NEW YORK: Microsoft’s Global Sports Innovation Centre (GSIC) will be launching a technology-based ‘Smart Stadium’ program alongside LaLiga club, Real Sociedad.
The partnership is expected to help the club improve the facilities of the Anoeta Stadium, its home ground through this program, which will enhance innovation with remarkable solutions to transform their fans’ experience.
Microsoft aims to make Anoeta an architectural and touristic icon for the region where it’s located, which will involve fans in this transformation process. Keeping their safety, comforts and benefits in mind, the company will also make a stadium a meeting point for themnot only for sporting events, but also to accommodate other types of entertainment activities of public interest.
Sebastián Lancestremère, general manager of Microsoft Sports said: “That’s why we work as a team with the GSIC and expert partners in the industry, taking advantage of the Microsoft Sports platform to develop new services and experiences for fans, before, during, and after each sports event.”
Jokin Aperribay, president of Real Sociedad, commented: “For Real to turn Anoeta into a smart stadium is an opportunity that we should not miss as it is perfectly aligned with our goal of offering our fans the best possible experience at our stadium, besides turning it into a meeting point for San Sebastian and Gipuzkoa.”
The Smart Stadium program will begin on July 13 and 10 startup companies will be picked and mentored by Microsoft to participate in it from November 2018 to February 2019. The best idea will be picked by the club to turn Anoeta into a smart stadium.
The startups will enjoy membership at no cost in GSIC, benefit from all the services and advantages provided by Microsoft to its ecosystem and get a chance to participate in activities aimed at innovation and applied research, gain B2B contacts, visibility in media and international events, among others.
Iris Córdoba, general manager of the GSIC, highlights that “this initiative seeks to identify the best innovative startups that can provide technological solutions regarding the smart stadium concept and thereby help to bring the future of the improved experience of soccer fans, putting at the disposal of a club like Real Sociedad, the latest solutions in the sector”.
