Utah Jazz last week announced the live broadcast of its open practice over Zoom, taking place over the weekend.
Faced with the prospect of possible further uncertainties this year, professional sports teams across the US are getting creative with innovative approaches. For its annual open practice this year, Utah Jazz has welcomed technological innovation to give unprecedented access to its fanbase.
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For the first time ever, Utah Jazz announced the live broadcast of the team’s practice on a large-scale, groundbreaking video stream from the Zions Bank Basketball Campus in Salt Lake City.
The Oct 2 live stream, themed “Utah Jazz Open Practice on the Road To Tipoff,” allowed 50,000 fans worldwide to tune in for free via Zoom from the team’s website.
During the event, fans were able to watch head coach Quin Snyder and members of the Utah Jazz work out. Furthermore, fans were able to see new design elements inside the practice facility, live interviews, pre-recorded features, and guest commentary.
The event is a powerful example of bringing content directly to fans and will provide Utah Jazz fans unprecedented access to players and coaches.
“We are always focused on connecting with our fans and finding unique technology to bring unprecedented access to our players and coaches,” said Ryan Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz.
“We are excited to partner with Zoom to leverage its innovative platform to stream practice for the first time in our history. We live in a hyper-connected world and the demand for direct-to-consumer content is growing stronger and stronger. This experience begins a new chapter of fan engagement and direct-to-consumer content.”
“We’re proud to join forces with the Utah Jazz to live stream an open practice to fans across the world,” said Brendan Ittelson, chief technology officer at Zoom. “It’s an exciting time to be in technology when our innovation is helping to transform experiences and connect the world. This is a groundbreaking opportunity to bring unique and interesting content directly to fans regardless of location. Now not only local fans can be part of this premier experience, but Jazz fans from across the globe have an opportunity to participate.”
In recent years, the Utah Jazz has also held an in-person open practice on its homecourt at Vivint Arena, conducted a surprise appearance at a local high school assembly in West Valley City, and played for military personnel and their families at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden.
Featured image: Utah Jazz on Twitter