Features

Wasps prepare to debut market-leading big screen

English Premiership rugby union club Wasps are set to debut one of the largest LED screens in UK sport when they take on Gloucester at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday.

Wasps have invested a six-figure sum in the 188 square metre screen, with a team of 16 technicians, steel fabricators and crew, managed by stadium technology experts ADI, working on the project since July.

The investment in the technology is part of the club’s aspiration to create the best in-game match day experience in the country, and follows feedback from fans over the past few seasons.

Alongside the match action there are interactive opportunities for fans including ‘tweet the screen’ with its live social media feed, prizes to be won for the best fan dancing on the screen, as well as match information to help supporters understand the rules of the game.

Other on-screen information will include a scoreboard, clock and sponsor logos. Following the launch this weekend, the screen will be used for all Wasps games, as well as those of League One football club Coventry City.

A series of new LED screens have also been installed inside the Ricoh Arena’s main entrance and atrium, as well as an LED scoreboard and clock on the mid-tier of the West Stand.

Stuart Cain (pictured), commercial director for Wasps and Ricoh Arena, said: “We aren’t just unveiling a new screen this weekend, but a piece of technology which, along with the venue’s high-speed Wi-Fi, has laid the foundations for us to evolve the way our supporters engage with live entertainment.

“Not only will the screen be a platform for replaying key match moments and explaining the rules, it will also be central to a series of new pre-match and half-time interactive initiatives that will be introduced throughout the season.

“We’re also hoping the screen can provide our players with an added advantage when they are playing towards the South Stand – you can’t miss it, and as a fan, it’s the perfect way to tweet their message of support to the players.”

Geraint Williams, CEO of ADI, added: “This might be one of the biggest screens in UK sport, but it is how the club use it that really counts.

“Such a display is worth little without compelling content and we’re delighted to be supporting the club by delivering an exciting live match day production that creates value for fans and an engaging platform for club partners.”