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IL1 Indianapolis Indians

Tribe's Official Web Site Had 724,855 Visitors In 2007

March 29, 2008 - International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


Harry Caray used to say, "nothing beats fun at the old ballpark." But if you can't get to Victory Field, www.IndyIndians.com provides the next best experience.

The Indianapolis Indians' web site features live video of all 72 home games, live audio of all 144 games, a highlights archive, photo galleries, on-line ticket options, game and promotional schedules, press releases, game notes, game recaps, e-mail newsletters and much more.

Last year, 724,855 fans checked out the site, making it one of the five most popular web sites in Minor League Baseball.

"IndyIndians.com is about building a bond with our fans and allowing people to be more connected," Indians Director of Marketing Chris Herndon says. "The actual games make up our core product. We are proud to offer high-level, professional baseball at an affordable price. While we will never be able to replicate that experience on the Internet, the web site still builds a stronger bond between our fans and team."

There are several attractions on IndyIndians.com, many of which were made possible and affordable through a partnership between the Indians and Baseball Advanced Media (BAM) -- the Internet technology company for Major League Baseball.

The Indians have added many Major League-like features to their web site since beginning the partnership in 2005. In-game features include multimedia technologies and pitch-by-pitch statistics.

Without BAM, some of the options would have been cost-prohibitive. "This creates economies of scale," Herndon says. "Now, we can get on-line quicker and more affordably."

The Indians have been quick to do just that. Nathan Blackmon, the BAM project manager who works with the Indians, says Indianapolis is "by far, one of our most proactive clubs about wanting to try new programs. They get what the Internet is all about."

Blackmon says the Indians were one of the first teams to sign on with MiLB.TV, which streams Minor League games. Because clubs in the International League now offer that service, the Indians are able to provide video feeds of some away games in addition to all home games. With assistance from BAM, the web site also gives fans coverage of Minor League playoff games, All-Star games, the amateur draft, Winter Meetings and other events that fuel professional baseball.

The Indians have seen their web site grow exponentially over the past few years. Not only has the volume of content increased, but fans can also buy and print out tickets from the comfort of their own home. Herndon says the number of on-line ticket orders jumped 37 percent from 2005 to 2007. Last season, 44 percent of Indians tickets ordered on-line were the print-at-home variety.

BAM integrated print-at-home tickets into IndyIndians.com after the site launched. The actual technology, called Ticketfast, is a product of the team's ticketing partner, Ticketmaster.

"That's really created a convenience for people," Herndon adds. "Previously, you could only buy tickets when the ticket office was open. Now, somebody can go on-line 24 hours a day -- at 3 a.m., if they want -- to buy tickets for the next home game. They don't have to wait for them in the mail, and they don't have to stand in a will call line."

The Indians see IndyIndians.com as an information center, a convenience for fans and a great way to stay connected with fans year-round.

"The Indianapolis club really gets it," Blackmon says. "They understand the Internet is a robust way to connect with your fans 24 hours a day. They've been happy with the video streaming, different ticket options, and all the things they can do on their web site. The bottom line is you want to give fans a chance to learn more, and a reason to come back."

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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