University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Launches New & Improved Website
July 23, 2009 | General
July 23, 2009
AMHERST, Mass. - The University of Massachusetts Athletic Department launched its new redesigned UMassAthletics.com website on Thursday as part of a joint partnership between the department and CBS College Sports, the leader in the production, hosting and marketing of collegiate sports web sites.
The site showcases many new features and new technology for UMass fans around the world. Along with the traditional news and information, the redesigned website seeks to spotlight all of UMass' 21 teams and student-athletes in more innovative ways.
Among the new highlights of the site are individual flash video players on every sport page. This allows each team to have its own customized look inside the program with video highlights, interviews and more.
"We are extremely proud of our new site and look forward to continuing to give UMass fans the best content and information every day," said Associate A.D. for Media Relations Jason Yellin. "In the ever changing world of technology we are trying to be ahead of the curve when it comes to video content and feel we are taking a big step with the site. We encourage fans to visit daily and to send us feedback when they get a chance. Whether it's ordering tickets or bidding on an auction, we want it to be easy for fans to get the best UMass has to offer."
Other features include a new online photo store produced in conjunction with ReplayPhotos. The store will feature the best photos of the present and past in UMass Athletics. It will offer fans a chance to purchase the photos in customized frames and canvas wraps in various sizes.
In seeking to allow fans a more inside look at the programs' coaches and student-athletes the site will showcase the "Student-Athlete Spotlight" at the bottom of the homepage. Four UMass players will be featured whether it is with a video, story or blog/diary.
Another new attribute will be a weekly chat session with a UMass personality starting with new head football coach Kevin Morris on Friday at 10 a.m. This will be the fans' chance to send in questions to their favorites at UMass.
In addition to the new photo store and the always well-stocked Online Team Store, the UMass Auctions feature has been re-launched and will run on a more consistent basis. This new auction showcases some of the best items from the 100 Seasons of UMass Basketball including a series beginning this week of the actual street banners that hung outside the Mullins Center this past year. Bidding starts at just $25.
UMassAthletics.com new/upgraded features
- Flash video and new flash video players on each team page
- New photo store featuring customized frames and canvas wraps
- New Ticket Central for single-game and season tickets
- Student-Athlete Spotlight showcasing UMass' best and brightest
- Weekly chat sessions with UMass personalities
- A site search engine at the top right corner of every page
- A more complete Upcoming Events module complete with coverage icons
- Enhanced auctions which will run continuously
- Easy to use icons and navigation at the top of every page
- A new tab for "Watch & Listen" providing the one place for all UMass game coverage
- New "Minute Matters" with specific information for Fans, Recruits and Alums
- New media libraries for videos for all teams
- New "Inside Athletics" tab provides one location for all information about UMass Athletics not included on team pages
