Julia Frank

The atmosphere at a hockey game is electric, but it’s the sense of community that keeps fans coming back—and inclusion plays a vital role in creating that feeling. Games are already interactive as we scream at the players from the stands or from the couch in our living room. No matter where you are, you want to feel included in the game. I wanted to talk about a couple of ways that may make some fans feel more included on a game day. 

Game day from a fan’s perspective 

Don’t you want to know how a fan gets ready for a game and experiences it? Well I would for a couple reasons. First off, I am nosey and want to know what others do on game day, and secondly I think it would include more people. It doesn’t necessarily have to be someone that is going to a game, it can be what they do to prepare to sit in their recliner and yell at the players on TV. My thought behind this is that not everyone can go to a game, but they may want to feel included. If the Avalanche social media team were to have people enter to show off their game-day routines, it could make those who aren’t able to go to the game feel included. They could also do it for someone who is going to the game. It could be in the format of a daily vlog posted to stories or as a reel. Or it could be pictures from the day sent in with captions for each picture for the Instagram story. 

Meaningful Video Stories

Another way to include people is through video submissions of people who have been affected in one way or another by the Avalanche. This could be on so many different topics:

• What made you an Avs fan?
• Has there been an initiative that impacted you?
• Why do you like being an Avalanche fan?
• How has the Avalanche community been there for you?

These are a few questions that could be asked. You never know if having a community within sports is truly helping them get through a difficult season of life or if you met your best friend at a random game. I am sure there are people who have felt the impact of having hockey in their life and would want to share how it has shaped them. I love going to games to feel the energy around me and be a part of something bigger. 

Of course, there are a ton of other ways for fans to be involved through the game in silly ways. But I would like to see more engagement from fans outside the arena.