UK Athletics

Mission Brief

RedTag collaborated with the University of Kentucky Athletics Department, the K-Fund, and Wrigley Media Group to create and execute the groundbreaking "Kentucky Can" fundraising campaign, raising $350 million for the future of UK's athletic programs.

  • Client Name

    University of Kentucky Athletics
  • Services

    Fundraising Strategy, Branding, Video Production, Multi-Channel Marketing
  • Industry

    Education, Athletics, Sports & Entertainment
  • Platforms

    Various Media Channels, Digital Platforms, Alumni Networks

At A Glance

RedTag collaborated with the University of Kentucky Athletics Department, the K-Fund, and Wrigley Media Group to create and execute the groundbreaking "Kentucky Can" fundraising campaign, raising $350 million for the future of UK's athletic programs.

The Challenge

Together with UK Athletics, we faced the exciting challenge of creating a fundraising campaign that would not only meet ambitious financial goals but also inspire the entire UK community to rally behind their athletic programs.

Our Collaborative Approach

Campaign Development: "Kentucky Can"
  • Worked hand-in-hand with UK Athletics to craft a campaign that resonated with the spirit of the university
  • Developed four key pillars: Embrace Tradition, Enhance Experience, Lead Competition, and Provide Scholarships
Storytelling with Heart
  • Collaborated with Wrigley Media Group to create compelling narratives that brought each pillar to life
  • Showcased real stories of student-athletes, alumni, and supporters to create emotional connections
Visual Identity Creation
  • Worked closely with UK's branding team to ensure the campaign visuals aligned with university standards
  • Developed a distinctive look that stood out while honoring UK's rich tradition

Our journey with the University of Kentucky Athletics Department on the "Kentucky Can" campaign was truly inspiring. From the very beginning, we were struck by the passion and dedication of everyone involved - from the athletics staff to the student-athletes themselves.

The collaborative spirit was palpable as we worked together to bring the campaign's four pillars to life. It was exciting to see how our combined efforts could translate UK's rich athletic tradition into a vision for the future that resonated with so many.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was seeing the impact of the stories we told together. When we shared the experiences of student-athletes whose lives were transformed by scholarships, or showcased the state-of-the-art facilities that the campaign would help build, we could feel the UK community rallying around the cause.

The moment we realized we had surpassed the $350 million goal was unforgettable. It wasn't just about the number - it was about what that number represented: countless opportunities for student-athletes, world-class facilities that would attract top talent, and a strengthened UK Athletics program for years to come.

This campaign reminded us why we love what we do. It's not just about creating marketing materials or hitting fundraising targets - it's about being part of something bigger, about helping institutions like UK Athletics build a legacy that will impact generations to come.

As we look back on the success of "Kentucky Can," we're filled with gratitude for the trust UK placed in us and excitement for the future of their athletic programs. Together, we didn't just raise funds - we raised the bar for what's possible when a community comes together behind a shared vision.