I'm doing a project for my Quantitative Research Methods class this semester on Twitter use by sports teams, and its effect on fan identification. In other words, teams are using Twitter to communicate with fans at an unprecedented level, and fans are feeling a more personal connection to their teams as a result (at least that's my hypothesis).
On a personal level, I've been keeping an eye on how my own favorite teams are utilizing Twitter. Marquette's athletic department has been a pioneer in social media innovation, and the Marquette Twitter account is a great resource for up-to-date Marquette athletics news and information, as well as links to media stories about the MU teams. Marquette also uses their Twitter as a vehicle to communicate with fans personally.
Craig Pintens, Marquette's former Director of Marketing, is now at LSU, and has essentially built a social media empire down in Louisiana. Craig comments on LSU Athletics through his own Twitter account, and manages individual Twitter accounts for all the University's teams, including football and basketball. Individual Facebook pages exist for the teams as well.
On the professional level, my Milwaukee Bucks have what seems to be one of the more active Twitter accounts, engaging in personal communication with many fans, as well as providing in-game updates and news in between games. The Bucks also do a great job of using Twitter to announce ticket promotions and other special events.
Clearly, teams are doing a great job of taking advantage of the wonderful marketing resource that Twitter provides. As time goes by, sports marketing professionals are devising new ways to use Twitter as a vehicle to market their teams. It will be interesting to see what direction this concept goes over time, as the practice is honed even further.
On a personal level, I've been keeping an eye on how my own favorite teams are utilizing Twitter. Marquette's athletic department has been a pioneer in social media innovation, and the Marquette Twitter account is a great resource for up-to-date Marquette athletics news and information, as well as links to media stories about the MU teams. Marquette also uses their Twitter as a vehicle to communicate with fans personally.
Craig Pintens, Marquette's former Director of Marketing, is now at LSU, and has essentially built a social media empire down in Louisiana. Craig comments on LSU Athletics through his own Twitter account, and manages individual Twitter accounts for all the University's teams, including football and basketball. Individual Facebook pages exist for the teams as well.
On the professional level, my Milwaukee Bucks have what seems to be one of the more active Twitter accounts, engaging in personal communication with many fans, as well as providing in-game updates and news in between games. The Bucks also do a great job of using Twitter to announce ticket promotions and other special events.
Clearly, teams are doing a great job of taking advantage of the wonderful marketing resource that Twitter provides. As time goes by, sports marketing professionals are devising new ways to use Twitter as a vehicle to market their teams. It will be interesting to see what direction this concept goes over time, as the practice is honed even further.
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