This spring season, the University of Central Florida (UCF) soccer team will put QR codes instead of numbers on the back of their jerseys (via SportsLogos.net). The team showed off their new clothes on Twitterwith large custom QR codes under their last name that you can scan to access player bios on UCF’s website.
In a video posted by UCF coach Gus Malzahn (who also stamped a QR code on his team) polo shirt) you can see exactly how the function works. Judging by the video, it appears that UCF will display players’ QR codes on the home stadium’s jumbotron as well.
Last year, the UCF Knights kept the numbers on the back of their jerseys, but changed their last name for Twitter handles. It’s probably best for the team to keep their last name this time around, as I could see how frustrating it could be for fans to search for a player’s Twitter handle — or jersey number — to find out their full name (if that is not the case) already in their handle).
You might not associate modern technology with a team named after a medieval soldier, but it sure is a creative use of the QR code and a smart way to promote players. I’m just not sure how well it will work if you actually watch one of their games.
When you’re in the stands, do you have to zoom extremely far on your phone while trying to track a QR code associated with a player sprinting across a field? And if you’re watching TV, should you just wait for a close-up? That’s probably why UCF decided to put QR codes on its jumbotron as well, but who knows if other stadiums will display the codes during away games.
This post UCF football team trades jersey numbers for QR codes
was original published at “https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/16/23028087/ucf-qr-codes-numbers-spring-game-football-uniforms”