Why Mobile-First is essential in the competitive world of sports

In today’s sports world, fans expect quick and easy access to updates, tickets, and content. More and more fans rely on their devices to stay connected to their favorite clubs, sports clubs can no longer afford to overlook the importance of a mobile-first approach. By focusing on mobile usability, clubs can improve the fan experience, simplify stadium access, and support sustainability goals—all while meeting fans where they already are: on their phones. 

Why Mobile is Essential for Sports Fans

Fans use their phones for everything—from checking match schedules to buying tickets and following live updates. Sports organizations need to adapt to these habits, ensuring their platforms are designed to work seamlessly on mobile devices. A mobile-first strategy offers clear benefits:

• Quick Access to Information: Match schedules, live scores, and team updates are all at fans’ fingertips.
• Simpler Ticketing Processes: Digital tickets eliminate delays caused by lost or damaged passes and speed up stadium entry.
• A Better Fan Experience: Mobile platforms allow for live stats, replays, and updates that keep fans connected before, during, and after games.
• Sustainability Benefits: Moving away from physical tickets and passes reduces unnecessary paper and plastic waste.
  
  

The Challenges Clubs Face

Many sports clubs struggle to make the switch to mobile-first platforms due to outdated systems or fragmented digital tools. N.E.C., a professional football club from Nijmegen, faced these same challenges. They recognized that their digital platforms needed to be more streamlined, user-friendly, and aligned with their fans’ needs.

What N.E.C. Achieved by Prioritizing Mobile

N.E.C. made the move to a mobile-first platform, transforming how fans interact with the club both on matchdays and beyond. Key improvements included:

• An Improved Mobile Experience: Fans can now easily access match details, stats, and updates on their phones.
• Faster Stadium Access: By introducing a ticketing app with biometric features, N.E.C. reduced waiting times at gates and eliminated the need for physical tickets.
• A More Sustainable Approach: The shift to digital tickets has already reduced plastic waste significantly, with thousands of fans opting for the app over physical passes.

Since launching, over 70% of season ticket holders have adopted N.E.C.’s ticketing app, showing how a mobile-first approach can drive real change.

What Sports Clubs Can Learn

N.E.C.’s experience offers valuable lessons for other sports organizations looking to improve their digital experience:

1. Meet Fans Where They Are: A mobile-first platform ensures fans can access everything they need easily, anytime, anywhere.
2. Simplify Stadium Entry: Digital tickets and features like biometrics make entering the stadium faster and more efficient.
3. Engage Fans Beyond Matchday: Offer stats, live updates, and interactive content to keep fans connected year-round.
4. Reduce Waste: Moving to digital tools supports sustainability goals by cutting down on physical materials.
   
   

Ready to Improve Your Digital Experience?

Take the next step. Download our UX Checklist or check out the full case today to make your digital platforms work better for your fans.