Bobcat athletics debuts redesigned website, new content management system

A redesigned website for Bobcat athletics, featuring a new content management system, gets its first game-day workout Tuesday night when men’s soccer takes on Maine Maritime Academy at 8 p.m. under the lights at Garcelon Field.

Coming on the heels of a major redesign of the overall Bates website in 2011, the new Bates athletics website, athletics.bates.edu, debuted with a soft launch on Aug. 1.

The site promises better and quicker delivery of what sports fans want: scores and schedules, statistics and roster information, and game stories and video.

“I think our fans will find the new website very attractive and current, and easier to find the information they’re looking for,” said Director of Athletics Kevin McHugh. “This is clearly a big step in the right direction for Bates athletics.”

Reflecting the rapid growth of smartphones, the site’s mobile version is similarly well-designed, responsive and easily navigated.

Created in partnership with PrestoSports, the new site takes advantage of membership in the Presto online network, says Sports Information Director Andy Walter.

“For example, as a Bobcat basketball game is underway in Alumni Gym, real-time updates and results will appear not only on the Bates site but also on nescac.com, d3hoops.com and the athletics websites of opponents who are Presto clients.”

Further advantages of the new site include better visual presentation of team statistics, a dedicated portal for video content, and easier ways to keep tabs on results and upcoming contests.