Allianz Stadium to get $10 million technology upgrade
Sydney’s sports fans will have access to high density Wi-Fi and a vast new Internet Protocol TV network at Allianz Stadium at the start of the 2015 NRL season and the A-League finals series.
The upgrade will make Allianz Stadium one of the most technologically advanced sporting venues in the world.
The Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust has approved the next phase of its innovative technological rollout by expanding the `connected stadium’ solution already in full operation in the SCG’s new MA Noble, Don Bradman and Dally Messenger stands.
Announcing the upgrade, NSW Sport and Recreation Minister Stuart Ayres stated “Wi-Fi and IPTV has already revolutionised the match day experience at the SCG and that same technology will be extended to Allianz Stadium.
“I congratulate the SCG Trust on fully funding this $10 million investment. It’s a great example of the private sector – Telstra, Cisco, OAMM and PMY - working closely with the SCG Trust to provide a world class technology upgrade to our stadium.”
By utilising the full capacity of the connected solution, the Trust will join world leading sporting organisations such as Real Madrid, New York’s Barclays Centre, Cowboys Stadium in Dallas and the Staples Centre in Los Angeles in assisting teams to manage venue theming, content and interactive experiences from a centralised control point.
The Trust will partner with world-leading integrated sport and events signage company Out & About Marketing And Media (OAMM) to fast-track the first stage of upgrading NSW’s favourite rectangular sporting venue.
SCG Trust Chief Executive Jamie Barkley said the $10 million investment would further establish the SCG and Allianz Stadium as world leaders in revolutionising fans’ match day experience, and provide a series of benefits that will enhance NSW’s favourite rectangular sporting venue.
Barkley stated “imagine walking in to Allianz Stadium and your smartphone alerts you to a free seat upgrade offer or being sent a food and drink voucher as a thank you for turning up to your third consecutive Waratahs, Roosters or Sydney FC match.
“That technology is months, not years away for the hundreds of thousands of fans who cheer on their teams at Allianz Stadium.
“Extending the connected stadium solution to Allianz Stadium allows the Trust to stay at the global forefront of modernising our spectators’ match day experience.”
The Trust is working with key partners to ensure that fans can access the Trust’s high density Wi-Fi network to use social media and keep up to date with statistics, replays and editorial content, all in real-time, high-definition on the latest smartphones and tablets.
The new match day digital application currently in development will also allow spectators to order food and beverages from their seat, just as they can in the SCG’s northern stand and be notified when their order is ready to be collected from dedicated express lanes.
NRL Chief Executive Dave Smith said high density Wi-Fi would add another dimension to matches at Allianz Stadium, adding “our aim is to give our fans the best possible game day experience and high density Wi-Fi will open up a range of entertainment and service opportunities for our fans.”
The $10 million infrastructure and technology project will further strengthen the SCG Trust’s partnership with world leaders in digital fan engagement, Sporting Innovations.
The Kansas City-based company’s software ecosystem, FAN360, transforms how sports teams use data and technology to enhance fan experience.
The new platform was unveiled for this year’s historic 5-0 Ashes win and the Major League Baseball Opening Series – making the SCG’s new northern stand the first in the southern hemisphere to offer Wi-Fi and IPTVs.
The SCG Trust is working with partners to ensure a profitable and innovative pathway into the future, including Sporting Innovations, PMY, Cisco, Telstra, and OAMM. These companies are collaborating with the SCG Trust to produce a world-class result.
The broader technological collaboration is the first of its kind in Australia, and forms part of the Trust’s five-year redevelopment strategy across the famous venues. The digital stadium has become an absolute priority across the SCG Trust business to ensure Sydney’s sporting hub at Moore Park remains much loved by generations to come.
22nd April 2014 - NEW SPORTING INNOVATIONS APP TO ENHANCE CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT AT SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND
