Integrated cloud communications platform provider 8×8 has entered into a partnership with the Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center as the NHL ice hockey team seeks to transform the employee and fan experience at its home arena.
The Ducks are seeking to move away from legacy, on-premises communications and contact centre systems and have selected 8×8 after working closely with technology provider Insight Enterprises to assess several cloud providers.
8×8 will use its integrated cloud voice, team chat, meetings and contact centre solution to allow the team’s more than 500 employees to enhance fan engagement while improving efficiency, collaboration and productivity. The Ducks will also use 8×8 cloud communications services for post-game press conferences.
Jackie Slope, vice-president of information technology for the Ducks and Honda Center, said: “Our efforts off the ice, including modernising the digital workplace, are driven by our goal of delivering the ultimate fan experience. Partnering with 8×8, a leading provider of unified communications and contact centre solutions, and moving communications and engagement to the cloud will be a critical component for the success of this strategy.
“8×8’s integrated cloud communications and contact centre solution with industry-leading service reliability, availability and voice quality, deep reporting and analytics, SMS capabilities, and tight integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 will allow us to enhance customer service and strengthen fan relationships before, during and after each game or event.”
Steve Seger, chief revenue officer at 8×8, added: “Organisations of all sizes, including professional sports teams like the Anaheim Ducks, have recognised that moving to an integrated cloud communications and contact centre solution is a digital transformation accelerator, driving significant business value, optimising performance and growth.
“We’re thrilled to provide the Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center with a single platform for communications and customer engagement as we help them transform the employee and fan experience, and support their future growth initiatives.”
Last year, plans were unveiled for a new $3bn (£2.2bn/€2.5bn), 115-acre mixed-use community and live entertainment district surrounding Honda Center entitled ocV!BE. It is hoped that the wide-ranging district can open in 2024 and be fully completed in time for Los Angeles’ Olympic Games in 2028, when Honda Center will stage indoor volleyball events.
