Nashville SC – Leveraging AI for Fan Sentiment Analysis
In collaboration with Vanderbilt Data Science, Nashville SC undertook a project aimed at enhancing their understanding of fan sentiment through the analysis of social media discussions. By applying advanced AI techniques, the project provided detailed insights into how fans perceive the club compared to other professional sports teams in Nashville. These findings have been instrumental in guiding Nashville SC’s strategies for engaging with their fanbase more effectively.
Fan Sentiment Analysis Presentation
The project results were presented by two data science students who showcased the methods used to extract and analyze fan sentiment from Reddit, a popular platform for sports discussions. This analysis gave Nashville SC a clearer picture of public opinion and helped identify key areas where fan engagement could be improved.
Project Highlights:
In the fall of 2023, two students utilized Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis (ABSA) and Generative AI to analyze over 3,600 Reddit threads discussing Nashville SC and other local sports teams. The analysis focused on several key aspects of fan sentiment, including:
- Purpose: To use AI to analyze and understand fan sentiment, providing actionable insights to improve Nashville SC’s engagement strategies.
- Techniques: The project involved using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and AI models to evaluate discussions related to team performance, stadium atmosphere, pricing, and more.
- Applications: The findings were used to develop targeted strategies for enhancing fan experience and engagement.
Session Insights:
- The analysis revealed that the overall sentiment around Nashville SC was positive, especially regarding the stadium atmosphere at Geodis Park.
- Fan engagement on Reddit increased significantly following wins, indicating that match outcomes directly influence the level of fan interaction.
- There was minimal discussion of Nashville SC’s major brand partners, suggesting opportunities for greater visibility and marketing efforts.
Project Data:
The project produced several key data visualizations, including sentiment analysis histograms and tables. Below is one of the primary visualizations from the project:
This collaboration between Nashville SC and Vanderbilt Data Science underlines the potential of AI to alter sports organizations’ understanding of engagement with their fanbase. The project’s success not only provided Nashville SC with applicable data but also emphasizes the potential for continued innovation in sports franchise analytics via data-driven intelligence models.