
The FieldHouse Report
How Bad Birdie Turned Washington State Fans Into Its Biggest Launch
Washington State fans are proving that school pride can move merchandise, shape a brand, and turn a collegiate collection into a sellout. Lauren Thomas of Bad Birdie shares how she fought to get WSU added to the lineup, why the right crimson color mattered, and what happened when Coug Nation showed up in force.Darrin “Cougar” Carlson sits down with Lauren Thomas, Senior Key Account Executive at Bad Birdie, for a conversation that blends fandom, brand strategy, and pure Pullman passion. Lauren traces her Coug roots from a family full of Washington State graduates to childhood game days, then breaks down how she helped make the case internally for WSU to become part of Bad Birdie’s first collegiate collection.You’ll discover how the Tailgate Edit took off, why the WSU launch became Bad Birdie’s top-selling school, and what it took to get the design details right—from the exact crimson to the anthracite gray and custom polo teasing a future drop. Lauren also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of collegiate licensing, the role of social media in driving demand without a big marketing budget, and what it felt like to see the collection take over Pullman on game day.We also get Lauren’s take on the new stadium atmosphere, from the upgraded sound system and video board to the fresh turf and locker room energy, plus her quick read on what the Cougs did well on the field and where they still need to sharpen up. It’s a conversation about more than merch—it’s about how a fan base, a university, and a brand can build momentum together.Essential listening if you love Washington State, care about college sports branding, or want the inside story on how a passionate fan can turn loyalty into a launch that actually resonates. Lauren’s energy is infectious, and the Coug spirit comes through in every minute.#wsu #cfb #cfb26 #pac12

