Monday, 29 Jan 2018 14:20 GMT

Hampshire Cricket enhance connectivity with fans

Sport is all about the fan experience, and most major teams in the world invest in ways to make the experience better for its audience. This includes signage and screens, with some screens even directly influencing the decisions of referees - in rugby and in cricket, and potentially in football too. Hampshire Cricket has invested in new screens which will improve the fan experience, and shows that sign-makers now have the opportunity to work with some of the biggest sporting teams in the world.

The Ageas Bowl, home to Hampshire Cricket, has turned to Samsung digital screens to enhance its connection with the fans, through two brand new LED screens and a Wi-Fi system.

Two full HD 1080p screens will be installed over the coming months, and together total 120sq m (1291sq ft), with the project due to come to a finish in April 2018. The installations mean that the ground will become the first Samsung fully connected stadium in the UK. Over 200 connectivity points will be created, allowing for the screens to offer greater fan experience and more advertising opportunities.

David Mann, chief executive officer for The Ageas Bowl, comments: “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.”

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

The new screens will be installed in time for the upcoming County Championship, and the summer T20 Blast Campaign, where fan experience is vital due to the more entertainment-based atmosphere for this form of the game. Hampshire’s ground will also host the fourth Test Match between England and a touring India in August.

“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 fans and sports enthusiasts,” comments Ben Holmes, Samsung head of display.

The Rose Bowl has a capacity of 15,000 without temporary stands, but can hold 25,000 when the stands are erected for big matches such as Tests and One Day Internationals. Darren Ridge, Onecom chief executive officer, adds:

“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.”

Ridge finishes: “Thanks to our close relationships with Samsung, we were able to advise on and source technology which meets those goals and allows for continued expansion at The Ageas Bowl and innovation in the future.”



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