It’s easy to see the impact technology has had on sports in so many facets (why do you think we publish this website!), but maybe none more evident than the influence it has had on the improvement of the fan experience. Twitter allows fans to stay close to their favorite athletes, smart phone applications allow access to real-time information on their favorite teams and electronic ticketing streamlines purchases for those unfortunate enough to be without season tickets.
The Golden State Warriors are having avery busy month and are now introducing a number of features at Oracle Arena in order to enhance the viewing experience.
The Warriors are rolling out enhanced cell phone service, which may sound minor, but making a call at a busy game is sometimes a very difficult task. The Warriors are also adding free WiFi inside the Coliseum and developing their own iPhone application.
A screenshot of the Golden Warriors mobile application
This new app offers news and notes on the game, virtual trading cards, and promotional offers. This is all pretty standard for a team app, but the Warriors are planning future upgrades that will help them mine more information on fans. They want game attendees to be able to use the app for admissions, instead of having a paper ticket, and once inside the arena fans could use the app to upgrade their seats. This feature allows the team to track who sits where and for which games. Using this information the team can offer ticket packages based on which opponents fans show the most interest in, which nights they are most likely to attend, and where they prefer to sit.
WiFi in stadiums is also something that has been available for a number of years. The Astros rolled out WiFi at their stadium in 2004, although they charge a small fee for us. Right across the bay from Oracle, AT&T Park, offers the service to Giants fans at no charge. Last year, we wrote about how the Minnesota Twins brought WiFi to Target Field.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban expresses his feelings on the issue saying: “I don’t want people looking down at their phones…I want people looking up and contributing to the energy.” Cuban’s concerns may be legitimate but he also owns a team that wins a lot and has little trouble putting fans in the seats. The Warriors do not have a history of strong on-court performance but still manage to maintain a high attendance rate, thanks to their loyal fan-base. Other teams are not so lucky and are looking for more innovative ways to keep fans in the seats .
This is all designed to help the Warriors create a comprehensive database to better serve their fans. Many teams are interested in this technology, but there are several obstacles to overcome. The Warriors are well aware that all the bells and whistles are meaningless if they can not get the basics right.
Next up for the Warriors is the Android version of their current iPhone app and possibly an iPad application a little further down the road. Next season fans should look for the ticketing features as well as the ability to order food from their seat then pick it up at the nearest concession stand without waiting in line.
Golden State Warriors team president Rick Welts seems to have more up his sleeve. “We’re really just scratching the surface,” Welts tells the San Jose Mercury News. “I really feel like sports will benefit as much as anything from technology today. Ultimately, the consumer will choose, but we’re on the cusp of a transformation in the way fans and teams interact.”
(Photos courtesy of San Jose Mercury News)
