Industry News

Real Sociedad to create smart stadium via start-ups

LaLiga football club Real Sociedad has introduced a programme that employs technology-based start-up companies to develop the facilities at its Anoeta stadium.

The initiative is being launched through the Spanish club’s partnership with Microsoft Sports and Microsoft-powered Global Sports Innovation Centre (GSIC).

The move is an effort to turn its Anoeta home ground into a smart stadium using technological innovation.

The programme focuses on the four major aspects considered by Microsoft Sports in its ‘smart’ venues projects.

The design of the stadium is planned to centre on the comfort of the fans, whilst bidding to make the architecture such that the venue becomes an iconic building in the region.

Microsoft Sports also insists that the stadium is used as a multi-purpose site, maximising its business potential.

Jokin Aperribay, Real Sociedad president, said: “For Real to turn the Anoeta into a smart stadium is an opportunity that we should not miss as it is perfectly aligned with our objective of offering our fans the best possible experience in our stadium, in addition to making it a meeting point for San Sebastian and Gipuzkoa.”

The project is set to kick off on July 13, with 10 start-up companies selected in October. Between then and February 2019, the businesses will develop their technological solutions with the brief of transforming the audience experience at LaLiga club’s home games.

Image: Валерий Дед