Case Study: Calgary Flames App

Problems and Goals

With an endless sea of NHL team applications popping up on the market, the Calgary Flames wanted to create an app that stood out, engaging fans in the mobile space in a unique way. In addition to providing all things Flames in real time, offering a strong visual platform for sponsorship areas, as well as the ability to purchase tickets to NHL games was paramount. The Flames sought out Atimi to craft a high-polished app for both iPhone and BlackBerry devices that would offer more than the run-of-the-mill third party or amateur fan apps.

Solution

To ensure fans receive the most recent information instantly, Atimi designed an app that takes news, photos, and video directly from the league and the Flames Club. Working closely alongside the Flames team and sponsors, Atimi ensured the app was branded appropriately, while offering unique features to fans such as Box Score Game Breakdowns by periods, game reminders, and mobile hockey cards.

With the importance of sponsorship opportunities in mind, Atimi created banner and header areas that sponsors could brand in high-traffic areas. Interstitial ads, full page messages that come up between pages, were also implemented. Additionally, Atimi developed an interactive stadium map that allows users to pinpoint food, beverage, and retail vendors in the Scotiabank Saddledome Stadium, assisting in-house vendors and creating opportunities for future sponsorship. Ticket purchasing to NHL games was also made possible by directing users to a Ticketmaster page.

Results

The Calgary Flames app proved to be a huge success. With tens of thousands of users downloading the app across iPhone and BlackBerry devices, Atimi and the Flames club feel it was a great success:

• Featured by Apple in the App Store one day after its launch
• Appeared in the Great Canadian Apps Category of the App Store after one week
• Received news coverage and great reviews, including being highlighted by the Sports Advisory Group.

"It was critical for our first app launch to make a positive impression on fans, and Atimi knew exactly what it would it take to do so. They worked closely with our team and sponsors at every stage of the process. Within one week of launch, our app took several top spots in the App Store, and the impression on fans has proven to be very positive."

Jim Bagshaw, Vice President of Advertising, Sponsorship and Marketing with the NHL Calgary Flames