I dont get it, so is it like a press box for the social media and blog writers?

Well, no. Presumably, they’d be monitoring this so if someone has a question or a complaint, they can go directly to someone in the front office.

They should just stick to the "free hat day" promotion

They can do both.

You’re right. You don’t get it. It’s about free publicity and social/ viral marketing for “fans of today.” This blog is an example of free publicity, as well, and it does what the Star-Ledger and The Record cannot.

The Devils are the most consistent and most successful sports franchise in the past fifteen years. Only other candidates: Patriots, Steelers, Yankees, the Red Wings, and Manchester United.

New Jersey, itself the first or second wealthiest state in the nation (per capita), struggles to assert it’s identity beyond the scoffing, scornful, entitled image-makers on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. (Incidentally, half of them are from NJ suburbs). NJ is hamstrung by problems we all know, like images of boring suburbs, urban decay, widespread corruption by partisan hacks, and idiotic meatheads. But, in large part, it is a wonderful place to live.

The Devils – like NJ – are squeezed between two major media and sports markets, and often struggle to maintain the fan base despite the teams success. It’s image on the ice is impeccable – disciplined, hard-working, defensive-minded, repletely professional – but its image by the public at large is… what exactly?

I can’t speak to what the Raggers fans think of the Devils, because their loyalty to their grandfather’s franchise makes as much sense as their loyalty to their grandfather’s church: the loyalty is unwavering and they do not demand results. Consequently, the unsuccessful franchise lumbers on with many patrons; the high ticket and merchandise sales continue flowing even while the GM and owners are unaware that their arena is crumbling.

But what does the public at-large think about the Devils? How can the Devils hold onto the casual fan? And how can the Devils cement themselves into the lives of their hardcore fans before, during, and after the game? Through social media and smart-phone access to team notes and fan features.

P.S. As a side note, the NHL is probably the most digital media & video-integrated professional sports league around. The NHL website and “On the Fly” will show you what I mean. Indeed, the sport of hockey lends itself to quick clips of exciting hits, scores, and saves. It is for this reason that NHL Chief Operating Officer John Collins is, in my book, such a rising star and is hopefully going to replace Gary Bettman within 3-5 years.

My guess is yes. The organization knows about this site and this goes hand in hand with what thing does (monitor social media).