SoFi Stadium pulls off feat with Google deal

Article posted by Coliseum, September 16^th, 2020

Image: SoFi Stadium

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood (US) has almost pulled off a feat – technology giant Google has signed on as the latest commercial partner for the luxurious facility.

The deal was struck ahead of the first National Football League (NFL) game at the spectacular stadium on September 13^th, 2020, with Los Angeles Rams 20-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

SoFi Stadium is a stadium and entertainment complex in Inglewood, California, United States – the multibillion dollar sports and entertainment center built by the NFL team Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke on the former Hollywood Park racetrack property. NFL teams Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers are the primary tenants of SoFi Stadium.

The multi-year deal will see Google Cloud power SoFi Stadium and the wider Hollywood Park complex’s digital innovation experiences. Google subsidiary YouTube becomes the official video streaming sponsor of the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, with further details to be announced later this year.

Jason Gannon, Managing Director, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, remarked that Google’s innovation and services will be a “critical component” to deliver Rams owner and Chairman Kroenke’s vision to create the ultimate sports and entertainment destination.

Google will drive both business operations and consumer experiences at the 298-acre sports and entertainment destination, of which the 70,000-seat SoFi Stadium is the kernel. Google Cloud technology will be employed in varied ways.

A personal concierge app, powered by Google Cloud and built by professional services company Deloitte, will help fans discover SoFi Stadium events, navigating their way through within the spiffy arena, locate parking space; optimize transportation for game day, provide digital credentials for building, club, and suite entry, and present personalized offers for tickets, food and shopping.

Cloud-based media workflow and optimization will power the stadium’s videoboard, the largest in sports. Advanced data analytics will track business performance and enable Hollywood Park to offer one of a kind and personal recommendations to fans and guests.

In the future, Google and SoFi Stadium will explore media streaming and high-speed wireless solutions to facilitate visitors to get replays, unique angles, and exclusive 4K coverage on their mobile phones while attending events at the venue. In addition, SoFi Stadium will enjoy the world’s first 4K/HDR live production capabilities within a sports facility.

Said Skarpi Hedinsson, Chief Technology Officer, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, “We couldn’t have picked a better partner to manage our technology needs. Incorporating Google’s solutions into critical areas of our business ensures we can usher in a new era of innovation in sports and entertainment, raising the bar on what the ultimate fan experience looks like globally.”

Rob Enslin, Global President, Google Cloud, added, “It’s an incredible honor to work with SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park as they create an interactive, smart experience destination enjoyed by sports and entertainment fans, residents and shoppers alike. This partnership shows the world what’s possible when you combine the power of data with the excitement of entertainment and sports, and we’re excited that Google Cloud will underpin the visitor experience.”

SoFi Stadium recently staged a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony. The facility, which at a reported cost of $5bn (£3.87bn/€4.25bn) is said to be the most expensive sports venue in history.

Prior to the Google deal, SoFi Stadium’s most recent commercial partnership came last month as it and Allegiant Stadium, the new home of the Las Vegas Raiders, signed multi-year sponsorship contracts with brands owned by alcoholic beverages company Constellation Brands.

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