In this particular instance, Periscope\u00a0offers\u00a0nice way for fans to get an inside look at Wimbledon from one of the most popular players today. It’s an interesting move from the Wimbledon executives, which worked with IBM to\u00a0create special mobile apps and an interactive website. On a side note, IBM seems to have carved out\u00a0a nice niche for itself in the sporting world, having built similar technology at golf’s US Open and Masters tournaments earlier this year.<\/p>\n
While Federer will be using Periscope, fans are prohibited from live streaming any action from the stands. The All England Lawn Tennis Club, which also banned selfie sticks, has made it pretty clear that live streaming apps like Periscope aren’t allowed at the tournament.<\/p>\n
But as we noted with the IBM partnership, that doesn’t mean the club is turning away technology. Along with the apps and website, officials also have plans to create content for Snapchat\u00a0and are running hashtag promotions\u00a0on Facebook and Twitter. Even iBeacon technology is being used at this year’s tournament.<\/p>\n
Periscope has certainly made a dent in the sports world.\u00a0We explored how Periscope could impact sports\u00a0leagues\u00a0in April and found that most executives are generally against fans and reporters using the app\u00a0due to the exclusive, lucrative\u00a0TV broadcast\u00a0rights already in place with big networks.<\/p>\n That was certainly true with the PGA Tour, which revoked Stephanie Wei’s credentials\u00a0after the golf blogger used Periscope to live-stream a practice round earlier this year. When we caught up with Wei at the US Open at Chambers Bay earlier this month, she\u00a0noted how\u00a0technology like Periscope can help generate more attention for golf, particularly during practice rounds that aren’t broadcast on TV.<\/p>\n “I don’t think it hurts the rights holders,” she said. “I\u00a0think it only helps promote the tournament, especially if it’s just during a practice round leading up to the tournament. It only promotes the Tour and the brand.”<\/p>\n Perhaps the same could be said for what Wimbledon is doing with Federer tomorrow, but remember, in this instance, it’s still the All England Lawn Tennis Club controlling the content versus some reporter or fan.<\/p>\n