How do Packers fans #RunTheTable?

Boelter + Lincoln, Blog, Packers, Social Media

When it comes to fan experience, only one team with nearly 100 years of dedication, beer drinking, football-loving Americans has the liberty to say they’re The Best Fans in the NFL, according to Forbes.

It’s no surprise that Packers fans thrive on voicing their emotions via social media. Whether it’s a green and gold selfie or a Hail Mary reaction, Packers fans are sharing their thoughts digitally. In fact, Sunday’s Wild Card game between the Packers and Giants set the record for the most mobile data ever used in the holy land of Lambeau Field (the most Instagrammed place in Wisconsin in 2016), 1.2 terabytes to be exact, according to Fox 6 Milwaukee.

Back in late November, the 4-6 Packers were riding a 4-game losing streak when MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers stated he thought the Packers could “run the table” to get into the postseason. Seven games later, Rodgers and the Packers are owning the league – and so are its faithful fans.

As the Packers head south to take on the Dallas Cowboys in the premier matchup in the Divisional Round, it’s fascinating to observe how the fan experience has evolved.

From the beginning, fans have been on the hunt for the most immersive virtual experience. If you can’t be at the game in Arlington, what’s the next best thing? On Sunday, many will be indulging in cheese curds in front of at least one, if not two, 70-inch TVs with a tablet, laptop and cell phone in arms reach – satisfying the ever-real social media addiction.

In the past, you’d be lucky to get more than one or two angles of a successful Hail Rodg… er Hail Mary. Now you’ve got your pick of dozens of angles from various viewpoints thanks to fans in the stands uploading their videos of the Giant killer to social media. Coverage is available everywhere, all the time and in full replay – most likely blowing up your newsfeed.

Twitter, Facebook and a handful of other platforms, have created an incredible outlet for your neighbor (or in my case, brother) to be a verified sports commentator. They serve as an unconventional avenue for fans and athletes to connect. This experience allows digital natives to go head to head with opposing fans through real-time streaming.

While social media has done wonders for casual sports fans, granting an all-access pass into the latest scores and trends – the traditionalists who indulge in their green and gold caves listening to (or muting) Joe Buck and Troy Aikman’s commentary still exist.

Social media will continue to evolve as will the fan experience – how you interact is to be determined. Digital natives or traditionalists aside, how will you tune into the upcoming showdown between the Packers and the Boys?