The University of Cincinnati Bearcats are set to test a new artificial intelligence platform designed to elevate the experience for season ticket holders. Partnering with Lava.ai, a company specializing in AI-driven fan engagement, the university aims to introduce innovative solutions for customer service and data activation. The pilot program kicks off during the final men’s basketball home game on March 5 against Kansas State, with a full launch planned for the UC Bearcats football season in fall 2025.
Over the next two weeks, existing season ticket holders can anticipate exclusive offers and new benefits via email. Lava.ai already serves a roster of professional sports teams, including NFL franchises such as the Browns, Lions, Buccaneers, Broncos, Chargers, and Saints. In addition to the NBA, clients include the Nuggets, Kings, Trail Blazers, and Pelicans from the NBA, and the Avalanche and Islanders from the NHL.
Lava.ai’s platform provides athletic departments with resources to engage with various fan segments, from season ticket members to single-game buyers, alumni, donors, and students. The system offers digital rewards and personalized experiences. The Cincinnati Bearcats athletic program intends to use the integrated platform to enhance both in-person and online fan experiences.
“We are always looking for ways to serve our fans better, and LAVA will help us do that,” said Anthony Di Fino, Deputy Athletic Director for External Relations and Chief Revenue Officer. “The rate of change in the world of college athletics increases by the day, and having a tool like LAVA will not only help us be innovators in a space that requires innovation, but it will help us make gamedays even better for our fanbase.”
Dave Landa, LAVA’s Chief Business Officer, expressed excitement about the partnership: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the innovation-minded Cincinnati Bearcats Athletics team to bring professional-level fan engagement to college sports fandom. College fans are every bit as rabid and unique as pro fans, if not more, so they deserve the same level of personalized real-time engagement.”
