Signal360, a company that offers an interactive advertising platform through beacon technology, is looking to expand its influence in the NBA. The Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Golden State Warriors all utilize beacons from Signal360 in and around their arenas to better interact with their fans, and other teams like the Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, and the Cleveland Cavaliers also use beacon technology and digital fences in their home arenas.
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Beacons allow for instant communication with fans via a smartphone app using an inaudible audio signal transmitted throughout the arena. So far, the technology has been used mostly for giveaways and promotions with corporate partners, a safe and cost-effective form of advertising. But if beacon technology is going to reach its full potential, NBA teams must get more creative with the machinery at their disposal. Here are some suggestions:
Memphis Grizzlies: Better Know A Player
The Grizzlies limped to a playoff birth this year despite starting 956 different players during the season (or somewhere around there). Hopefully the team’s unprecedented misfortune with injuries won’t continue next season; but in case it does, beacon technology will help its fans meet previously unknown players like Bryce Cotton, Alex Stepheson, and JaMychal Green as soon as they check into the game.
Charlotte Hornets: What’s on Jeremy Lin’s head?
Lin’s hair this year fluctuated between spectacular and disastrous, and it was never boring. But how does he get it to stand? What products does he use to keep it shiny? Where can I get a cut like that? Since these answers change from day-to-day with the Hornet’s point guard, beacon technology seems to be the best resource to answer these questions if the Hornet’s content team is feeling fun.
Los Angeles Lakers: Dancing with Robert Sacre
While the jumbotron at the Staples Center does a good job in showing Jordan Clarkson dunks and Julius Randle steals, it often misses the most important part of each play: Robert Sacre’s bench celebrations. And in case you miss it in real time, I’m sure the Lakers would be happy dedicating a camera on Sacre and sending you the link to share with your friends at the arena. The Lakers won’t be any good next year, but beacon technology could help highlight their MVP bench performer and give him the spotlight he deserves.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Cooking with Enes Kanter
Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal ran a delightful story on Turkish-born center Enes Kanter inspiring halal meals for the team in the Thunder locker room. I anticipate a halal buzz around Oklahoma City, especially considering its small Muslim population, as fans search and learn more about traditional Middle-Eastern cuisine. Beacon technology can help Thunder fans learn what the Thunder ate on any given night, where they can find it, and how they can make it by sharing cultural anecdotes, restaurant recommendations, and recipes. There’s no better introduction to a culture than through its food, and the Thunder have a unique opportunity to educate their fan base and have some fun via beacon tech.
Philadelphia 76ers: Are the Sixers winning right now?
No.
I hope the NBA takes our suggestions here at SportTechie for the full utilization of beacon technology. The above is just the tip of the iceberg for how teams can get creative with the tech.
The NBA is one of the most fun and technologically savvy leagues in the world, and their advancement in beacon technology will only further reinforce their technological preeminence.