Vodafone customers will now be able to enjoy rugby in a whole new way with the launch of Vodafone’s new 5G stadium app.

Those attending the Bank of Ireland Nations Series games against Italy and England at Aviva Stadium
will have first access to the new service which utilises augmented reality (AR) and live performance tracking as well as instant game and player stats.

Developed by Immersiv, customers can access the new app via the MyVodafone app or app stores. By opening the app and pointing the camera at the pitch fans will be able to explore a breadth of insights, for example, how many tackles, passes, and carries a player has made, in real-time.

“Through the ‘Team of Us’ platform our ambition has been to create the most interconnected team and fanbase on the planet by leveraging our technology and our unique relationship and access to Irish Rugby,” said Vodafone Ireland Head of Sponsorship Gerry Nixon.

“Due to its low latency, 5G is critical to enhancing the fan experience as it offers the ability to track players and deliver stats in real-time.”

“This will allow fans the opportunity to explore live elements of the game like never before and enhance their match day experience as Vodafone brings them closer to the game.”

Vodafone have also teamed up with Irish International Simon Zebo who stars in a new advert to promote the 5G App and its capabilities. The ad will appear across YouTube and social channels over the coming weeks and we will bring it to you straight away on Sport for Business.

“The in-stadium App gives fans the opportunity to see the game like never before with real-time stats and data,” added Zebo.

“Vodafone have been a brilliant supporter of the Irish Rugby team for many years now and it’s great to see this new capability in the hands of the passionate Irish rugby fans.”

 

Sport for Business Perspective:

This is the future of how a sport and a sponsor can really come together to address the changing demands of younger fans. We will see that in the Onside / Sport for Business Sports Impact Monitor when it is published tomorrow morning.

Taking it then from the stadium to home, and creating the kind of experience that people want from sport, less downtime that was always accepted as part of the game, more data-rich knowledge that opens up an understanding of what it is to compete at the highest levels of sport.

This was always going to be a massive Autumn for Rugby and fair play to Vodafone for being out of the blocks fast in making it even more so.