Technology giant Google has today (Friday) signed on as the latest commercial partner for SoFi Stadium ahead of the venue’s first NFL game this weekend.
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 of SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, said Google’s innovation and services will be a “critical component” to deliver Rams owner and chairman Stan 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 70,000-seat SoFi Stadium is the centrepiece. Google Cloud technology will be utilised in a number of different ways.
A personal concierge app, powered by Google Cloud and built by professional services company Deloitte, will help fans discover SoFi Stadium events; wayfind within the stadium; locate parking; optimise transportation for game day; provide digital credentials for building, club, and suite entry; and present personalised offers for tickets, food and shopping.
Cloud-based media workflow and optimisation will power the stadium’s video board, the largest in sports. Advanced data analytics will track business performance and enable Hollywood Park to offer unique and personal recommendations to fans and guests.
In the future, Google and SoFi Stadium will explore media streaming and high-speed wireless solutions to enable 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 have the world’s first 4K/HDR live production capabilities within a sports facility.
“We couldn’t have picked a better partner to manage our technology needs,” said Skarpi Hedinsson, chief technology officer of SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. “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 of Google Cloud, added: “It’s an incredible honour 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 this week staged a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony as it prepares to host its first NFL game on Sunday. The facility, which at a reported cost of $5bn (£3.87bn/€4.25bn) is said to be the most expensive sports venue in history, hosted the event on Tuesday ahead of the Rams’ clash against the Dallas Cowboys.
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.
Image: SoFi Stadium
