The month of February kicked off with the NFL Superbowl. Shortly after, the spotlight quickly turned to the Sochi Winter Olympics. With the All-Star weekend coming up, you can be sure that the NBA has a few tricks up their sleeve.
The NBA has always been pushing to develop their league and product through technology and social media. That being said, the All-Star Weekend is the perfect time for them to show off their new toys, and flex their muscles a little. New Orleans will be hosting the 63rd NBA All-Star weekend. The coverage will be reaching 215 countries, and fans will have access to the action in over 47 languages. With the stage set, the world’s attention will be directed at New Orleans. Here are a few things to look out for:
1. NBA Jam Band
As part of their annual NBA Jam Session, the league has partnered with SAP in bringing interactivity to a new level by using a radio frequency identification bracelet (RFID) called the NBA Jam band. This technology allows fans to digitally share their experiences at the Jam Session through social media networks. Jam Session will include appearances and autograph sessions with All-Stars Blake Griffin, Paul George, and Stephen Curry. With interactive games and dunk courts, Jam session allows a fan to go beyond just being a spectator.
What else does the band do?
Every fan that attends the Jam Session will have their own Jam Band. It measures and analyzes a fan’s basketball skills in real- time. On top of performance, the band also tracks engagement activity. If the wearer is interacting with a particular brand or visiting a certain booth, location detection allows that data to be used.
Who benefits from the band?
Fans can share their activity through social media. Sponsors can use the data to tailor promotions to potential consumers. The NBA has also partnered with Samsung. Galaxy Note 3 users can now check in through their Jam bands at the designated activity spaces.
2. Cisco StyleMe Virtual Fashion Mirror
Cisco’s new virtual fashion mirror adds a touch of the future for the All-Star weekend shoppers. Fans can browse, build, and try out official NBA gear all through a virtual mirror. StyleMe also allows consumers to take a picture, that can be stored in a digital wardrobe or shared through various channels. As part of Jam Session, a picture will allow the fans to receive 20% off at the NBA store.
3. #AmexNBA
As the official credit card for the NBA, American Express will be streaming the All- Star weekend here. In addition to the live footage, American Express is also providing exclusive digital and social media experiences here. Fans will have the opportunity to interact with select players through Twitter. Off The Court allows interaction through live streams. Fans can choose to engage with different featured players that are taking questions. In addition to this, American Express is also providing on demand content and behind-the scenes features.
4. freeD Technology
Borrowing a few tricks from Hollywood, the NBA will be unveiling their last surprise at the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. Using 22 high-speed 5K Ultra HD cameras, freeD has been able to create a truly unique viewing experience. Over the All-Star weekend, fans will be able to experience a full 360-degree replay in slow motion. The 22 cameras will be capturing the action at every angle. Not only will this impact the viewing of the game, there is also tremendous potential at improving the officiating of instant replays. This breakthrough in replay innovation will elevate the standard of the NBA product as well as sports broadcasting itself.
Starting Friday February 14th, timelines and newsfeeds will be painted with All-Star colors. The 63rd NBA All- Star weekend will be showing on all screens with all sorts of technological supplements to enhance the fan’s enjoyment of the festivities.