Importance of Fan Engagement and Experience in the Edmonton Oilers Schedule
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Preseason Games
In addition to being a great way for fans to preview the upcoming season, exhibition games provide coaches with the opportunity to evaluate players in a more relaxed environment. This can help to identify areas of the game that may need improvement, and it also allows rookies to get valuable experience in front of a national audience.
The Oilers played their first NHL preseason game in 1979, and it was against the Winnipeg Jets, a team that they had previously battled in the World Hockey Association playoffs to win the AVCO Cup. The teams would meet again in a nationally-televised game that was part of the Kraft Hockeyville competition, an annual contest that sees communities compete for the chance to host an NHL preseason game and receive funding to upgrade their local arena.
In what was perhaps the most heartwarming moment in recent Edmonton Oilers history, former star centre Mike Comrie returned to his hometown to play an exhibition game last season. He exited the ice to enormous chants, and he later tweeted a photo of himself signing autographs for his adoring fans.
Exhibition Games
For both fans and players, preseason games provide a sneak peek of the season ahead. They also offer young prospects the chance to showcase their skills and compete for a spot on the regular-season roster.
With a storied history, the Edmonton Oilers are one of the most prominent hockey teams in the NHL. Their success reached its peak in the 1980s, when they won five Stanley Cup championships over a seven-year span, led by legendary players like Wayne Gretzky.
Creating an unforgettable fan experience is essential for maintaining strong fan engagement and retention. To reduce downtime and increase the effectiveness of intermission activities, teams can optimize advertisements, streamline commercial breaks, and implement engaging entertainment segments during the break. They can also use technology to reduce the time required for player transitions and Zamboni resurfacing. This allows them to maintain momentum and build excitement throughout the game. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are poised to lead the Oilers into the 2022-23 season, with all of their home and road games broadcast live on Sportsnet and SN NOW.
Home Games
The Edmonton Oilers were established in 1972 as one of the founding franchises in the World Hockey Association. When the WHA folded in 1979, the Oilers were one of four teams absorbed into the NHL as expansion franchises.
The team forged its legacy under legendary superstar Wayne Gretzky, who set numerous records for goals and assists that still stand today. The franchise has a strong presence in the league, reflected by their storied history and dedicated fan base.
Streaming live games and events via second screen is a key way that fans connect to their favorite teams, and it’s a huge driver of engagement and revenue for the NHL. Second screen experiences can include content like live polls, trivia, and social media contests. They also offer a more efficient player transitions during intermissions and streamlines the duration of commercial breaks.
The dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leads the Edmonton Oilers into the 2023-24 season, with all 82 regular-season games broadcast live on Sportsnet and SN NOW. In addition, Sportsnet West and Sportsnet Oilers will deliver 58 regional matchups, led by play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels and alongside team analysts Louie DeBrusk and host Gene Principe.
Away Games
Whether they’re in the stands cheering for their team, on the couch watching a game with friends or at work during a live stream, fans fuel sports organisations with their passion and support. As a result, fan engagement is key to increasing team loyalty and building long-term revenue for clubs, leagues, and teams.
To understand how to create the right experiences for your fans, you’ll need the right data analytics and UX research tools. But once you have these in place, it’s easy to develop a program that will drive engagement.
The best way to get your fans engaged is to give them content and experiences that are personally designed for them. This can be as simple as showing videos of your fan-favourite players doing something personal or charitable for their family or community. This will make your fans feel that they are being listened to and respected. This will inspire them to continue to support your team and athletes.