Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers and Watson – Honoring Tradition, Driving Innovation

A Team Built on Loyalty
The Pittsburgh Steelers are synonymous with passion, pride, and grit. With a legacy that includes six Super Bowl championships and countless unforgettable players, the Steelers’ fan base is one of the most devoted in the NFL. However, as the team looked to engage its fans in a more personalized way, they turned to Watson for a fresh perspective.

Building off the success of Watson’s multi-role loyalty platform for the Yankees, the Steelers wanted a solution that would honor their blue-collar roots while offering tailored experiences for every type of fan.

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Watson’s Tailored Approach

Watson developed a loyalty platform designed around the diverse personas of Steelers Nation. From blue-collar workers waving Terrible Towels in the stands to corporate fans in premium suites, the program offered tiered rewards and experiences that resonated with each group.

Exclusive perks included access to game-day traditions, meet-and-greets with players like Troy Polamalu, and behind-the-scenes content showcasing the team’s storied history. Watson also conducted primary research with fans, staff, and players to ensure that the campaign reflected the spirit of Pittsburgh.

RESEARCH

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Results

Steelers Pride, Amplified

The results were as impressive as the Steelers’ on-field accomplishments. Fan retention increased by 24%, driven by the personalized engagement strategies. Merchandise sales grew by 20%, with fans eagerly purchasing loyalty-exclusive items. Digital engagement climbed by 26%, as Watson’s tailored messaging kept fans connected year-round.

Matt Watson reflected on the experience: “I remember watching Troy Polamalu redefine what it meant to play defense. Getting to work with him and the Steelers on this project felt like a full-circle moment. Steelers Nation is something special.”

Benefits

Not Everything. Just What Works.

Strategy

Build from insight. Strategy isn’t guesswork—it’s groundwork. We listen, research, and distill what matters to guide smarter decisions and set a solid creative direction.

Content

Make it meaningful. From naming to narratives, we create content that speaks with purpose—rooted in truth, tuned to your audience, and built to connect.

Digital

Design for behavior. We craft digital experiences that are intuitive, scalable, and aligned with how real people move, click, swipe, and search.

Experiential

Bring brands to life. Physical spaces, moments, and memories matter. We design experiences that feel human—and stay with you long after the lights go out.

Marketing

Drive connection. Our marketing approach blends data and instinct—getting the right message to the right people, in ways that actually move them.

Consulting

Partner on progress. We work alongside your team to solve real problems, shift thinking, and build internal alignment—without the agency ego.