Storytelling to celebrate the New York Islanders’ 50th anniversary
Background on PitchBook’s partnership with the New York Isles 🏒
Shortly after PitchBook announced its partnership with Climate Pledge Arena and the Kraken, it announced its second partnership New York’s UBS Arena and the Islanders! PitchBook has a growing NYC office, so expanding into the US’ financial epicenter for PitchBook’s second pro sports partnership felt like a natural next step.
Unlike the Kraken team, the Isles have a long, storied history and a dedicated, long-standing fanbase. This plays into how I write about each team and arena and how I write for their audiences.
PitchBook banner ad on nhl.com/islanders
Celebrating the Isles’ 50th anniversary season 🏆
The buzz surrounding the New York Islanders’ 2022-23 season was electric. It marked two huge milestones for the team—their 50th anniversary and their inaugural season playing at the brand-new UBS Arena.
Through a variety of channels, including print, digital, and environmental installations, PitchBook celebrated these milestone moments through thoughtful storytelling. We told a compelling narrative that thread the needle of excitement and nostalgia, as well as highlighted PitchBook’s offerings and how they intersect with the world of professional hockey.
A selection of creative assets produced to capitalize on the season’s epic vibe are below. ⬇️
“50 Years of Excellence” wall at UBS Arena 🥇
In addition to print and digital signage and print ads, I got the opportunity to contribute to a large-scale—213-foot!—installation at UBS Arena. The 50 Years of Excellence wall highlights 50 years of Islanders history with 50 milestone moments.
My role was to figure out a way to tie PitchBook Platform data into those 50 key moments in a natural, cohesive way. I did so by finding “top shelf data” tie-ins surfaced through the PitchBook Platform. For example, spotlighting the founding and funding stories of brand names shown within historic team snapshots.
Special edition yearbook ad
This print ad was published in the Islanders’ 2022-23 special edition yearbook. Distributed to fans at a home game vs. the Edmonton Oilers on November 23, 2022, near the conclusion of the team’s 50th anniversary season, the ad leverages PitchBook data on legacy hockey brands to connect with Isles supporters.
UBS Arena digital signage
These digital signs ran on IPTVs throughout UBS Arena on New York Islanders game days and non-game days, and—slightly more evergreen—their use extended beyond the team’s 50th anniversary season. We worked to weave PitchBook’s offerings, capital market data, into a cohesive story that would compel both Isles fans and New Yorkers.