best of...the digital and social media sports podcast, episode 3 with sporttechie

DSMSports Podcast, episode 3 SnippetsGuest: Taylor Bloom of SportTechie


This episode featured a helpful tool, shareable stat, and interview with Taylor Bloom, Senior Writer and Social Media Director of SportTechie.

What follows is a recap of some of the info and insights about the different technologies and their uses across sports.

Listen to the full show on iTunes or at DSMSports.net.


On getting to his position with SportTechie while studying at UCLA:

“I was always very responsive with having my resume out there and being able to be found.”


On long-term vision for SportTechie:

“I hope one day we can be the main source for all the technology used in sports...the one place fans and industry leaders look to for their daily news on what latest technological innovations [teams] are using.”


This episode's helpful tool: Alexa.com – get a snapshot of any website- traffic ranking and number of sites linking in- basic demographics of its visitors- search terms visitors are using to find the site- more helpful info (there is a premium version, too)


It's a data-driven world and the sports is starting to catch on to that.


Once [technology and data] gets tied into financial decisions, the sky is the limit for the level technologiy can be tied into sports franchises.


“Some of the ways [teams] are gathering data is where technology comes into play – using it for fans and ticket sales and to track player performance, as well.”


“Teams are putting a lot of effort into giving the fans what they want and fighting against the couch and their living rooms.”


“Instead of fighting fire with fire, they're fighting tech with tech...The experience is so good at home, it has usurped the experience of going to the [live] game.”


“In a way teams are mimicking the living room of the fan with WiFi and fantasy alerts...The NFL's popularity isn't slipping, but the ticket sales are.”


The whole idea of using analytics for roster decisions is kind of new, so teams are adopting it at a different rate...

The Jaguars are one of the most progressive teams when it comes to using analytics...They heavily rely on their new analytics department to make roster decisions and draft moves.


This episode's shareable stat: Two of them this week -

1) 70% of fans watching NFL's opening weekend games were simultaneously consuming second screen NFL content

2) Over NFL's opening weekend, 30 million unique Facebook users created 60 million interactions on the social network


Fans are on Twitter, on Facebook, Instagramming, checking Fantasy...teams are spending a lot of money to give fans access to the Internet.


“Teams are experimenting with different ways to gather data and use that to make player decisions...there are a lot of different devices out there to [track players]...

“It's the tech guy collaborating with the coaches to make the best decisions possible.”


The data teams can gather about season ticket holders just by their using the App is incredible...they use this data to better market to them and give them a better experience...

This is so valuable for teams and something that was not possible a few years ago.


“Teams that can afford to are making upgrades to give the fans what they want and get an edge wherever they can in [personnel decisions].”


Teams are trying to get so good with [player] data that they are trying to prevent nagging injuries...they know how much you've exerted yourself, they have better information.


There is a lot of disparity across teams [in tech]...That is generally because of outside circumstances. There are a lot of reasons, some financial reasons...political reasons.


Social media is one of the biggest selling points for fans, especially season ticket holders. They can give so many exclusive perks and bonuses and better interactions to fans.


Social media gives insight to the team you wouldn't have otherwise. It's one of the best ways we have to today to interact with the teams we love...not to mention all the data teams can gather from it.


Social media helps to create a community between fan and team...create a family environment. A lot of teams are doing a great job in the digital world.


Most unusual sports tech idea Taylor has seen –

The Socket, a soccer ball with a built-in lamp that can store energy from playing with it to create three hours of light from thirty minutes of play.

See more about it on SportTechie.com


Something exciting and upcoming in sports tech –

Next year's Levi's Stadium, including amobile app with bathroom line updates, an on-site fantasy lounge; the so-called “stadium of the future.”


According to Taylor...

Best and worst status quo for NFL tech – Best: San Francisco, Green Bay; Most Challenged: San Diego, Oakland, Cincinnati

Packers: The original sports techies, led by Vince Lombardi


Sports technology Taylor is most excited about in the future:

SportVU cameras that the NBA will use this season; cameras that follow all players throughout the game to generate advanced data about the game and players


Taylor's social media all-star to follow:

Jimmy Sanderson, assistant professor at Clemson University, researching sports and social media.

Follow him @Jimmy_SandersonA great follow!


Follow Taylor on Twitter @taylorhbloom and follow SportTechie @sporttechie and

Visit their website at sporttechie.com and Facebook.com/sporttechie


Thanks to Taylor Bloom of SportTechie for sharing his knowledge in this fascinating interview!

Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes, find more episodes and info at DSMSports.net

Follow me on Twitter @njh287

best of...the digital and social media sports podcast, episode 3 with sporttechie

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