Have Some Fun!
Blindfold Basketball
Here's What the Event is Like
Fans are paired up and compete against each other in a shooting contest. Two varieties are described below. The common element is that one of the team members must be blindfolded. I recommend a "real" blindfold such as those available at a drug store.
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Guidelines for Running the Event
Version 1-Two pairs of fans are selected. You may want to have each pair be one male and one female, or you may decide to have guys against girls, sophomores against seniors, etc. One member of each team is blindfolded and placed at the free-throw line. The other is given the ball and placed at the baseline, under the basket. The goal is simple, the blindfolded fan must make a basket. The fun often begins right away as the "sighted" team member foolishly throws the ball to their blindfolded partner when the contest starts.
Version 2-In this version, you place the blindfolded team member on the court with a basketball and a cell phone. Their partner is in the stands, also with a cell phone. Once again, the concept is simple, one partner directs the other to the basket by using the cell phone. The first to make a basket wins.
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A Few Words about Prizes and Sponsors
The only obvious tie-in would be with a cellular company. Otherwise, any sponsor would be appropriate. Sponsors could obtain additional exposure through participants wearing company T-shirts, placing a banner on the court, etc.
Human Dot Races
Here's What the Event is Like
When scoreboards were first able to handle the most simple animation forms, the "Dot Race" quickly became a crowd favorite.
The dot races were simply two animated dots that raced toward the finish line on the scoreboard. It was not unusual to see a couple of fans placing a friendly wager on the race. Since that time, the original dots have given way to very creative animated races.
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Since most high schools do not have a scoreboard capable of doing animations, the Human Dot race was developed to provide the crowd with a similar experience.
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Guidelines for Running the Event
Since this is a race, you must have at least two contestants, although 3-4 seems to be the optimum number. In most cases, this would be 3-4 teams rather than individuals.
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The human dot races utilize several old standbys. The most entertaining and successful races are:
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Potato Sack-Fans step inside an old potato sack and "hop" from free throw line to free-throw line.
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3 Legged-A pair of fans have two of their legs tied together to form "one leg" and race from FT line to FT line.
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Piggy Back-One member of the team rides on the other team member's back, then they switch and race back.
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Wheel Barrow-One team member lays on his or her stomach while the other member lifts up their legs. The one on the ground "walks" on their hands to the finish line.
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The Human Dot Race is excellent for getting members of the basketball team(s) involved. In some states, the high school athletic association will prohibit athletes' participation in any activity that involves their basketball skills. These races certainly have nothing to do with basketball, so they may be eligible.
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A Few Words about Prizes and Sponsors
Once again, the nature of the sponsor is not particularly important in this Fan Fun event. You may use various races throughout the night and get a single sponsor for the entire series. In that case, a discount or department store might work well. Or, you may choose to get a separate sponsor for each race.
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As always, make your prizes worthwhile, even though most participants are in it for fun!
