The #MACsketball Social Lounge provided a select group of fans the ability to network in their own private, Wi-Fi enabled suite. There were a total of 12-15 people in the suite each night of the MAC Basketball Tournament and those chosen were able to cover the games from a fan perspective. Fans across the MAC footprint were able to interact with one another in the suite as well as with other fans via social media platforms such as Twitter.
Fans were chosen based on an application process on MAC-Sports.com and were selected based on their love for MAC Basketball and social media. There were over 120 applications submitted this season and about 25 of those applicants were selected for the exciting opportunity to cover games just like any other media member. Those in the #MACsketball Social Lounge were provided with flip cards, game programs, game notes and a hashtag sheet so that they were able to join the conversation with other fans and talk about the games that evening.
Those providing commentary via Twitter were tied into the MAC-Sports.com website via the MAC Fan Zone page. Various topics that were covered during games by those on Twitter were the experience of the Social Lounge, the overall feel & atmosphere of Quicken Loans Arena and what was happening out on the court as the two teams competed for a chance at the MAC title.
“The #MACsketball Social Lounge was a huge success this season and something we hope to build upon in future years,” said MAC Director of Communications Jeremy Guy. “It was great to see all of the fans in the suite as they interacted with one another. From the response we received on Twitter you could tell everyone was having a great time.”
What those in the #MACsketball Social Lounge had to say about their experience (via Twitter):
@BrianPersky Was great to interact with MAC fans from other schools & enjoyed representing #WMU while visiting Cleveland #MACMadness
@Torborrrr7 The concept of having the #MACsketball Social Lounge was great! A lot of great tweets and fun memories came from suite 222!
@Adam_Kuffner Being the host of the #MACketball Social Lounge was an honor. Everyone enjoyed themselves, and the lounge will only get better!
@alexdsolis Having a chance to work the #MACsketball Social Lounge was great. Such a great way for fans to share their experiences at the Q!
@apokorny The Social Suite was a great mix of people from my own school as well as others. The melting pot made for a terrific experience.
@saideekristina Big thank you to @JGuyMAC for hosting the #MACketball Social Lounge! Great basketball, new friends, awesome time! :)
@Seel_Deal I could not have asked for a more electric Friday night than @MACsketball at Quicken Loans. Special thanks goes out to @JGuyMAC & @MACSports
@jnmentor Dad of 2 BGSU grads, enjoyed #MacMadness suite! Good mixture of different MAC schools. Every1 had great time.
@MikeWaterhouse Honored to have had the opportunity to be in the suite to watch the Ohio Bobcats clinch the MAC title. Good times w/ good people
@StepienRules I never truly knew the madness of MAC Basketball in March until I entered the #MACsketball Social Lounge this wknd-great experience
@ManUBuckeyeNick going to be awesome to see how you top this year's Social Media Lounge! Great to be picked out 125 people #LuckyMe #Honored
@MarissaNM Had a blast in the #MACsketball Social Lounge! Interacting with other MAC fans was great and can't say enough about The Q!
@ABAOSTO Excellent time in the Social Suite Sat w/ Another exciting MAC Game. Great atmosphere & Idea to promo the Conf
@ConnorKiesel first time at the MAC Tourney and it was up at the suite. Loved conversing with other MAC diehards and promoting the MAC through SM
@MelEyerman #MACsketball Social Lounge was awesome! Great game, great atmosphere, great tweeps! Wld def do it again, thx for opp #MACmadness