The Royals are the newest MLB team to announce a social media space at their ballpark. The new AOS Technology HotSpot debuts this season at Kauffman Stadium, behind the Kia Diamond Club on the first base side. During home games, fans can engage in social media conversations and interact with MLB apps through the use of 10 HP tablets set up at the multimedia display. Those discussions tied to tweets and Instagram photos will be shown on four 42-inch monitors within the enclosed space. In addition, fans can charge their mobile devices at multiple HotSpot outlets. Royals VP/Marketing & Business Development Mike Bucek said that driving the project was the Royals’ looking for new ways to further connect their patrons to social media platforms after the team ran some Social Media Night promotions in the past. Bucek noted AOS, a local software firm, signed a one-year deal with options to sponsor the new space. He said the sponsorship effectively covers the cost of the retrofit, which was just under $100,000. The Royals join the Reds, Twins, White Sox and Giants among MLB teams that have created social media destinations at their facilities.
FASHION FORWARD: The Royals also will open a new boutique retail store focusing on women’s fashion in the ballpark’s outfield plaza. The brands include Touch by Alyssa Milano, Fifth & Ocean, OPI and Cuce Boots and Heels, as well as merch produced by Nike, Under Armour, Majestic, Rawlings, '47 Brand and New Era. Bucek said the Royals Boutique replaces the old MLB 2K Lounge. Both newly developed spaces open Friday for the Royals’ home opener against the White Sox.
