We were proud to serve as the exclusive carnival game provider for Indiana’s 2026 Big Red Warm-Up at the Rose Bowl, bringing our signature playful energy to the pre-game Fan Fest experience. With five fully branded games and matching crimson & cream booths, our team created an immersive, high-visibility activation that made it easy for fans to jump in, play, and connect. Even on a rainy morning, the experience brightened the atmosphere and helped set the tone for an unforgettable game day.
Beyond the fun, the activation delivered meaningful impact for campus engagement and brand building. Thanks to prizes provided by the Indiana University Alumni Association, each game became a moment of connection - encouraging participation, sparking conversation, and drawing in a steady stream of visitors for sampling and interaction. With 5,000+ attendees flowing through the event, the Big Red Warm-Up was an ideal opportunity to amplify school spirit, deepen alumni and fan engagement, and build excitement in the playful lead-up to the big game.
2026 Rose Bowl: Big Red Warm-Up |
Custom & Branded Carnival Games |
Something New
Case Study
Five-Game Package
Our five-game package was the perfect setup for both high-impact visuals and high-volume engagement - designed to look great on camera while keeping lines moving smoothly for the 5,000+ fans who came through the Big Red Warm-Up. With multiple play points running at once, the package created a mini “carnival row” effect that drew people in from across the Fan Fest and gave guests plenty of opportunities to jump in without long wait times. The consistent branding across all five games also made the footprint feel cohesive and elevated, resulting in standout photos, tons of shareable moments, and a lively hub of activity that matched the energy of game day.
School Spirit!
Our branded games were fully customized to feel unmistakably Indiana - from the moment fans stepped up to play. We incorporated Indiana logos across each game and added bison details throughout the designs to bring the Big Red spirit to life in a fun, unexpected way. To make the experience even more meaningful for IU Football fans, we also integrated elements of IUFB’s trophies directly into select games, turning school pride into a hands-on, photo-worthy moment. The result was an activation that didn’t just look branded- it felt authentic, celebratory, and deeply connected to the program’s legacy.
Features & Add-Ons
The rentals came with full-service support from Something New as a carnival game vendor, turning the setup into a seamless, end-to-end experience.
Expert Facilitators
Friendly, high-energy facilitators kept the games moving, explained rules fast, and hyped up players to create a lively, welcoming experience.
Branded Games
Each game was custom-wrapped with Indiana logos, bison details, and IUFB trophy elements to create an unmistakably Hoosier, photo-worthy play experience.
Branded Booths
Our crimson & cream branded booths provided a cohesive, high-visibility footprint that drew fans in and kept the activation looking polished and on-theme all day.
Why it Worked
We combined playful, high-throughput experiences with authentic Indiana pride and a strong visual presence. The custom-branded games and cohesive footprint drew fans in immediately, while Alumni Association prizes kept participation high and energy buzzing - even in rainy conditions. By weaving IUFB story elements into the games and creating an easy, repeatable experience for thousands of attendees, we delivered memorable fan moments that strengthened campus connection, boosted brand visibility, and helped build excitement leading into the big game.
Carnival Games,
Reimagined.