The calendar might say May, but some of the best radio sponsorship opportunities have already been snatched up for the 2013 NFL and NCAA football seasons.  Big budget brands should contact radio networks NOW to shop for the best available programming and promotional tie-ins.

But what about those brands that don’t have an NFL-sized budget to throw around?

Here are a few ideas that can be customized for any local market, or creatively spun to go national:

• Traveling Tailgate – Your food, beverage or lifestyle brand takes the party on the road and rewards one lucky listener with a “Tailgate Party” at their home for the weekly Saturday or Sunday game.  This can be supported with on-air promotions from a partner radio station or advertised as part of your commercial schedule, enabling you to award a single prize in each market while advertising it across multiple stations.

• By the Numbers – Tie your retail brand to the game by offering specials, discounts or freebies triggered by the final score.  Three TDs or more might mean $3.00 lunches at your QSR locations.  21 points scored might equal a 21% online discount the Monday after the game.  Did Ed Johnson score the winning field goal?  Show your driver’s license at our store and everyone named Ed or Johnson gets 50% off any one item.

• Road Trip – Secure tickets to an important, late-season road game in a desirable travel destination (e.g. San Diego).  Then create a contest that leverages media and builds excitement all season long to send a lucky listener to that big game.

These are three of many ideas that can be spun and crafted to help you drive business without writing a seven-figure check to fund the campaign.

Want some more created just for you and your Fall 2013 marketing challenges?  Let’s huddle by phone!  Call The Radio Agency at (800) 969-AMFM and we’ll put some Xs and Os on paper.

Mark Lipsky is the President and CEO of The Radio Agency. Please follow The Radio Agency’s Blog “Sounding Board” by subscribing to the email or RSS links above.Visit our website TheRadioAgency.com