SMS/texting allows sports teams to send short messages to large groups using cell phones to communicate information quickly and cost-effectively with fans. It is an effective way to engage audiences, as demonstrated by examples where a sports complex gained major donors not in their database, ESPN provided sports updates over text, and the Pittsburgh Penguins ran a successful ticket giveaway contest that generated over 55,000 text responses.

1. SMS/ TEXTING
Short Messaging System

2. What is SMS/ Texting?
• A system of short messages
– Cell phone to cell phone
– Cell phone to computer
– Computer to cell phone

3. Why should sports teams use it?
• Send a short message to a large group
• Can have a large group send you a quick
response
• Almost every person has a cell phone with
texting
• Provides contact information for audience/
fans

4. Examples of Success
• UC Sports Complex
– 4 donors of $50,000+ that were not in database
• ESPN
– Text message news/ score updates
• Pittsburgh Penguins
– Text to win contest for chance at 2 free tickets and
an autographed helmet
– 55,196 unique responses