Weekly SportsTech Recap | September 10th
?? Wicket partners with Mercedes-Benz Stadium for facial authentication technology
AMB Sports & Entertainment has teamed up with Wicket, a facial authentication company, in a multi-year partnership to enhance the fan experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Wicket's technology will streamline entry and payment processes through facial recognition, including at the Delta Fly Through Lanes and frictionless markets. This partnership marks Wicket’s second in the sports industry, following its collaboration with the Mets, and is part of the ongoing tech innovation at the stadium.
?
?? Apple Sports app gets ready for football season with new features
Ahead of the NFL and college football seasons, Apple Sports introduced significant updates to enhance the fan experience. The app now offers real-time game tracking with a dynamic drive tracker, allowing fans to see ball movements on the field. New play-by-play features highlight key scoring drives. Additionally, the upcoming iOS 18 update will bring Live Activities, providing live scores and updates directly on the iPhone and Apple Watch lock screens. With added support for various leagues, Apple Sports continues to elevate its offerings for sports enthusiasts.
?
?? Amazon expands Just Walk Out technology to 3 NFL stadiums
Amazon’s AI-powered Just Walk Out technology is opening 14 new stores across three NFL stadiums this fall. M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Lumen Field in Seattle, and the Commanders’ Northwest Stadium will feature these automated checkout systems. Lumen Field now boasts 15 Just Walk Out locations, the most in any venue worldwide. The expansion highlights Amazon’s push to enhance fan experiences by reducing wait times and improving convenience during games.
?
?? Tom Brady’s Autograph relaunches as fan engagement platform
Autograph, the fan engagement platform co-founded by Tom Brady, has pivoted away from NFTs and relaunched as a media-focused app. The redesigned platform allows users to follow their favorite sports teams, consume content, and earn digital rewards like coins and trophies. These can be redeemed for real-life prizes like tickets and collectibles. Autograph’s shift reflects a broader focus on fan interaction, moving beyond its previous NFT-based model.
?
?? MLB brings back Virtual Ballpark for weekly watch parties
Major League Baseball is reviving its virtual ballpark for Wednesday watch parties throughout September, starting with the Twins vs. Rays game. Powered by Statcast’s Gameday 3D, fans can watch games from any angle and chat with others using spatial audio. The digital experience also features a scavenger hunt and rewards for participants, including digital jerseys. Developed by Improbable, the virtual ballpark aims to enhance fan interaction and will host games every Wednesday this month.
?
领英推荐
?? Women in Sports Technology shuts down, but mentorship legacy lives on
After seven years, Women in Sports Technology has ceased operations following a unanimous board decision. The nonprofit focused on increasing diversity in the sports tech industry by providing educational resources and career opportunities, particularly through its fellowship program. WiST placed over 100 fellows in internships, with many now holding leadership roles. Despite the closure, WiST's founder, Marilou McFarlane, emphasized the lasting impact of the program and the need for continued mentorship and support for women and non-binary individuals in sports technology.
?
?? Globant expands Formula 1 presence with Williams Racing partnership
Globant has strengthened its ties with Formula 1 by partnering with Williams Racing to enhance the team's digital experiences. Already a global partner of F1, Globant aims to bring fans closer to the sport through cutting-edge technology. This partnership marks Williams Racing as Globant's first team collaboration in F1, further expanding its involvement in elite sports alongside organizations like FIFA and the LA Clippers.
?
?? Polkadot becomes official training kit partner for Inter Miami
Inter Miami has announced a new partnership with blockchain brand Polkadot, making it the club’s global training partner. The Polkadot logo will now appear prominently on the team’s training tops. In addition to this, Polkadot will engage fans with interactive activities and have significant branding at the team’s Florida Blue Training Center and Chase Stadium. This collaboration reflects both parties' shared focus on innovation and digital connectivity.
?
?? Front Pack launches social platform for endurance athletes
Front Pack, a Texas-based startup, has introduced a new social media platform designed for endurance athletes. Available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, the app connects athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts to network, share experiences, and find local or virtual training partners. With features like personalized feeds, AI-powered professional connections, livestream events, and exclusive deals, the platform aims to foster a supportive community for runners, cyclists, and triathletes. Founding memberships are currently available for $7.99 until October 3rd.
?
?? Field Vision, a new AI app, launches and promises to boost NFL Fans' betting accuracy
Field Vision, a new app launched by former Nike executive Scott Bouska, leverages artificial intelligence to help NFL fans make better betting choices. The app provides detailed game and player predictions by analyzing historical data and football-specific variables. With a subscription priced at $9.99 per month, Field Vision offers features like weekly matchup analysis, betting recommendations, and expert insights. Designed to improve accuracy in an industry where betting grew to $120 billion last year, the app aims to give users a competitive edge.