Van Andel Arena Ranks #4 in Latest Venues Today Social Media Power 100

Venues Today, a leading trade publication covering the business side of the sports and entertainment industry as it relates to venues, recently released its latest Social Media Power 100 (SMP100) list highlighting the top venues in the social media realm around the world. Grand Rapids’ own Van Andel Arena makes an appearance on the list at #4 for all venues with a capacity between 10,001 and 15,000.

Ahead of Van Andel Arena are Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario, who tops the list for mid-sized venues, followed by the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and the SMG-managed Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.

Venues Today uses pre-determined criteria to measure a venue’s presence on what they refer to as the ‘big three’ digital platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) as well as check-in data from Foursquare/Swarm to measure fans’ on-site social media engagement. The end result is a social media score used to rank all venues. The complete Venues Today SMP100 list can be found here.

Since Van Andel Arena opened its doors for the first time nearly 18 years ago, social media has swelled in popularity and is more prevalent today than ever. The traditional methods of marketing and advertising are no longer sufficient as an entire strategy. The SMP100 list has shown social media’s importance as a companion to press releases, traditional media, and other promotions. The staff at Van Andel Arena has worked hard to stay up on trends and be sure they are at the front of
a rapidly changing media landscape, and their presence on this list appears to show they are on the right track.

You can stay up to date on Van Andel Arena news by liking their Facebook page and following them on Twitter@VanAndelArena and Instagram @VanAndelArenaGR.

GR Griffins Announce Summer Photo Contest on Facebook

Grand Rapids Griffins fans are invited to enter the team’s summer photo contest by submitting photos via the Griffins’ Facebook page of themselves, friends and family sporting Griffins gear (hats, shirts, jerseys, etc.) in Grand Rapids and beyond.

Prizes will be awarded for the most unique photos, the most people in a photo sporting Griffins gear, and the photos taken the farthest from Grand Rapids. Three winners in each category will receive autographed Griffins memorabilia, while the grand prize winner in each category will also receive the opportunity to take pictures from between the benches during one period of a Griffins 2010-11 regular season game.

To enter, simply “like” the Griffins’ fan page at facebook.com/grgriffins and upload your photos to their wall, making sure to include important details such as who is in the picture and when and where the picture was taken. Winners will be announced on Aug. 30.