Finally - A Sports Organization Embracing Social Media

For a variety of reasons, sporting organizations like the NFL, SEC and others are attempting to take a hard line on social media (specifically, on Twitter).  This is happening for a variety of reasons, particularly because of the desire to protect the exclusive relationships with media outlets.  While many sporting organizations are trying to curb and regulate social media use, there are a few trying to embrace it.

The New York Mets appear to be hitting the idea of fan-activated, in-stadium social media out of the park (which is good because as you know, this year, that was a bit of a rarity — sorry, Mets fans, had to do it).  In all seriousness, next year the Mets will debut several activations through txtstation that will help enhance the fan experience.  Fans will be able to submit their pictures taken via camera phone to appear on the big screen. Verizon Wireless Fan Choice Awards will run various text polls to which results will be displayed in the stadium in real-time.

The above examples as well as the various other mobile-based social media initiatives planned for next year will provide a great model for organizations out there looking to capitalize on social media opportunities rather than trying to stifle them.  Nicely done, Mets!

-Andrea