EMMA PHILLIPS / CONTRIBUTOR

Last week, the University launched a new mobile app called “USD Toreros.” The athletics external affairs team and athletic director  brainstormed  ways to elevate fans’ game day experiences.

Athletics collaborated with the Information Technology Services department to create the platform. The app consists of various features intended to streamline the process of learning about the teams  and   watching   their   games. In a   statement  to The USD Vista,  USD  Athletics explained    what    their  focuses are.

“Students, faculty, and staff can access and scan tickets directly from their phones, check live scores and statistics, follow their favorite teams or athletes, and receive real-time alerts about upcoming games, giveaways, and campus promotions,” USD Athletics stated. “It  also  connects   directly to video streams, team social media, and official merchandise as well. For students, it’s a great new way to elevate our school spirit and stay connected with campus life. For faculty, staff, and alumni, it’s a convenient way to feel part of the Torero community wherever they are.”

The app consolidates these different aspects to one platform. However, some students feel that this is not needed. USD first-year Keira Salinas shared her opinion on the new app.

“We already get texts that say ‘go to the Jenny Craig Pavilion’ for an event that is going on,” Salinas said. “I would much rather follow an account on Instagram that says ‘hey, here is some information about it’ because I don’t want the app to take up storage.”

Although the app does not relay additional information that is not already available to the community, USD Athletics explained that one of their goals was to make the information easier to access. 

“As digital engagement became   increasingly     important, we  recognized a clear need for a centralized hub that keeps the entire USD campus and fans connected in real time,” USD Athletics stated. “The app is part of a broader effort to modernize our communication and fan experience, ensuring that USD Athletics remains accessible, engaging,  and   forward  thinking.”

USD  first-year  Lauren  Mohan spoke on her stance on how the app may affect USD’s sports culture.

“It could help with sports culture because  it  makes  it  seem more  of  a  big  deal,” Mohan said. “It’s  organized  and we have a whole app for it, so it is pushing for a leg in school spirit At the end of the day, I don’t think that it’s going to make a big impact unless [it is being used by] the families that travel to campus to watch the sporting events so it’s more for that demographic. Whereas if students want to go to a game with their friends they will just casually go.”

Salinas talked about how she does not attend many USD games because she lives across campus. 

“I   think   [a   reason   I  don’t go to  sporting  events]  is   because I live so far  away  from the  JCP  and I don’t  have  a  reason to go all the  way over there just for a game,” Salinas said. 

Mohan stated that the app will likely not affect how much she goes to games. 

“If   I’m   going   to   a game it’s  just   because  I’m  going  out with my    friends   so  the  app doesn’t   affect  whether I  go or not,” Mohan  stated.   “You want to  go   because it’s a fun event not   necessarily for the event. I’m  going to eat  food and take pictures   with  my  friends.”

The USD Toreros mobile app can be downloaded on the App Store. 

The app is available to everyone via the App Store. Hailey Howell/The USD Vista