Baseball: 5 million downloads in a week for MLB smartphone apps

The apps, "At the Ballpark" and "At Bat" by MLB (Major League Baseball, the USA’s professional baseball organisation) were downloaded over 5 million times between 31/03 and 07/04/2014, the league announced. Both apps have been updated for the start of the MLB’s season on 22/03/2014.

"At the Ballpark" aims to improve the spectator experience at matches. The free app connects to Apple’s iBeacon geolocalising tag at the entrance of stadiums. An interactive map of the stadium shows nearby facilities (food stands, toilets, parking). "At the Ballpark" also provides real-time information to fans. The app gives fans the opportunity to buy tickets to the next game and allows franchises to send spectators promotional offers for products available at the game.

The paid app At Bat (€2 per month) gives instant access to highlights from exclusive camera angles. The service is also available through MLB’s web-TV, and has generated over 94 million views in the first week since its launch (31/03 to 07/04/2014), an increase of 88% compared to the 2013 season.

• Of the 30 MLB franchises, 20 already…