Fan Activation for MasterCard Chef Showdown

Situation

Tasked with heating up the 2020 Arnold Palmer Invitational for key tour sponsor MasterCard and food-loving fans, Octagon sports and entertainment sought to create an outdoor dining experience with a touch of culinary competition. The MasterCard Chef Showdown pit golf pros Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell against each other in a pre-game cookoff where the winner would be decided by invited fans. Octagon called on Britten’s creative team to conceptualize and build the visual ingredients for the experiential activation.

Solution

Britten Woodworks developed two sets of modern countertops and two, large, 8’ X 11’ shelving units. Bringing a little extra spice to the architectural millwork, the hand-crafted kitchen was enhanced with eye-catching “showdown” foam signage measuring 4’ X 8’. MasterCard pillowcase prints, foam logos, and tabletop decals delivered the vibrant, finishing touches. And what’s an outdoor cookoff without yard games? Britten’s project managers took the event to the next level with PutterBall and Cornhole games for guests.

Impact

In the end, McDowell impressed the crowd with liquid nitrogen infused dish that got him crowned showdown champ. But he wasn’t the only winner of the day. "MasterCard’s CEO was blown away with the delivery and execution,” said Octagon’s Michael Taft. “[The stage looked] exactly like the renderings that were sold to us, and we can’t wait to send more work Britten’s way because of all of this."