The new association could make The Rose Bowl the most technologically advanced cricket stadium in Europe. As part of the Hampshire Cricket venue’s £48 million redevelopment, Sony Professional will deliver an HD audiovisual solution to “optimise” the entertainment experience across the site.
Sony Professional is to manage the project, which should be completed along with the opening of a new hotel on the site in late 2011.
The new HD solution will cater to a maximum of 25,000 visitors on match days and 35,000 for concert events, and represents the first phase in the creation of a full HDTV production facility that will enable The Rose to generate live content for the network of Sony digital signage screens and large outdoor screens before, during and after the game. Among other features, this will include 150 HD screens in the general concourse, Club Level areas and executive boxes, as well as a live content production facility and HD production gallery, the ability to stream HD content to some displays over the stadium’s network infrastructure, and HD CCTV surveillance technology.
Glenn Delve, managing director at Rose Bowl Plc, commented: “Our vision for The Rose Bowl was for it to become the first ‘Model’ Test Match ground and an entertainment venue that has the potential to truly revolutionise the way supporters engage with the game. With Sony Professional we are developing new and innovative ways to entertain, inspire and inform our fans and visitors, setting new standards for customer experience throughout the venue.”
Jonathan White, director B2B at Sony Professional, added: “This association puts Hampshire firmly at the cutting-edge of innovation within the entertainment sector, and Sony Professional is excited to be working with the club to make The Rose Bowl one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in Europe. By making a considerable investment in HD, Hampshire is taking a lead role in the audiovisual revolution and will be able to bring highly tailored messages, exceptional quality footage and a new level of entertainment to its many fans.”
Considering the general future for HD display technology, White told IE: “There are many ways in which digital content can be displayed in both the professional and consumer markets, and it has long been Sony’s intention to make the viewing experience as enjoyable as possible for the end-user. HD is a technology that is becoming ubiquitous and is a great fit with sports where viewers want to see the smallest details of the action. Sony is at the heart of capturing content in HD and delivering it in many innovative ways, depending on how different customers want to share information, and we are always looking to facilitate this in every way possible.”
