Glenboro Minor Hockey offer their fans a “LiveBarn” experience
Times are changing, and so is the way we cheer on our local hockey players. Glenboro Minor Hockey fans can now catch all the action from anywhere, thanks to a new partnership with LiveBarn that brings live streaming to the local arena. The service, which launched in December, allows fans who can’t attend games in person to subscribe and watch remotely.
One question that quickly arose was whether this service might negatively impact attendance at local games. However, Glenboro Minor Hockey president Mark McGregor doesn’t believe it will hurt admissions. Instead, he sees it as a valuable option for those who live away or travel south for the winter, allowing them to stay connected and watch their kids’ or grandkids’ games from afar. It is also a great solution for individuals with mobility issues who may be unable to attend games in person.
The idea of offering this service came to McGregor after noticing that Wawanesa had signed up for it last year. He felt it was something Glenboro could also benefit from. “I looked into it last year; however, the internet service we had at the time wasn’t fast enough to support the system. Now that we have fibre optic service through RFNow, we have more than enough speed,” he explained.
Beyond live streaming, the service offers additional benefits. Games are recorded and available for viewing for 30 days, allowing players, coaches, and families to rewatch key moments. This archive feature also serves as a protective measure for referees, providing a clear record of gameplay in case of disputes or concerns. Users can also download 15-second clips, and viewers have the option to watch in panoramic mode or auto-play mode. While streaming is available via a web browser, McGregor noted that LiveBarn seems to function better through its app.
The camera is motion-activated, beginning to record as soon as movement is detected. Local administrators can set privacy modes, including a restricted access option or a blackout mode. Another unexpected advantage is the ability to track how often the rink is being used for general skating. “I was quite surprised at how many people were out there skating during the holidays and early in the new year,” McGregor said. LiveBarn even contacted him after noticing several days of zero activity – an unusual trend that was explained by multiple weather-related cancellations due to extreme cold and storms.
LiveBarn was created by parents, players, and coaches as a revolutionary way to experience youth sports worldwide. The company has been recognized with Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 award for three consecutive years (beginning in 2021), honouring the fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies in North America.
A basic LiveBarn subscription comes at a cost though; $23.95 USD per month, however users can apply the promo code GBRO-LIVE for a 10% discount. Additionally, Glenboro Minor Hockey will receive a quarterly kickback from subscriptions.
With the growing popularity of live streaming in sports, Glenboro Minor Hockey is embracing technology to keep fans connected – no matter where they are. Whether it’s for distant relatives, snowbirds, or those who simply can’t make it to the rink, LiveBarn ensures that every goal, save, and play can be experienced in real time or replayed later. And with the added benefit of supporting local hockey through subscription kickbacks, it’s a win for everyone involved.
