compelling, drawing in participants and immersing them in the interactive elements of the activation.
The collaboration between RISE and CR&A Custom highlights how strategic partnerships can leverage the power of sports to inspire social change. By combining RISE’s educational initiatives with CR&A Custom’s expertise in visual storytelling, the Champions of Change activation successfully sparked dialogue and encouraged action among attendees.
Sports as a Catalyst for Change
The Champions of Change activation at Super Bowl LIX was more than just an exhibit—it was a call to action. As attendees walked through the experience, they were not just spectators but participants in a movement that underscores the transformative power of sports. By educating, inspiring, and uniting individuals, RISE and CR&A Custom demonstrated how the influence of sports can drive real change, leaving a lasting impact on both the NFL Fan Experience and the broader New Orleans community.
