Executive Summary
Behind the Scenes at ManningCast was an exclusive, unforgettable event created specifically for Denver Broncos premium suite members and partners to kick off the 2025 season. Leveraging the Broncos’ unique relationship with Peyton Manning, this innovative experience provided unprecedented access to the ESPN Denver set of ManningCast, offering guests insider access, unavailable anywhere else.
Attendees enjoyed an exclusive cocktail hour amongst a unique car collection that is a part of the warehouse where Peyton films his segments. Each guest took photos sitting in Peyton’s iconic broadcast chair and participated in a captivating Q&A session moderated by former Bronco’s receiver Brandon Stokley. Peyton Manning engaged guests by discussing behind-the-scenes insights of ManningCast, his perspectives on the NFL’s rookie quarterbacks, college football, and his experience covering the Paris Olympics. The event culminated with Peyton conducting a live demonstration, analyzing a classic Manning-to-Stokley play from Monday Night Football in his authentic ManningCast style.
To enhance the memorable nature of the experience, each attendee received a unique, custom-branded Behind the Scenes at ManningCast football and a personalized on-set photo, creating a lasting connection to the event.
The event achieved exceptional engagement, demonstrated by an impressive 81% attendance rate, and directly contributed to securing significant early suite renewals, including two-, four-, and six-year contract extensions collectively valued at over $2.5 million. By creatively leveraging team partnerships and personalizing premium experiences, the Denver Broncos Premium Team has set a new benchmark for innovation and customer engagement within premium hospitality.
Submitting Organization: Denver Broncos
Detailed Nomination
Overview:
The Denver Broncos hosted the exclusive Behind the Scenes at ManningCast event, which provided premium suite members and prospective sponsors unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Peyton Manning’s acclaimed ESPN show, ManningCast. Hosted in an unmarked building, the lights of the ESPN set of ManningCast sits amongst a unique personal car collection and old west saloon, owned by a friend of #18. This event was designed to provide unprecedented access to valued clients and potential sponsors, reinforcing the distinctiveness of Broncos premium experiences.
Innovation & Impact:
This groundbreaking event was meticulously crafted to blend premium hospitality with authentic, exclusive access. Guests began the evening with a sophisticated cocktail hour within the unique environment of the car collection, adding a sense of intrigue and exclusivity. Attendees were then offered the rare opportunity to sit in Peyton Manning’s broadcast chair for a personalized photo, capturing a moment only available to a select few.
The evening continued with an engaging, in-depth Q&A session moderated by former Bronco’s receiver and close friend of Peyton, radio personality Brandon Stokley. Peyton Manning provided fascinating, insightful commentary on various subjects ranging from the behind-the-scenes production of ManningCast to professional perspectives on NFL rookies, broader developments in college football, and intriguing experiences such as his role in covering the Paris Olympics. The highlight was Manning’s dynamic live breakdown of a classic Manning-to-Stokley play from Monday Night Football, offering attendees an authentic glimpse into his thought processes and broadcast methods.
To further enrich this exclusive experience, attendees received a bespoke, event-only football branded specifically for the event and their personalized photographs, creating memorable and lasting keepsakes. Three guests received an autograph item direct from Peyton Manning and Brandon Stokely.
Results & Success Metrics:
The Behind the Scenes at ManningCast event was exceptionally successful, achieving an impressive attendance rate of 81%, significantly above typical event benchmarks. Furthermore, the strategic timing and high-impact nature of the event directly translated into measurable business outcomes. Following the experience, the Broncos successfully secured early premium suite contract extensions, including significant multi-year agreements collectively worth over $2.5 million. This clear linkage between the experience and business results underscores the event’s powerful impact on client engagement and retention.
Additionally, qualitative feedback from guests highlighted overwhelmingly positive reactions, acknowledging “no one else could do this” and citing the event’s creativity, exclusivity, and personalized touches as key differentiators. This strong client response further demonstrates the significant value and appeal of unique experiences within premium hospitality.
Industry Influence:
The Behind the Scenes at ManningCast initiative sets a new standard for innovation within the premium hospitality sector. By creatively leveraging their unique partnership with Peyton Manning, the Broncos demonstrated how sports organizations can strategically use relationships with iconic athletes to create unmatched premium experiences. This initiative has set a powerful precedent in the industry, showcasing how creative, personalized experiences significantly enhance client relationships, drive tangible business results, and elevate expectations within the premium hospitality space.
Through this pioneering event, the Denver Broncos have significantly contributed to advancing the premium hospitality sector, establishing best practices in event execution, creative engagement, and leveraging strategic partnerships to drive extraordinary client satisfaction and business growth.
