NHL Puck Drops on Foursquare for 2010-2011 Season

Check-in with the NHL on Foursquare

Today the National Hockey League (NHL) announced that they have become the first professional sports league with a consistent presence on Foursquare.

The announcement coincides with the launch of the 2010 NHL Season and the NHL Face-Off, the October 7 opening day hockey and entertainment festival at Dundas Square in downtown Toronto featuring performances by Hedley, Down With Webster and Hey Rosetta!

NHL fans attending the Face-Off in Toronto can use their mobile device to check-in on Foursquare. The NHL has added tips and clues that will provide ‘insider’ information to fans, and will also point them to secret locations in Dundas Square where NHL representatives will give away prizes such as free subscriptions to the NHL GameCenter.

Fans will be able to take part in the 2010-11 NHL season opening celebration at Dundas Square and enjoy the free performances and a host of other activities, starting at noon.

The NHL has stated that “throughout the 2010-11 season, fans who check-in at select NHL games and events will have access to tips and facts featuring memorable moments in NHL history, as well as other unique content, discounts, incentives and rewards.”

While the Washington Redskins of the NFL have their own presence on Foursquare, this becomes the first complete integration by any professional sports league.

“Whether watching at home with a few friends, or attending a game with a few thousand, sporting events, by their nature, are social,” said Perry Cooper, the NHL’s senior vice president of digital media.  “Social media platforms like Foursquare are bringing down the geographic walls around the social elements of the fan experience.”