LINCOLN, Neb. — Travis Weber, a 42-year-old resident of Lincoln, experienced a remarkable night at Pinnacle Bank Arena last month as he attended a Nebraska men’s basketball game with his uncle. This was no typical game outing; Weber ended up winning a luxurious 2025 Porsche Macan, valued at $75,000. All it took was a well-aimed putt where he navigated a golf ball along the 94-foot court length into a small hole at the bottom of a board. The highlight of his successful putt, complete with a triumphant fist pump reminiscent of Tiger Woods, quickly gained attention on social media.
Across the nation, fans partake in various contests during sports events, utilizing breaks in the action to vie for prizes. In basketball, participants often attempt half-court shots or long-distance putts. Football fans may throw balls at designated targets or attempt field goals, while hockey enthusiasts may take shots from center ice. Most of these interactions are met with polite applause, serving as entertaining moments amid the athletes’ performances. However, some instances inspire genuine excitement and surprise, showcasing the joy of unexpected victories.
Jim Kahler, who oversees the Sports & Entertainment Management Program at Cleveland State University, notes that in-game contests have been integrated into fan experiences since the mid-20th century. Historical figures like Bill Veeck, known for his innovative fan engagement at baseball games, laid the groundwork for modern sports entertainment. Furthermore, the late David Stern, former NBA Commissioner, advocated for franchises to prioritize entertainment alongside the core sporting events.
“Halftime and timeout breaks became precious time for sponsors,” Kahler explained, having previously served as the chief marketing officer for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He remarked that the growing number of sponsors is benefitting sports teams, who creatively craft interactive experiences aimed at engaging their fanbase. This competitive race to devise exciting contests has become a hallmark of sports culture.
However, risks accompany the thrill of offering high-stakes prizes. A small number of American companies specialize in taking on that risk for sponsors, ensuring that contest winners receive their awards. Bob Hamman, founder of SCA Promotions, notes that his company determines its fees based on the likelihood of success in various contests. For instance, he indicates a random participant has a 50% chance of making a free throw but only a 2% chance of sinking a half-court shot.
In Weber’s instance, the Interactive Promotions Group, based in Pennsylvania, insured the risk associated with the Porsche of Omaha’s contest. CEO Greg Esterhai explained that the probability of a fan making a 94-foot putt into a 3-inch by 3-inch hole is just 1 in 100. To cover eight attempts during eight games, IPG set a premium of $16,200. The approval of Weber’s claim followed a review of video footage to ensure contest conditions were met, stating that Weber had never played professional golf and did not have a practice shot.
A recent incident arose at UMass regarding a $10,000 half-court shot winner, where the school agreed to honor the prize after an insurance company reportedly declined payment over a technicality involving the participant’s foot position.
IPG underwrites approximately $2 million worth of prizes for numerous in-game contests annually, with around 250 winners. Notably, only a handful of prizes exceed $75,000 in value. When asked about rooting for contestants to win, Bob Hamman chuckled, admitting it isn’t a priority but acknowledged the nature of their business relies on having winners.
Chris Hamman recalled a pivotal moment in 1993 for in-game contests, highlighting the experience of fan Don Calhoun, who completed an astonishing throw from the opposite free-throw line, winning $1 million. Although there were obstacles regarding eligibility due to Calhoun’s previous college basketball experience, the Bulls and their sponsors ultimately honored the payout, demonstrating the lengths to which teams will go for their fans.
For the past four years, Porsche of Omaha has hosted putting contests during Nebraska basketball games. A Nebraska Athletics staff member approached Weber shortly before the game began to see if he was interested in participating during a break in the first half. Weber, who runs a home inspection business and plays golf occasionally, seized the opportunity, confident that his putting skills would be an asset. His technique involved aiming directly at the target, leading to a successful putt that curiously broke left shortly before sinking into the hole.
Weber anticipates taking ownership of his new Porsche in a couple of weeks, opting for the color Husker red. Reflecting on his win, Weber shared his surprise at never having been picked for a contest before, expressing gratitude for his successful putt, which ultimately showcased a skill he didn’t know would lead to such a rewarding experience.
