IBM announced Thursday that the company was partnering with the Los Angeles Football Club for its first MLS soccer-specific stadium partnership. The expansion LAFC will utilize IBM’s platforms and technologies to deliver a connected fan experience at the new 22,000-seat Banc of California Stadium for the 2018 season.
IBM will design, procure, install and commission the converged technology infrastructure components, providing wireless coverage and an optimal digital experience for fans in the stadium.
“The explosive growth of an immersive fan experience has elevated people’s expectations when they attend any large venue event,” Peter Lorenzen,General Manager of Networking Services at IBM Global Technology Services, said in a statement. “Today, stadiums such as LAFC’s new facility are embracing new and innovative solutions that answer the call and in doing so are helping to re-invent the game-day experience.”
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IBM has worked to improve the fan experience at events such as Wimbledon, the French Open, the Australian Open, the Masters, and the U.S. Open golf and tennis championships. For LAFC, IBM will ensure that the stadium will feature a connected experience while being flexible enough to adapt to new and evolving mobile technologies leading up to the inaugural season and beyond.
“We are thrilled about forging this partnership with an iconic international technology leader like IBM,” LAFC President and Owner Tom Penn said in a statement. “This partnership underscores our Club’s commitment to leveraging innovation for a best in class fan experience. With the pace of technological evolution, this partnership will set us up to provide best-in-class connectivity in the Banc of California Stadium, not only in 2018, but also as we look into the future.”