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Atlanta United, Falcons sign Lyft as rideshare partner for Mercedes-Benz Stadium move

On-demand transportation service Lyft has been named as the official rideshare partner of NFL American football franchise the Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer club Atlanta United, in a move designed to enhance the experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the new home of the two teams.

Fans attending events at the stadium will be able to utilise Lyft’s service to travel to and from games. Lyft will offer wayfinding signage, designated pick-up and drop-off zones and special offers.

“Getting to and from Mercedes-Benz Stadium bookends the fan experience, and in our search for the right company to be our official rideshare partner, it became clear that Lyft was the natural option, given our shared company values and passion for creating an exceptional experience,” said Mike Gomes, senior vice-president of fan experience, AMB Sports & Entertainment, which owns the two teams.

“We have recognised that a growing number of our fans have already chosen Lyft for their rideshare needs across Atlanta and we are thrilled by the value this will bring those coming to enjoy a game or event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.”

Meanwhile, multinational technology company IBM has announced that it will help deliver a tailored fan experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is due to open on August 26 when the Falcons host the Arizona Cardinals.

The IBM Cloud system will deliver and host the stadium’s integrated IT system, Internet of Things technology and an immersive suite of interactive applications built by IBM Services.

A mobile application is also being worked on by AMB Sports & Entertainment and IBM iX. The app will feature team content, parking purchasing options, transportation information, game-day assistance, wayfinding and mobile ticketing.

Fans’ game-day experience will also be enhanced by the app through the delivery of contextual and personalised messages.

“Building the world’s most advanced stadium would not be possible without harnessing the best technology available – working with IBM has allowed us to do that,” said Jared Miller, chief digital officer and senior vice-president of analytics and technology at AMB Sports & Entertainment.

“Everything we’re doing from a tech perspective is with an eye toward enhancing the 360-degree experience for our fans on game days. IBM’s track record in that area is helping us accomplish that objective.”

Philip Guido, general manager, IBM Global Technology Services, said: “Our goal was to truly redefine the game-day and event experience, and in the process, reset the bar for sports and entertainment venues everywhere. Creating the ultimate fan experience today means meeting fans where they are, with a personalised platform for fast, seamless interaction. With Atlanta’s new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, we achieved this goal.”

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