Charlotte, NC – January 21, 2015 – Time Warner Cable Arena: Erik Spoelstra, head coach of the Miami Heat during a regular season game
(Photo by Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images)
The Miami Heat are placing a key emphasis on the digital fan experience as the team looks to transform and redesign some digital inventory, including its mobile app.
Earlier this week, the team announced a partnership with digital accelerator BeyondCurious and technology firm Built.io — the same company the Sacramento Kings utilized for its new remote control app — to bring the new fan experience to life centered around mobile, convenience and more exclusive content.
“I’m excited to form this partnership with Built.io and BeyondCurious,” Miami HEAT Vice President of Mobile Strategy and Innovation Matthew Jafarian said in a statement. “The Miami HEAT are leaders in mobile innovation, and BeyondCurious’ proven methodology for accelerating innovation will take our mobile fan engagement to a higher level. Built.io’s platform, meanwhile, will allow us to future-proof our investment and prepare for tomorrow’s technology requirements.”
Added Neha Sampat, CEO of Built.io said in a statement: “We are proud to contribute the technology foundation for this solution and provide the Miami HEAT with a proven and extensible digital fan experience platform. With Built.io, sports franchises and venues can transcend the physical and digital boundaries to engage fans in unprecedented and highly innovative ways.”
Built into the revamped app will be new fan loyalty programs and in-arena content along with a more personalized experience for fans. According to Nikki Barua, CEO of BeyondCurious, the accelerator wants to help the Heat “set a new standard for how professional sports teams integrate physical and digital touch points to build loyalty.”
“We will help HEAT fans more effectively engage with the brand from home and at AmericanAirlines Arena through one seamless, easy-to-use mobile interaction” she said in a statement.
