App Best Practices for Winter and Spring Sports Seasons

Sports seasons bring higher traffic, more live updates, and higher expectations from fans. Your mobile app should be the fastest, most engaging place for supporters to follow every moment.

These best practices from SIDEARM Sports will help you spotlight games, increase engagement, and make sure fans never miss an update.

Each section explains why it matters and exactly how to set it up.

1. Add an image to every game for the Gameday tile at the top of the app

Why this matters

Games with images consistently receive more taps and engagement. Strong visuals help events stand out on the home screen.

How to set it up

If you are publishing a pregame story that's associated to the game in Associations/Rankings, the story’s Primary Image will automatically display as the default hero image for that event. If you don't have a pregame story, use the following steps:

1. Log in to your CMS.

2. Navigate to Schedules.

3. Edit the event you want to add an image to.

4. In the initial Game Information section, add an Event Image

5. Click Save Changes.

Tips

• Use a bold, center focused graphic
• Maintain a 16:9 ratio for consistency
• Avoid graphics with text or cluttered designs that are hard to read on mobile

2. Use Clips on the app home screen

Why this matters

Clip playlists provide quick, bite sized updates and give fans a reason to return to the app. They are ideal for highlights, short moments, and behind the scenes content.  Clips drive time in app, engagement and revenue through advertising.

How to set it up

1. Log in to your CMS.

2. Navigate to Video under the Clip Management section.

3. Create one by clicking Add Playlist or edit an existing one.

Tips

• Post throughout the day on gameday
• Share highlights, score updates, and reminders
• Refresh often so content feels current
• Reference the Clips help article for detailed setup guidance

3. Send strategic push notifications

Why this matters

Push notifications drive immediate action and are the fastest way to alert fans about gameday events, schedule changes, and breaking news. They can significantly increase live traffic and tune in rates.

How to set it up

1. Log in to your CMS.

2. Go to Mobile App under the Mobile App Settings section.

3. Go to Push Notification Scheduler.

4. Add a Title and Body.

5. Add a deep link to the Game Center, stream, or story.

6. Select audience or sport targeting.

7. Select Send Now or schedule for a later time.

8. Click Save.

Tips

• Keep messages short and clear
• Coordinate messaging across your organization
• Focus on value to avoid notification fatigue
• Link directly to relevant content
• Prioritize monetization messages: Hot market shopping, exclusive video drops, sponsored events and fan engagement, gameday reminders, ticket specials, etc.

4. Prioritize content in the More menu

Why this matters

The More menu is where fans go for quick access to supporting information, resources, and key destinations. Organizing it ensures the most important links are always easy to find.

How to set it up

1. Log in to your CMS.
2. Go to Mobile App under the Mobile App Settings section.

3. Go to the Navigation section.

4. Select Overflow from the Menu location? dropdown

5. Add or edit the items that will display in the MORE menu in the app.

6. Click Save.

Tips

• Include tickets, shop, donations, facility maps, parking, and calendars

• Remove outdated or off season links

• Review each season to keep it relevant

• When saving changes to your Overflow menu in the CMS, close and reopen your app to see the changes live

• You can nest entries to save space by grouping together common links by checking the box on the right side.

Seasonal checklist

Before your next gameday, confirm:

• Every game has a featured image

• Stories are live and updated

• Push notifications are planned

• The More menu reflects current priorities

Need help?

If you would like assistance reviewing your setup or planning your gameday strategy, contact your Partner Development representative or our Support team. We are happy to help.