ANZ Stadium – one of Australia’s premier sporting venues and site of the Sydney 2000 Olympics – has been nominated as a finalist in the 2015 World Sports Technology Awards.
The recognition comes after ANZ Stadium, in partnership with Telstra, last year activated high-speed wi-fi connectivity and interactive technology to engage with fans.
The joint entry by ANZ Stadium and Telstra was named as one of six finalists in the category of Best use of Technology by a Venue, Arena or Stadium.
They will be the only Australian finalist and will go up against other prestigious venues including Barclays Center in New York, Stamford Bridge – home to the Chelsea Football Club and the Marylebone Cricket Club.
The winner will be announced on March 27.
ANZ Stadium’s entry included the new high-speed wi-fi but also Telstra’s Connected Stadium Lounge which gives corporate guests and other fans an immersive game-day experience.
Inside the lounge is a wall of digital televisions that include a social media feed and stats about the live game.
The Lounge also had a dedicated area where players, coaches and celebrities were interviewed and broadcast live to the fans inside the stadium.
http://youtu.be/ajCZE4KXlZY
“In a world of tech-savvy sports fans, there’s now so much more to game day than simply watching the action on the field. Fans want to instantly share experiences, tweet their opinions and be the first to receive updates about their teams,” says Greg Sleigh, ANZ Stadium General Manager of Event & Business Development.
“As the first Stadium in Australasia to offer all fans free wi-fi, we set the standard in using technology to improve the fan experience.
“Moving forward with the Telstra Connected Stadium Lounge and our future plans, our focus is on increasing fan engagement and maximising commercial potential with innovative digital screens, in-seat food and beverage ordering, real-time seat upgrade offers, dedicated interactive fan zones and exclusive video content from teams, players and coaches sent direct to your device.
“A connected Stadium allows us to expand the ways in which Members and fans can engage with the venue and the codes that hire the Stadium, which is an attractive proposition for our business and event partners.”
There are plans for a massive redevelopment of ANZ Stadium which will include two new 300 square metre LED video screens and up to 2000 IPTV digital screens throughout the venue to showcase event footage, stats, directions and social media activities.