Edmonton Oilers Engage Their Content-Hungry Fans
By Jennifer P
The blog post from LiveU details the evolution of the Edmonton Oilers’ digital media strategy under the stewardship of Ryan Hyrcun, the Manager of Video Production. Initially, the team focused on engaging their fanbase through social media channels, providing exclusive content and updates. This approach laid the groundwork for the launch of Oilers+, a streaming platform designed to offer fans even more immersive experiences, including behind-the-scenes access, live shows, pre/post-game coverage, and press conferences. Recognizing the potential for growth and revenue generation, the Oilers sought to enhance their live content delivery solution, eventually opting for LiveU over their previous transport solution, based on its user-friendly interface and enhanced functionality.
Following the adoption of LiveU technology, the Oilers witnessed a significant uptick in both subscriber numbers and revenue. With a subscription model spanning 12 months, the Oilers+ OTT platform saw its subscriber base grow from 10,000 to over 20,000 within the span of a year, resulting in revenue exceeding $1 million. This surge in subscriptions directly correlated with the team’s increased production of live content for the platform.
However, the Oilers faced new challenges as they sought to expand their live coverage, particularly for special events such as the NHL Heritage Classic. Held in Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium, this outdoor game presented logistical hurdles, as the team desired full coverage independence from the venue’s connectivity limitations. In response, the Oilers implemented a Remote Production workflow, with LiveU technology at its core. By deploying an LU800 field unit and LU300S field encoder, the team was able to capture live content from various locations throughout the stadium and transmit it back to their production control room at Roger’s Place in Edmonton. This innovative solution enabled the Oilers to deliver seamless, high-quality coverage of special events and enhance fan engagement through immersive, behind-the-scenes content.
Learn more about LiveU LU800 HERE
Learn more about LiveU LU300S HERE
Learn more about LiveU HERE