For a side that only joined Twitter eight months ago, Manchester United are certainly pushing the boundaries of social media.
The footballing heavyweights have announced that during their huge upcoming clash against rivals Liverpool next month they will be livestreaming fans on Google+ via the pitchside hoardings usually reserved for advertising.
The experiment is entitled ‘Front Row’. The way it works is that international fans can upload a photo of them showing their fervent support of United to Google+, tagging them #MUFrontRow. The chosen few will then be invited to a Google Hangout for the duration of the crunch tie against Liverpool at Old Trafford on the 16th March, with their livestreams broadcast around the advertising hoardings which encircle the pitch.
It’s been United’s toughest season in years, but one thing the club can always count on is a dedicated, unwavering overseas following. This is a unique opportunity, both technologically and anthropologically. If it works, who knows what direction sport and social media could take next.
