Key Takeaways:
- Priceline's "Actual Reality Goggles" went viral after Shareef and Shaqir O'Neal sported them during this weekend's NCAA Final Four game.
- The stunt drew over 14 million Instagram views and plenty of courtside chatter, showing the power of big names in drawing attention.
- The campaign teased new travel tech, hyping Priceline's value-driven positioning and increasing brand visibility.
Priceline scored a win at the NCAA Men's Final Four this weekend, thanks to a head-turning courtside appearance from basketball royalty.
All it took was for Shareef and Shaqir O'Neal, Shaq's sons, to be seen wearing what looked like futuristic ski goggles.
The travel platform used the moment to spotlight its "Actual Reality Goggles," part of a broader campaign to highlight how Priceline makes dream trips real.
"Some of our best memories and most epic stories are from traveling. That’s why we’re excited to team up with Priceline — they’re making it easier for everyone to experience the world with great deals.
The Actual Reality Goggles are a ridiculously fun reminder to stop dreamscrolling and start traveling. Your dream trip is closer to reality than you think," Shareef and Shaqir said in a statement to DesignRush.
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The activation comes as travel platforms face pressure to differentiate, particularly among Millennial and Gen Z consumers.
Reports state that younger travelers prioritize experiences over cost — though some will still expect savings.
Priceline's strategy leans into that tension: showing aspirational trips made accessible with its deals.
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The O'Neal brothers' Final Four activation was timed perfectly for maximum reach.
The NCAA tournament regularly ranks among the most-watched live TV events of the year, especially with 18–34 audiences — a key demo for Priceline's evolving brand voice.
The alignment reflects Priceline's keen understanding of cultural moments that resonate with its target audience.
This type of strategic event placement ensures the brand is present during moments of peak attention, maximizing exposure and relevance.
A Courtside Spectacle with 14M Views
As the camera panned over the crowd during the Purdue vs. NC State game, fans quickly noticed something strange: the O'Neal brothers wearing oversized goggles.
The faux VR goggles, custom-branded for Priceline, immediately sparked reactions online, with the Instagram post featuring the moment racking up over 14 million views.
The goggles are part of a larger campaign that also includes viral stunts with other influencers, including comedian Atsuko Okatsuka.
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While the social media effort generated buzz, the true payoff may lie in the shift in positioning.
Priceline, once seen primarily as a utility for budget travelers, is reframing itself for the experience economy — showing that luxury doesn't have to mean out-of-reach.
And by having celebrities who are part of its target audience wear its fake VR goggles that embody the brand message, Priceline creates an authentic activation that resonates more effectively with consumers.
Back in March, the brand teamed up with Kaley Cuoco for a game day promotion.
