Klout Influencers Share in the Sacramento Kings Hoops Action

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of people around the world will be at the center of the action when the Sacramento Kings take on the Dallas Mavericks in basketball next week — but they won't actually be at the game in person.

A small group of online "influencers" will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience during the December 4 basketball game at ARCO Arena in Sacramento. As they watch the play-by-play action from the best seats in the house, the thousands of people who follow each of them on Twitter and other social media platforms will experience the roar of the crowd and the thrill of the game right along with them.

"We're always looking for ways to reach new fans, and this experience is a great way to get the word out about all the fun and amazing things about a Kings game at ARCO Arena," says Mitch Germann, vice president of marketing and communications for the Sacramento Kings.

Klout, the company that rates social media users based on their influence on specific topics, organized the experience for the Sacramento Kings. As part of its Klout Perks program, Klout will identify 25 invitees who have high Klout Scores and who tweet actively about the Sacramento Kings or are well-known Sacramento-area business leaders.

These registered Klout members will receive an offer shortly before the date of the game to participate in the event. And that's when the fun begins.

Hosts will greet the 25 participants when they arrive at the arena, and the guests will meet a Kings player and win great Kings prizes during a pregame reception. Then they'll watch the game from the Kings' amazing box seats, with great court views and in-seat food and beverage service.

The influencers will also participate in activities throughout the game. Some will hang out in the Courtside Corner 3-Point Party or in the Kings SWAT Team section – the interactive fan experience areas. Others will sit along the court during pre-game as part of the Sideline Star Watch. A few select Klout guests will participate in on-court contests during time-outs and breaks throughout the game. One lucky participant will also sit in and observe Coach Paul Westphal's post-game press conference.

A special welcome will be displayed on the KingsVision video screen during the game, and the influencers will pose for a photo with a Kings player after the game. Participants will also receive Kings shirts printed with a place to add their Klout Score.

Participants are not required to write or post about their experience, but based on their history and personality, they most likely will. "These influencers have tremendous online reach – they live to talk on Twitter," says Garth Holsinger, vice president of global sales and business development for Klout. "The buzz comes in the form of a huge conversation on Twitter, Facebook and other major social networks."

Holsinger says that this kind of Klout Perks "experience" is a natural fit for sports teams that want to build loyalty among their existing fans and reach new fans. "Sports players and fans are highly engaged on social media. This is a good way to show off the amazing experience of a Kings game and introduce new people to the team," he says.

For the Sacramento Kings, an NBA team that actively uses social media for interacting with fans, the Klout Perks promotion offers a chance to share the excitement of a Kings game through the perspective of people who are already generating conversations and changing minds online.

"We want the people we invite to have such a wonderful experience that they want to do it again — and that they want to tell their friends, families and contacts about it, so they can experience the thrill of a Kings game as well," says Germann.

About Maloof Sports and Entertainment

Maloof Sports & Entertainment includes the Sacramento Kings and ARCO Arena. Owned by the Maloof family with long-term, local partners, the organization is committed to being a contributing member of the Sacramento community. Teaming up with local leaders and non-profit organizations to give back to those in need throughout the region, MS&E has donated millions of dollars to charity in 11 years of Maloof family ownership. For more information about Maloof Sports & Entertainment, please visit kings.com, arcoarena.com or call 916-928-0000.

About Klout

Klout measures influence across the social web. Using its core technology, Klout analyzes social network user data and identifies influential individuals based on the impact of their opinions, links, recommendations and other online content. Klout then provides innovative tools to allow companies, including major brands such as Disney, Audi, Nike and Fox, to interact with interpret this valuable influencer data. Klout is a privately held company based in San Francisco, Calif.

SOURCE Klout