Tennis fans are closer to the action than ever at the US Open, thanks to new features at the USOpen.org site. Interactive Draw, for example, allows fans to track a favorite player through the draw and to switch to a specific match in real time with point-by-point scoring. Other features "push" scores and other news to mobile devices or send text alerts for breaking news.
IBM, the official technology partner of the US Open, and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) teamed up to enable the innovations.
"Our 17-year partnership with IBM has allowed the USTA to continually deliver a unique and cutting-edge experience to all tennis fans," said Phil Green, Director, Advanced Media, USTA.
Technological improvements have also cut the web site's energy use dramatically from previous tournaments.
"This year we're taking steps to make this Open not only more fan-friendly, but environmentally-friendly as well. Reducing energy consumption while being able to increase services, is an important statement for our growing fan base," said Green.
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IBM and United States Tennis Association Go Green at the 2008 US Open (press release)