BBC and Foursquare Team Up for 6 Nations Rugby
BBC AMERICA and location-based mobile platform Foursquare are teaming up to help Foursquare users discover the best spots for 6 Nations Rugby watch parties.
Every year across the globe, people unite in pubs and restaurants to watch RBS 6 Nations Rugby Championship matches, one of Europe’s biggest annual sporting events.
BBC AMERICA is elevating its coverage this year with digital partnerships and broadcasting five live matches wrapped with new pre- and post-game shows, beginning with 2010 Champion France versus Scotland on Saturday, Feb. 5, 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT.
Perry Simon, general manager, Channels, BBC Worldwide America commented: “Teaming up with Foursquare is the perfect way to connect BBC AMERICA’s 6 Nations coverage with the U.S. rugby community, and to help new viewers suffering from NFL withdrawal learn how to appreciate this great sport.”
Foursquare users can follow BBC AMERICA at Foursquare.com/BBCAMERICA to discover tips at over 100 rugby spots all over the U.S. and at key locations in the six host countries of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.
Users can unlock the “BBC AMERICA Rugby” badge by checking into rugby institutions, share their own tips with #Watch6Nations and post their party photos.
Recently, mobile social networking application Foursquare had partnered with a team of political strategists, designers and activists to release the official “I Voted” badge in conjunction with launching a real-time visualization of check-ins for Election Day. (Read: Say ‘I Voted’ with Your Foursquare Badge)
In another unique application of Foursquare, NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock became the first person to “check in” from space.
Wheelock’s check in to the space station launched a partnership between NASA and Foursquare to connect its users to the space agency, enabling them to explore the universe and discover Earth. (Read: Social Networking from the Outer Space)
“One of the most powerful aspects of Foursquare is its ability to guide users to new experiences based on their interests,” said Jonathan Crowley, director of Business Development for Foursquare.
The partnership with Foursquare is part of BBC AMERICA’s expanded coverage of 6 Nations, which includes the new pre- and post-game shows and digital content produced by Embassy Row.
Foursquare activity is being supported by on-air promotion, a Public Viewing Locales feature on BBCAmerica.com and a national sports bar marketing/promotion campaign in partnership with Bottle Rocket Marketing Group.
Sports bars in BBC AMERICA’s top markets are being blanketed with promotional messaging to watch the broadcasts and engage with BBC AMERICA on Foursquare.
In the 6 Nations Rugby, the national rugby teams of England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy and Wales vie for the championship over seven intense weeks.
BBC AMERICA‘S 6 NATIONS SCHEDULE:
2010 Champion France vs. Scotland (in Paris)
Saturday, February 5, 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
Scotland vs. Wales (in Edinburgh)
Saturday, February 12, 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
England vs. 2010 Champion France (in London)
Saturday, February 26, 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
Calcutta Cup – England versus Scotland (in London)
Sunday, March 13, 10:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. PT
Millennium Trophy – Ireland versus England (in Dublin)
Saturday, March 19, 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT
BBC AMERICA released this information Tuesday, Feb. 1.
Photo courtesy: BBC AMERICA
