Cavs To Test Smartphone App Allowing Fans To Change Seats During Game

The Cavaliers this season plan to test a new smartphone app called Mascot Secret that will allow fans to “pay a few more dollars to upgrade to a better seat" at Quicken Loans Arena, according to Robert Smith of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. The app was designed by Donna Lee and Jennifer Jeng, who “brought their idea from the West Coast to Bizdom, the start-up accelerator" founded by Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert. Lee and Jeng "propose a system where a fan would be offered a menu of potential upgrades before and during games.” Cavs President Len Komoroski said that while the strategy "remains a concept ... it's one that addresses needs of both the team and its fans.” He added that “maybe a fan is happy with their seat … And maybe not.” Komoroski: “Wouldn’t it be great if you could chose a different seat? This presents a platform to be able to execute on that. And it gives us latitude.” Smith notes Mascot Secret and the Cavs "would share the proceeds," but the team would get to decide "which seats to make available and at what price." Fans would “pay for upgrades via their mobile phone, which would produce a display that serves as their new ticket.” However, challenges “loom, both social and technical.” The app “must work seamlessly with a team’s ticketing operations.” Meanwhile, “there’s a brand to protect.” But Cavs Dir of Digital Marketing & Operations Mike Maleski said that the "possibilities are too intriguing to ignore” (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 10/31).