I rarely plug internal projects on my personal blog as I think it can come across as a little vain. But as an avid sports nut who has written about digital sports marketing many times in the past (and rambles on constantly about AFL on Twitter), I think this one's probably relevant. Next Digital has been the digital partner for the MCG for at least 3 years, and late last week we helped them launch their first iPhone application:
The app provides a bunch of useful features for sports fans to enhance their experience when they visit the ground, including:
- A seating locator tool enabling patrons to find their seat, along with their friends' seats
- Real time car park updates, which anyone who has ever driven to the MCG on gameday will understand the value of
- A facility locator map (especially essential for those of us who need to find both a bar and a bathroom during the game!)
- Integrated social features including photo sharing and Facebook Places check ins (side note – with over 75,000 check ins the MCG in amongst Australia's most checked-in venues)
Aside from that there's a bunch of other standard features such as news, travel information & travel information.
If you're a sports fan like me, you can download the app from the App Store now.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi James,
Well I'm not into footy in a big way, but this cool little app has got to be good for MCG patrons as you say. This really is the "technology revolution" Thanks for sharing.
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Catherine
Android app coming soon?
For those of us that have jumped off the Apple bandwagon
Android is likely to come sometime in the future, but no firm timelines at this point I'm afraid Chris. At this point, the first goal is to gather user feedback on the iPhone app.
Love this app!
James, any updates on how it has been received and if Etihad is looking to do something similar. Would have been a fun project to work on.
It's been really well received Arthur. User reviews have been really positive, and while I can't share data, downloads were also very strong. It hit the What's Hot list for all apps, and still sits on that list for sports apps. Of course, it always helps when you've got a brand people love, which was clearly the case for this project.