SCG and Allianz Stadium to become Australia’s first connected venues
The Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium are set to become Australia's most technically advanced and fan friendly stadia.
This follows a decision by the SCG Trust to invest in a world class, multi-million dollar, cutting edge Wi-Fi and IPTV technology network solution which will deliver a more powerful and personalised experience to tens of thousands of fans in ways they have never previously experienced.
The technology will see the SCG raise the bar when it comes to engaging and meeting the demands of the next generation sports fan.
The network will provide high speed Wi-Fi connectivity and allow fans to view real-time, high definition IPTV and mobile video straight to the latest smartphones and tablets.
The network will also simplify ticketing, help fans find the way to their seats and enable them to participate in and share live event action over social media from anywhere in the ground.
The network will be in operation in the new MA Noble, Bradman and Messenger Stands, currently under construction at the northern end of the SCG, during the Ashes cricket Test which commences on 3rd January.
The network access will be progressively rolled-out to include all areas of the SCG, Allianz Stadium and the Sports Central Plaza over the next five years.
SCG Trust Chief Executive Jamie Barkley said fans will enjoy a first class experience in one of the world's most technologically advanced sports and entertainment precincts.
Barkley explained "fans today demand full wireless connectivity and the Trust will be implementing a reliable, fully connected HD and Wi-Fi based solution across the SCG and Allianz Stadium.
"When complete, we want fans able to access the network from any area of the SCG and Allianz Stadium precinct.
"Sports and entertainment venues the world over are having to compete with the at-home experience. Our network is about creating the living room experience live at the SCG, and with full technology services available in the palm of your hand.
"We want fans able to watch replays, view HD footage and engage in all forms of social media while having the luxury of ordering food, drinks and merchandise from the comfort of their seat."
Barkley said the connected stadium solution, to be built with innovative technology from Cisco and implemented by Telstra, will have the flexibility to integrate with the latest generation of technology, the demands of fans and the growing number of mobile devices.
Cisco Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Ken Boal added "fan expectations are greater than ever, mandating a more connected sporting venue that enables fans to share and engage with more content and more people from any device from anywhere in the stadium.
"Cisco is excited and honoured to be a part of the SCG's long term road map for transforming one of the most historic sporting precincts in Australia and creating unimaginable new experiences for fans in the future."
Barkley said the SCG's new 273 metre2 video screen, the largest in operation in any Australian stadium, has been a great success for AFL and NRL fans since it was switched on last April.
He added that a further 420 plasma TV screens will be installed in the new Stands for the Ashes Test, taking the total number of TV screens at the SCG to 900.
17th September 2013 - RESPECTED FORMER SCG AND MCG CURATOR DIES
13th June 2013 - SCG TO HOST MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL’S SEASON OPENERS
21st July 2012 - SCG TRUST REVEALS LONG-TERM STADIA MASTER PLAN
14th July 2011 - CISCO UNVEILS WI-FI SOLUTION FOR SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUES
4th September 2011 - TEST RUGBY RETURNS TO THE SYDNEY FOOTBALL STADIUM
