Die-hard sports fans know that pregame preparation, like getting tickets and locking in day-of details, is often as crucial as the game itself. A smooth, organized game day experience ensures fans can fully enjoy the action, from securing tickets to the final quarter replays.
This means planners and event organizers need to be on top of their game in more ways than one.
As game time approaches, few channels reach dedicated fans better—and faster—than SMS. Read on to learn more about how text messaging for events can be your game-day game-changer.
Why Fans Want Text Messaging for Events
From event updates to venue ins and outs, text messaging campaigns keep fans informed and engaged at every turn. Here’s how SMS commands attention and meets user needs in ways other channels can’t match.
1. Instant Info
Emails can get lost, buried, or trapped in spam folders, and they’re not exactly associated with swift communication. SMS, on the other hand, delivers essential game day information instantaneously to event attendees’ text message inboxes so fans never miss out on the action.
2. Real-Time Reports
Experiencing event delays or unexpected weather conditions? Text messages keep fans up to speed with updates as they happen, including venue details, re-entry policies, and more. Informed fans are happy fans.
3. Exclusive Engagement
Fan engagement is everything. Whether it’s presale codes, behind-the-scenes content, or exclusive contests, SMS is an excellent channel for top-tier perks for a VIP-level experience. Offering insider advantages to text subscribers helps fans feel like MVPs.
4. Two-Way Talk
Questions about parking or check-in procedures are common, even with seasoned fans. SMS opens a channel for attendees to ask questions or locate essential information about things like venue policies and schedule details.
5. Custom Communication
SMS can be leveraged to speak directly to attendees with a personalized reminder text message for an event or unique instructions based on their ticket details, laying the groundwork for a solid day-of experience.
6. Friendly Feedback
Passion runs high among fans, fueling a wealth of opinions and thoughts about their event experience. SMS offers a way for them to give their input and insights through surveys, polls, and Q&As. This information helps organizers improve future events based on fan feedback.
Want to explore even more benefits? Check out other ways to boost the fan experience with SMS sports marketing.
7 Ways to Elevate Your Sports Event with SMS
Text messaging can turn a typical event into an unbeatable experience for the fans. These strategies make the most of SMS capabilities to kick every game day up a notch.
1. Offer Friction-Free Ticketing
Ditch the hassle of the box office by allowing fans to easily purchase and receive mobile tickets directly to their phones via SMS. Send scannable ticket codes or links for contactless entry.
Plus, sending reminder text messages for event tickets keeps fans on top of their passes.
2. Send Venue Details
Keep fans in the loop by sharing important venue information they’ll need to know, such as:
- Venue maps and designated points of entry
- Bag policies and lists of prohibited items
- Parking instructions and lot maps
Send these details in advance or push live updates as the game day progresses.
3. Create Countdowns to Game Time
Make sure attendees never miss the start of the action with information like start times, lineup details, and more. Get fans hyped with text alerts counting down to kickoff or first serve, and share key updates or last-minute changes as they happen.
Here’s a pro tip: Segment audiences by team, seating section, or purchase history to keep message updates hyper-relevant.
4. Provide an Inside Scoop
Give fans an all-access pass in their pockets by sending insider content via MMS, like:
- Videos of player interviews
- Exclusive team photos
- Replays of game moments
- Branded team graphics and GIFs
You can also send subscribers text blasts with spontaneous giveaways or mid-game contests to cultivate superfan fervor.
5. Simplify Concession Purchases
Snacks keep crowd energy levels up and add extra flavor to the overall experience. Make it easy for attendees to find, pre-order, and purchase concessions through text by:
- Highlighting standout vendor locations
- Advertising debut or themed menu items
- Offering concession promos and discounts
These messages make ordering and pick-up a breeze, letting fans spend their time enjoying the event in the stands rather than waiting in long concession lines.
6. Gather Fan Intel
Want to know more about the fan experience in the stands? Strike while the iron’s hot with immediate SMS surveys right after the event or after standout moments. These invaluable bits of information can help you identify areas for improvement to deliver better experiences in the future.
7. Nurture Fan Relationships
True fans know the game is never really over—team loyalty is a lifestyle for many die-hard sports fans. Continue cementing these relationships with text messaging for events that focus on engaging directly with fans by sending:
- News about upcoming games, events, or ticket sales dates
- Information about loyalty program perks and points
- Reminder text messages for events they’re interested in
- Opportunities for fans to participate in exclusive Q&As or virtual events
Need more ideas for engaging fans? Read exclusive, actionable tips about fan engagement here.
Use SMS to Boost Your Game Day Game Plan
Ready to elevate your game-day operations and fan experiences to championship levels? Implementing a strategic SMS communications plan is the ultimate power move for venues and event organizers looking to score big.
SMS text messaging for events unlocks heightened efficiency by allowing attendees to manage and engage with their game day directly with their phones—eliminating box office lines and day-of hassles. Subtext’s SMS platform has powerful tools for capturing attendee attention and streamlining the experience for you and the fans.
Book a demo today to see how our powerful text messaging platform and strategies can elevate your venue or organization's status.