KFC Yum Center To Feature New Norton Commons Porch

You might be greeted with an interesting new addition the next time you step foot inside the KFC Yum Center.

The Louisville Arena Sports & Entertainment Properties (LASEP) unveiled a new, interactive fan experience at the KFC Yum Center during this morning's Louisville Arena Authority board meeting. The Norton Commons Porch, a full-size front porch and home façade, is located inside the venue's main concourse and offer visitors an opportunity to sample life in Norton Commons, Louisville's highly successful mixed-use village community located in eastern Jefferson County.

The concept developed as part of a larger plan to create unique, interactive experiences for guests at the KFC Yum! Center. Surrounding the continued success of the venue and the University of Louisville's basketball programs, companies are looking for more innovative ways to interact with their existing and potential customers inside the venue. LASEP and KFC Yum! Center officials not only want to enhance the experience of fans inside the arena but the impact sponsors gain from their partnerships, and this is one step closer to those goals.

"We view the Norton Commons' porch at the KFC Yum! Center as something that is truly at the forefront of event/sports marketing, advertising and enhancement of the fan experience," said Gary Friedman, general manager for LASEP. "Event attendees are looking for a truly interactive visit to the arena, and the tie-in with Norton Commons is something that is cutting edge within the industry."

The Norton Commons Porch includes patio furniture and park benches where fans can congregate, enjoy a drink or participate in any number of activities, such as signings, giveaways and even a photo booth that will send digital prints directly to visitors. In addition, an interactive touchscreen offers information about the Norton Commons Master Plan and residential offerings.

The flagship event that will be held on the porch is the live broadcast of the official University of Louisville basketball pre-game radio show.  Starting 90 minutes before each game, Paul Rogers, Bob Valvano and other on-air personalities will broadcast live from the Norton Commons Porch. The setting will allow for interviews, game analysis and in person and on air interaction with fans attending the games.

"For Norton Commons, the decision to augment our relationship with the Louisville Cardinals and Louisville Sports Properties by investing in the KFC Yum! Center was an easy one," said Norton Commons Managing Director, Charles A. Osborn III. "Norton Commons is an ‘uncommon' concept in the Louisville real estate community that requires creative, innovative and fresh approaches to marketing.  With over 50 locally-owned businesses alongside almost 1,000 residential units, we are constantly looking for ways to spread the message about our one-of-a-kind community. The Norton Commons Porch will allow us to showcase our community to those who might not otherwise have that opportunity.  We hope this fan experience is going to draw more people to visit, shop, live and play at Norton Commons."

The message here is pretty clear: if you want CC's support on a project, simply send a picture of the CCBM at the project site and you've got it. You know what you're doing, Norton Commons.