Even with all the sports apps to choose from, some teams stand out. Do your team's apps measure up? Here are some of mine.
Americans spend hundreds of millions of dollars a year on professional sports. Even during a difficult economic period, the price of tickets, food and parking at games has been increasing but that doesn’t stop fans from showing up. It does limit how many games most people can attend. Fortunately there are more apps being created which are designed to track your favorite team. Now you can be at work, in class or on the go and still stay up to date with your team. Just be sure to charge your cell phone batteries. Every app is not created equally though. Some are better than others, so here’s a list of a couple of good ones and reasons why they stand out from the crowd.
Knicks all-access app
T-Mobile is an official sponsor of the NBA and they go beyond the call of duty to deliver the NBA experience to its users through their cell phones. There is an app available for download on the Android and T-Mobile myTouch 3G phones called The Knicks: T-Mobile Live.
The app is great for fans because T-Mobile is working closely in conjunction with the people at MSG to deliver fans bonus content. Most other apps show the final game stats with box scores and a game recap taken from the AP wire. This Knicks app gives fans bonus, behind-the-scenes videos and content that they would only get from an app officially connected with the team. The app has some exclusive features too:
- Live Twitter feed during games at the “world’s most famous arena,” Madison Square Garden.
- List of amenities for fans at the game.
- Tips and maps available for the arena.
- A list of local dining recommendations
- Video blogs from Knicks insiders
- Parking instructions at the arena and directions
The app is even more attractive to fans because it is a free download.
More than just scores
Earlier this year the Philadelphia Eagles made history by becoming the first NFL team to allow fans to order food through an app. The Eagles teamed up with Bypass Lane to develop the app. Bypass Lane has already begun using it with some baseball teams and it has been successful. The fans who use the app set up an account with their credit card and enter their seat information. The food is delivered within 10 minutes. If you were to get up and walk to the concession stand and wait in line there is no way you would be served in 10 minutes. It is very convenient and a unique way to use a team app.
Give me more
Fans with smartphones can easily go to ESPN.com or any sports site and see the final score and stats through the Internet. Teams that are looking to develop apps specifically for themselves need to include features that are only available through the app, including exclusive interviews and videos and new features like the Eagles used.
Guest post from Megan Brown
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Megan Brown is both a sports and social media addict. Currently, she is a social media networker at Slingshot SEO. When not tweeting with athletes or yelling at referees, Megan enjoys cycling, going to techno concerts, and shoe shopping.
Puma Index is an iPhone application built to promote Puma Body Wear. The web site version is available 
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