League sponsors are finalizing activation plans for tonight’s NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Verizon is using the draft to push its “Verizon Up” frequency/loyalty program, as members can access the arena through a dedicated entrance. Enrollment stations will be placed throughout. Draftees are also making appearances at Verizon retail locations around N.Y. Verizon also will host a fantasy camp tomorrow. State Farm is presenting sponsor of the Draft for the seventh consecutive year. Fans will join broadcaster Ian Eagle on the arena concourse for a “VIP Media Experience,” which will then be captured in video or photo, and pushed to fans for social media distribution. Another content play sees State Farm sponsored videos on the “Draft Day Journeys” of Mo Bamba, Michael Porter Jr., and Marvin Bagley III. Kia will have an NBA-branded Stinger on the arena concourse and fans can take a photo with the Kia Rookie of the Year trophy. Pepsi’s Mountain Dew Kickstart brand, which has signed Bagley as an endorser, will be replacing the red carpet with a green carpet. A-B InBev's on-site activation includes a “buddy trivia” contest, the “How Well Do You Know Your Bud Challenge.” Longtime NBA sponsor AmEx is hosting a “Draft Experience” for 140 card members. Harman’s JBL brand is hosting an Instagram podcast with Bagley, Porter, Bamba and Mikal Bridges. JBL will also have a virtual three-point game. NBA official timer Tissot is giving watches to all first-round picks. New Era is touting its “Official Draft Caps” with a film, “The Path to the Cap” focusing on '15 No. 2-overall pick D’Angelo Russell.
