November 4, 2009 – In conjunction with the tip-off of the season, the Chicago Bulls announced today the introduction of four new interactive components aimed at providing Bulls fans with more access to the team, players and other fans. Working with local digital media expert Silver Chalice New Media and the NBA, the Bulls have launched a redesign of the team’s website Bulls.com and the additions of BullsTV, BullsConnect and TV Companion.
Bulls.com
In an effort to provide fans with a better online experience, the revamped Bulls.com features a cleaner, more dynamic design with improved functionality and ease of navigation. Additionally, the site now features a “Top Story” area with increased size to display larger photos and videos, enhanced areas to highlight the latest exclusive editorial pieces from Sam Smith and the Bulls Blog, and promotional space for ticket offers and United Center information.
BullsTV
BullsTV is the new video network created by the Bulls in-house production team providing fans with never-before-seen access to the team. BullsTV videos include insider game coverage and analysis, as well as original programming created to give fans exclusive access to the organization, the players and the live game experience at the United Center. Original BullsTV programming is produced and released throughout the week giving fans something new to watch every time they visit Bulls.com.
BullsConnect
The ultimate place for Bulls fans to connect with one another, the new official social network website of the Chicago Bulls – BullsConnect – is live today. Built using the latest cutting-edge social media tools from Pluck, fans can register at BullsConnect.com for free, create their own Bulls fan profile, upload and share photos and videos displaying their fandom, write their own blogs on the Bulls, and participate in message boards. In addition, the Pluck technology makes it possible for fans to connect with each other on BullsConnect as well as Facebook and Twitter.
TV Companion
During every game this season, fans can visit Bulls.com to launch the TV Companion application. The TV Companion offers fans a great way to become more engaged with the games while watching on TV, or in the event they don’t have access to the television broadcast. TV Companion displays up-to-the-second scoreboard and game action, a complete box score, interactive shot charts, and features allowing fans to post messages, chat with others and interact via popular social networks (including Facebook and Twitter). It is designed to provide fans with an in-arena experience and will also offer pregame media notes as well as video highlights at halftime and postgame.
“The web has evolved into a destination to watch videos, connect socially, and interact with information,” said Steve Schanwald, Executive Vice President of Business Operations for the Chicago Bulls. “Our newly designed Bulls.com and the launching of BullsTV, BullsConnect, and the TV Companion provides our fans unique access to the Chicago Bulls that cannot be found anywhere else.”