10 Reasons Twitter + Sports Win

Twitter and sports make a perfect combination. It’s the platform where fans flock to watch games and commentary unfold. There’s something about the flow and fast cadence that make the two a natural fit. Twitter’s founders must have known this combination would work, after all, their precious little blue bird is called Larry (yes, after Larry Bird the basketball player).

The stats prove it’s the perfect combination. According to Navigate Research, sports fans are 67 percent more likely to use Twitter to enhance their viewing experience compared to non-sports fans. Additionally, sports comprise 1% of all total TV minutes, but 50% of all TV-related tweets (source: Nielsen).

Yes, there’s something special about watching sports unfold on Twitter. Below are just some reasons why the two are so magical together (with some really great moments):

 

No. 1- Twitter allows teams to react with fans in real time.

With the more public nature of profiles (typically) and easy search function, social media mangers can know the pulse of their fans in a split second. This allows teams to react with fans in the moment and not talk at them.

On Twitter, team personalities feel like they are sitting in the living room with fans. This real-time reaction with fans is a pretty cool thing.

 

No. 2- When appropriate, fans/teams get called out.

Sometimes, it’s okay to let someone feel the burn. These examples below are Twitter at its best.

Screen Shot 2015-06-17 at 10.28.58 PM

 

No. 3- The conversations are always golden.

Where else do you get to see epic conversations unfold like this? There is something about Twitter conversations that promote a little humor, snark or sass.

Screen Shot 2015-06-18 at 2.05.04 PM

 

No. 4- And sometimes, teams bust out a holiday jingle.

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View full recital here.

 

No. 5- Rain delays mean old-school games.

Because tic-tac-toe and rock-paper-scissors will never go out of style.

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No. 6- Hashtags help to rally.

Hashtags are a great way to foster community and conversation, and naturally, teams and leagues get excited when they (or relevant conversations) start trending. It’s like Twitter’s own badge of honor!

 

No. 7- Teams surprise and delight.

There’s something special about the power of active listening. Even the simplest gesture (like personalized content) lets a fan know the team cares. Twitter gives the ability for teams to listen and act easily.

https://twitter.com/activate/status/428968820149997568

 

No. 8- Sportsmanship is alive and well.

https://twitter.com/SalesiMaafu/status/467669783677534208

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No. 9- Athletes reward their biggest fans.

Thanks to Twitter, you can have a beer with Kevin Harvick or get tickets from your favorite player simply by asking. Amazing, right?

And yes, fans found their way to Harvick to enjoy a beer with him. Read about it here.

 

No. 10- And the @Cubs can have a little fun with the President.

When President Obama followed all Chicago sports teams but the Cubs, they had the perfect response. This tweet deserves a class of its own.

 

 


 

 

What moments in Twitter and sports have been some of your favorites? Share why you think the two are a great combination below.

Thanks for reading! 

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