The University of Louisville is working on a very interactive and comprehensive social media strategy for their presence at the Sugar Bowl Game in New Orleans on January 2nd.  The UofL Cards will be facing the University of Florida Gators for the Sugar Bowl Game – should be an intense but fun game! 🙂

UoL recently released a press release discussing their new social media strategy for the game – and what is interesting to see is how they are using a variety of social media tools (ex. Instagram, Ptch, Facebook, Twitter), but they are doing this in a centralized location.

Louisville just launched a new website off of the main Cardinal Fund site focusing on providing fans, families, and other audiences a visual experience for them to participate in the game not only in New Orleans, but also around the country. From updates on various UofL activities to links to Ptch videos, this site really does present a comprehensive, real-time visual story of the UofL journey and experience for all parties involved in a digital format.  You should check it out!

How is this different from other universities and teams who have a presence at other bowl games? Here are a couple of things I think UofL is doing well that will help them in their social media strategy for the Sugar Bowl:

  • Integration of various social media tools: UofL is utilizing Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and of course YouTube for their communication efforts for the bowl game.  They have all of these accounts linked to their website, which provides a nice homepage where people can go for information and updates about the game.
  • Utilizing the power of visual storytelling with Ptch:  UofL has been using Ptch for the last several months and has formed a public partnership with the company with their efforts, but this app will be featured as one of the primary tools for fans, families, media, students, UofL personnel, and others to use to share their experiences and stories at the game or tailgating around the US. You might want to check out what Nick Stover (@ULFlyingCard) has done with Ptch to showcase stories at games, press conferences, athlete activities, and behind the scene footage of UofL sports.
  • Associated hashtags with the team at the Sugar Bowl Game:  Not only does UofL list the various hashtags that will be used for fans and others for UofL, but they made sure to note the #Sugar2013 hashtag as one that will be used by both UofL fans as well as Florida fans.  This was key to note especially making sure to tag the various Twitter updates along with pictures from Instagram and Ptchs. & in
  • Putting a face on UofL Sports & Social Media:  While the FB team and Coach Strong are going to be at the forefront of the Sugar Bowl Game of course, the face of the sports social media activity for UofL is Nick Stover, who is the Director of Social Media and Engagement for UofL Athletics.  You can follow Nick’s activities on Twitter, Ptch, and Instagram under the hashtag @ULFlyingCard for the latest updates, conversations, and notices related to UofL football and other athletic teams.

In summary, I think UofL is really doing a great job in not only connecting with their audiences through social media, but they are focusing on the overall strategy and implementation of each of these tools as well.  Plus, it is good to see UofL focusing on showcasing the individual stories, experiences, and conversations of everyone involved in the UofL community in real-time all together on a centralized location is also very good.

A big shout out to the UofL social media team for creating this great social media strategy and I am looking forward to following the conversations and updates from New Orleans.! 🙂

Have a great day!

Best Wishes,

Karen