Hockey Team Looks for Hat Trick in Marketing

Online marketing, while continually evolving, has become an effective way for companies to advertise to consumers. The Maple Leafs, a Canadian hockey team, decided to take its advertising to a new level through its interactive Web site.

According to globeandmail.com, The Leafs decided to provide live streaming regional telecasts of its games. However, the new and interesting part is that viewers are also allowed to view different camera locations as they watch the game. Viewers will be able to visit the broadcasting booth and even take a look at the dressing room where players are interviewed after the game.

Chris Webb, the head of broadcasting from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, feels that "If the media are allowed in, why not the fans?" The main goal of this new service is actually to gather information and help the team learn what the fans want. The team is asking users for feedback and inviting viewers to help design the new service.

It will be interesting to see if these new "offerings resonate with the true, blue leaf fan." The bigger interest is what this does for sports marketing. Instead of letting a third party market for the team, the team itself is taking charge and marketing on its own terms.