# Tricked-Out Zambonis The Target Corporation 'Big Red Basket' is a Redone Rink Classic By Andy Thieman | Published 2012-01-31 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zamboni-branding-ice-retail-hockey References: [cargocollective](http://cargocollective.com/peters#2524056/Target-Big-Red-Basket) & [target](http://www.target.com/) Big-box retailer Target Corporation took this on-ice, in-game branding opportunity to the next level by fabricating a custom fiberglass 3D shopping basket (mimicking the [shopping baskets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asda-red-baskets) in its stores) and mounting it to a Zamboni, which was then dubbed the 'Big Red Basket.' Between periods at [NHL games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prime-monday-night-hockey) at the Xcel Energy Center in St Paul Minnesota, fans can win a ride in the Zamboni's hollowed-out top, complete with bench seats and safety belts. This particular Zamboni started its life as a functioning ice resurfacer in South Dakota before it was retired, then resurrected years later as the in-game branding opportunity it is today. The shell is made of a styrofoam-based material combined with plastic, sprayed with a hard-shell fiberglass coating, painted a glossy PMS186 red and finished with multiple layers of polyurethane high-gloss clear coat that gleams from the nose-bleeds. Ultimately, the Big Red Basket is unconventional branding at its best. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 38% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Custom Branding:** Businesses can explore the idea of incorporating custom, eye-catching branding elements into unconventional spaces, such as repurposing retired equipment like Zambonis. - **Experiential Marketing:** Creating unique experiences for fans, such as offering rides in branded vehicles like the 'Big Red Basket' Zamboni, can help companies engage with their target audience in a memorable way. - **Reimagining Retired Assets:** Finding innovative ways to repurpose retired equipment, like turning a retired Zamboni into a branded attraction, presents opportunities for creative marketing and brand visibility. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Retail:** Retailers can explore unconventional ways, like incorporating branding on vehicles and equipment, to create memorable experiences for customers and increase brand awareness. - **Sports and Entertainment:** Sports teams and entertainment venues can utilize unique branding opportunities, such as repurposing equipment like Zambonis, to enhance fan experiences and create memorable moments. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Marketing firms can capitalize on the trend of creating custom branding experiences and repurposing retired assets to help businesses stand out and connect with their target audience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Portable Ice Resurfacing Rentals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zamboni-rentals.md) - [Hockey-Inspired Pizza Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hockey-box.md) - [Cheesy Basketball Statues](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2024-nhl-allstar-weekend.md) - [Playful Hockey Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beard-in-a-box.md) - [Cheekily Branded Room Sprays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/champion-room-spray.md) - [Quirky Spoof Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fight-teeth.md) - [Immersive Hockey Merchandise Retailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-blues-experiential-reality.md) - [Fan-Focused Hockey Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-espn-chirpline.md) - [Supermarket-Themed Roller Rooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rollback.md)