New, Interactive Signage - Check This Out!

The MetroRedLine, which links Hollywood/Highland and Universal in Los Angeles, recently launched a high-tech subway advertising tool. The subway line's digital advertising is the first of its kind in the United States and is expected to raise at least $240K per year for the Metro in an effort to keep costs down for consumers.

The new technology is an LED system composed of 360 digital strips that light up at timed intervals as the train passes the subway at 70mph. The result? A smooth-flowing video advertisement for films like Speed Racer and other corporate advertisements. Check out the clip below - this is amazing... and a great way for sports teams to target fans traveling to their games by rail/subway in the future!

Watching Sports in 3D HD?

Recent news circulating the sports marketplace has FSN Southwest scheduled to show the March 25th Dallas Maverics vs. Los Angeles Clippers game in 3D HD. The live 3D HD feed will be shown at the Landmark Theatres, a venue owned by Mark Cuban.

FSN's select 3D HD telecast will mark just the third time that this has ever occured. The NBA originated the idea in 2007 with an invite only event in Las Vegas for the All-Star game and the Cleveland Cavaliers hosted a 3D HD event for Game 2 of the NBA Finals, attracting 14,000 fans. To view the action, fans wear special goggles that enables them to see the 3D content and high definition picture. Reviews from those attending the 3D HD events have been astounding thus far (as the technology makes one feel like they are sitting courtside)

For more information on past 3D HD events, click on the following links:

• NBA All-Star Game telecast in 3D HD 
• The Cavaliers feature 3D HD for Fans at the Q
• Pace Technologies (Who Develops the 3D HD Software)

Media Watch:

• Over the years, television has gone from analog to cable to HD to...soon to 3D HD?
• Print media outlets recently unveiled 5D advertising. Through new paper engineering, sound chip technology, and aromatic printing techniques, print media will soon feature full, one-page advertisements that target consumers through an intimate three sensory mediums (sight, sound, smell). Currently, 5D cost approximately $2 per insert, a price that is figured to decrease as the 5D print technology becomes more mainstream. 5D technology will enable publishers to continue to battle the digital space for advertising dollars.

Engaging Consumers...At the Bar?

Picture yourself sitting at the bar, contemplating which beer to order next... Miller Lite? Bud Light? Coors Light? A new craft beer? How about the liquor collection perched behind the bartender, clamoring for your attention? Marketers, aware of this purchasing scenario, are realizing that simply having their product available is simply not enough. Today it was announced that Molson-Coors and Diageo have made a low-six-figure investment in The Bar Channel, a medium that provides targeted messaging to consumers through televisions at the bar. What, you say?

The Bar Channel is a closed-circuit Internet channel that provides broadcasts which feature special programs . The Bar Channel launched in Canada in April of 2007 and has quickly taken off, generating $600,000 in revenues across a network of 88 bars during its first year of existence. The Bar Channel has yet to reach the United States bar scene but is a form of technology that could quickly catch the attention of many if alcoholic beverage companies find value in using it as a marketing medium. Programming on the Bar Channel includes short clips of bloopers, exteme sports, and eye candy, but also has the capabilities of flashing local information, bar specials and logos, weather forecasting, training videos, and targeted messaging. Sponsors fill two (2) minute gaps in programming with customized ads and messaging.

The Going Rate for Ad Space? Bars are permitted to sell ten (10) ad spaces per month at $300 apiece.

Why is this important to you as a sports marketer?

• Understanding technology will help you leverage new opportunities for your sponsors
• The Bar Channel (or similar mediums) provides an avenue for you to directly target the 21-30 crowd in a relatively efficient manner
• Closed-circuit Internet channels at bars and the like provide new activation opportunities (link in a promotion where if the team scores, an ad instantly pops up on the television screen enabling consumers to enjoy a drink at a discounted price (sponsor tie-in))

... The opportunities are endless! The key is being able to identify and capitalize on these new forms of technology.

Click here for more information on The Bar Channel (Ad Age password may be required).