SportsMates, Inc. Teams Up with Chicago's Newest Sports Franchise
in the Fastest Growing Sport in the United States
The National Lacrosse League's Chicago Shamrox Embraces Social Networking
to Take Fan Interaction to the Next Level with Community and Live Chats
NOVATO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--January 23, 2007--SportsMates, Inc., the
global sports social network, announced today that it is operating the official
online community for the Chicago Shamrox, one of two new teams in the National
Lacrosse League in the 2007 season. According to Sports Illustrated, lacrosse
is the fastest growing sport in the United States.
"Building up a loyal fanbase and reaching out to new potential fans
is a priority for the Shamrox as we build our franchise. Our web strategy
is key to this and SportsMates provided us with the perfect community solution,"
said Connie Kowal, President of the Chicago Shamrox.
The Shamrox community on SportsMates, located at http://clubs.sportsmates.com/shamrox,
enables fans to discuss all things Shamrox and lacrosse on message boards,
share photos, post events and to connect with each other. Additionally,
the Shamrox hold live online chats with key members from the organization
and team every Thursday at 8 p.m. Central time. The first live chat occurred
on December 26, 2006. Thus far, the Shamrox have held live chats with Andrew
McKay, their scout, Kevin Loughery, Jr., one of the team owners, Jamie Batley,
the team's head coach and general manager, and Chris Panos, a veteran of
the National Lacrosse League and one of the Shamrox star players.
SportsMates is also powering the team's official blog, located at http://blogs.sportsmates.com/shamrox/.
Team President Connie Kowal, scout Andrew McKay and player Carter Livingstone
will all be contributing to the blog throughout the season.
"We believe it's crucial for sports teams to connect directly with
their fans and the SportsMates social networking platform provides an ideal
way to do this. We're excited and proud to be working with the Shamrox.
It's a unique opportunity to be involved with a new team in its first season,"
stated SportsMates, Inc. CEO Blair Cummins.
About SportsMates, Inc.
SportsMates, Inc. operates SportsMates (http://www.sportsmates.com),
the first sports-focused global online social networking service dedicated
to providing passionate sports fans a free, one-stop communications platform.
The company is pioneering innovative new business models designed to connect
fans, leagues, teams and sponsors.
About the Chicago Shamrox
The Chicago Shamrox are a new indoor professional lacrosse franchise
of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), who play their home games at the
Sears Centre arena, a brand new state-of-the-art sports facility in suburban
Hoffman Estates. The Shamrox season is 16 games, eight of which are at
home, which are all on weekend dates. Shamrox group ticket reservations,
team merchandise and information are available online at the official
website, http://www.chicagoshamrox.com.
Single game tickets start at only $15.
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