Technology

Posted on January 22, 2018 by staff

Hampshire cricket stadium becomes fully connected

Technology

Cricket fans in Hampshire won’t miss any of the action after the Ageas Bowl has become the UK’s first fully connected Samsung stadium.

The venue has partnered with tech giant Samsung and Evolve AV, part of the Onecom group of companies, to install giant LED screens and Wi-Fi technology ahead of the start of the new season.

The Ageas Bowl will see two new full HD 1080p resolution replay screens, totalling 120 square metres, installed in the coming weeks.

This will give fans an excellent viewing experience from any seat within the stadium as well as providing a new and improved integrated scoreboard system.

“The Ageas Bowl has a track record of innovation, and this partnership with two industry leading organisations will enable us to lead the way in the development and use of new technology and will have a hugely positive impact on the match day experience,” said chief executive David Mann.

Ben Holmes, head of display at Samsung UK, added: “Samsung is delighted to partner with The Ageas Bowl to transform this site of sporting history to a world-class connected stadium, designed to create a welcoming environment for cricket fan and sports enthusiasts.”

Onecom CEO Darren Ridge said: “These high-profile screens and the associated network capabilities were Evolve AV’s response to The Ageas Bowl’s challenge of increasing fan engagement and helping it realise its ambition to be a world-class sporting venue.”

The connected screens are the first of their kind to be sold in the UK. Together with high speed wireless networking, it will enhance the fan experience, enabling real-time engagement, competitions and sponsorship opportunities as well as replays and stadium information.

The new and improved internet connectivity capacity will be available to use thanks to more than 200 wireless access points strategically placed across the venue, allowing the potential for a raft of new technologies to then follow in the coming years.

The project is planned for completion by the end of April 2018.