The anniversary season wasn’t just another chapter in the Votroci’s history – it was a meaningful reflection on the past. A return to the era when Hradec shone as a city of sophistication, elegance, and cultural vitality. We combined history, architecture, and football into a single story that drew fans into the atmosphere of the previous century and reminded everyone that the club’s tradition is as alive as its present.
The season was shaped by inspiration from Art Nouveau and the architecture of Jan Kotěra, the author of the iconic Museum of Eastern Bohemia. The museum’s celebratory décor became the key visual element of the entire anniversary identity, transforming the club into the “team from the Salon of the Republic.” The result was a unified and striking aesthetic that gave the season a clearly recognizable face for fans, partners, and the general public alike.
The historic museum, which we had entirely to ourselves for a full day and night, welcomed players, their partners, the coaching trio, club staff, legends, and extras. Elegant dresses, stylish suits, a vintage car, and numerous props transported everyone to another era. The atmosphere of pride and elegance was captured in every shot.
The main shoot began at seven in the evening and ended after midnight. The result was an anniversary intro video, a series of spots, and photographs that resonated throughout the entire season. The shared emotions and collective experience strengthened not only the content itself but also the unity of the entire club family.
The anniversary campaign came to life through numerous projects that accompanied the whole season. A modern transfer video for Mick van Buren showed how the noble visual identity could be adapted into a dynamic sports format — playfully blending the “Salon of the Republic” theme with the famous Birmingham gang aesthetic.
The fanshop also transformed into a place where history met the present — from anniversary decals with retro jerseys to thematically designed merchandise.
A strong tangible symbol of the campaign became the Anniversary Chronicle, mapping 120 years of the club’s history — a valuable collector’s item.
And, of course, the season tickets themselves — their design and packaging strongly resonated not only with Hradec’s fan base but also beyond.
The entire anniversary campaign proved to be extraordinarily successful. Season tickets sold at a record pace, reaching a total of 3,921, the highest number in the club’s modern era. The retro jerseys generated massive interest — the limited edition sold out in just two days, resulting in a 25% increase in overall jersey sales compared to the previous year.
The anniversary video and accompanying content performed exceptionally well on social media, achieving both high reach and above-average completion rates, successfully engaging new audiences.
The season culminated in September’s anniversary match celebration — a sold-out arena with 9,300 fans and another 350,000 watching online turned the milestone into a dignified event worthy of the occasion.
A PR stunt at the Pendulum and a full communication strategy.
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