BU Unveils New Athletics Website
Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Elle Gunter
The Bluefield University athletic department has launched a new website, transforming the way fans and student-athletes connect with campus sports. The updated platform features a cleaner, more user-friendly layout and provides up-to-date coverage of all athletic programs.
First-year Sports Information Director (SID) Nick Cooper shared insight into the process behind the redesign.
“The new website was actually in construction before I got here in the fall, but I took over the project,” Cooper said.
According to Cooper, the previous site had become outdated and still included the “BC” domain from when the school was known as Bluefield College, prior to its transition to university status in 2022.
Several individuals contributed to bringing the new site to life, including former SID and current Dean of Students Kristen Parker, former Associate Athletic Director Jacob Key, Athletic Director Corey Mullins, and IT specialist Robbie Smith.
Cooper highlighted a few of his favorite new features on the site.
“I like the new homepage because there’s a lot going on,” he said. “It has a quick links option that shows the calendar, facilities page, and easy access to the gear store.”
Recognizing the importance of social media in collegiate athletics, the department also prioritized making the school’s social platforms and recent posts more accessible.
During the redesign, the university drew inspiration from other schools’ websites, including Columbia International University and Bluefield State University. However, the department aimed to preserve some familiarity by keeping the “Inside Athletics” tab, featuring the staff directory, Champions of Character, Rams alumni, and facilities information unchanged.
Cooper said he hopes the updated site helps boost visibility for Bluefield athletics.
“I hope when people look at it, they think it looks better and their eyes are drawn to it,” he said. “I think it will bring more traction as other schools see it and take from ours when it comes time to redesign their website.”
The university continues its partnership with SideArm Sports, which provides the hosting and gameday software to keep the athletic website running smoothly.
From game schedules and player stats to news updates and photo galleries, the new platform gives the Bluefield community an enhanced and streamlined way to stay connected to their favorite teams and student athletes.