Horse racing and college football might seem like two distant worlds apart, but if we look closely we can find some similarities. Additionally, we can find some things that make each sport unique.

What does this mean? – Well, both sports can learn from each other. On one hand, we have the thrill and adrenaline rush of horses running at 40mph, and on the other hand, we have rowdy and passionate fans screaming in packed stadiums.

On one hand, we have prestige, class, fashion, and history, and on the other hand, we have smaller brand awareness, but the lively spirit of the youth.

Clearly, both sports have something to learn from each other, at least the things that are proven to make them better and more popular. In the case of college football, there are plenty of things that need to change, but every sport has its flaws.

But what if we combine the strengths of horse racing as a sport and add them to the world of college football? What will this fusion bring to the table?

Is it a new hybrid that will be an instant hit? Let’s find out.

The Importance of Tradition

The first and most important thing that college football can work on is tradition and heritage. Yes, it might not be as old as other sports, but that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t appreciate its past.

College football also has its traditions. From the iconic “Roll Tide” chants to the Ohio State marching band’s “Script Ohio,” traditions are what give college football its unique flavor.

However, despite its tradition, we don’t see that college football actually appreciates its history, at least not as much as the Sport of Kings. This means that it would be nice to tie college football with the past and create a tradition that is carefully nurtured every single year.

This not only makes the sport more exciting but also creates a tighter connection between the sport and fans.

So, what can college football update? Well, the first thing I’d suggest is a total overhaul of the marketing department. One thing is to be a sport draped in tradition, and another thing is to showcase that tradition through marketing.

Marketing is used to bring people together, share a mission and a goal, build communities, and spread brand awareness. By updating their marketing practices, college football will create a stronger relationship with their fans, which at the end of the day, will enhance the entire gameday experience.

College football also shouldn’t be afraid to embrace its history, no matter how long is it. In most cases, the sports history is underutilized, which is a shame. They need to promote legendary names, players, and coaches that made the sport what it is today. This will deepen the connection that fans have with the sport.

Enhancing Fan Engagement

Like it or not, betting is a big part of these sports, especially in the Sport of Kings. It’s the key part that brings excitement and keeps fans engaged at all times. Betting on race horses can elevate your entire experience.

In terms of college football, we still have to work on this. The betting part of things just started to move in the right direction, but it will take time until it becomes the main artery of the sport.

College football recently started going into things like fantasy leagues and betting partnerships, but there is still a lot more room to grow.

How can college football up its engagement game?

• Fantasy Football Leagues: While fantasy football is more associated with the NFL, college football could promote fantasy leagues specifically for college games, driving more week-to-week engagement.
• In-Game Betting: Partnering with betting platforms for in-game betting options, such as predicting the next touchdown scorer, can keep fans hooked even during less exciting matches.

College Football: Respecting Traditions While Embracing Change

The pageantry and traditions of horse racing, like the Derby hats and mint juleps, show the importance of maintaining history while innovating. College football, with its storied rivalries and traditions, should continue to honor these while embracing changes like the expanded playoff system and realignment of conferences​​.

Additionally, we cannot forget about advancements and the future of the sport. While maintaining traditions is good for brand awareness, we still need new trends and technology that will propel the sport into the future.

This is actually something that horse racing as a sport does really well. It is a sport that appreciates history but always moves forward. College football should do the same. We are talking about embracing technology, new marketing trends, and every other thing that will give the sport a chance to grow and attract new generations.

This method will also help college football spread its audience since the old ways might attract older people, and the new innovative techniques are perfect for the younger generations.