Technology

Tech Stack: Las Vegas GP, Miami Dolphins and more

Featured image credit: Sphere Entertainment

Sphere Entertainment, parent company of the recently opened Sphere arena in Las Vegas, has announced details of the custom content that will be projected onto the facility’s Exosphere to coincide with this weekend’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Content has been exclusively created by Sphere Studios and will feature on the Exosphere, the Sphere’s fully programmable LED exterior. The Exosphere is the world’s largest LED screen and has proven popular with its eye-catching visuals and content over the past few months.

Formula 1’s Las Vegas race week officially commenced on Tuesday with the Netflix Cup, a golf tournament contested by PGA Tour players and F1 drivers. The tournament marked the first time the Exosphere’s content had been cued in response to a live sporting event.

For the race itself on Saturday night, more content will be cued live. Content will include real-time pole position visuals and a custom podium moment that will celebrate the race winner.

Throughout the week, F1 content will be on display including driver cards featuring all 20 drivers and their cars, as well as F1 helmets. Additional bespoke content will be unveiled during the race itself, including opportunities for fans to see themselves on the Sphere.

Emily Prazer, chief commercial officer for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, said: “Sphere’s Exosphere doesn’t just complement the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, it elevates it to new heights, turning every lap into a mesmerising experience for fans in attendance and watching on TV globally.

“Picture real-time pole positions, thrilling podium celebrations, and a dynamic showcase of all 20 drivers and their iconic cars displayed larger-than-life. We are excited to have Sphere at the heart of race weekend.”

Integrated payments and commerce technology company Shift4 has partnered with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium.

Shift4 will serve as the Dolphins’ payment processor for ticket sales, with the company’s technology to power secure ticketing transactions for Dolphins games and numerous Hard Rock Stadium events through its recently announced integration with Ticketmaster.

Whitecroft Lighting has secured a contract to supply internal lighting for Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

As part of the deal, Whitecroft will manufacture around 14,000 luminaires for the stadium’s main areas, including the concourse, concession areas, press areas, stairwells, corridors, player and staff areas, and corporate hospitality.

The lighting installation will begin imminently, with Whitecroft to work alongside main contractor Laing O’Rourke, M&E contractor Crown House Technologies and design consultant Buro Happold. The 52,000-capacity stadium is due for completion in the final months of 2024.

South Wales-based technology company Vindico has signed a long-term partnership with Cardiff Rugby to enhance the team’s security and stewarding at Arms Park.

Vindico already has deals in place with three major venues in Cardiff: Principality Stadium, Sophia Gardens and Vindico Arena. Vindico’s partnership with Cardiff Rugby will provide the team with tech tools through the company’s sport and stadia platform, SWAPP (Smart Workplace Application).

At Arms Park, SWAPP will help optimise the management of staff availability, digital knowledge transfer, observations and safety reports, communication, and accreditation. It will also streamline and optimise the safety and stewarding processes to keep fans, staff, contractors and media teams safe and compliant.

Vindico’s branding will also appear on the clothing of matchday stewards and on the Arms Park search tent.