NASCAR and SapientNitro, sick part of Sapient, has announced today that SapientNitro has been selected to design and build its new digital platform, including NASCAR.com.

The new platform will result in an integrated digital experience for NASCAR’s fans through critical channels, including: website, mobile and tablet.

“The digital experience we’re developing will provide NASCAR fans with the ultimate level of engagement while also providing the sport with the tools to attract the next generation of fans.”

Earlier this year, NASCAR announced that it will assume business and editorial control of its interactive, digital and social media rights, including technical operations and infrastructure of NASCAR.com and all other NASCAR digital platforms, starting in January 2013. As part of the announcement, the sanctioning body and Turner Sports restructured their partnership, with Turner continuing to support NASCAR with advertising and sponsorships sales across its digital platforms through 2016.

“Building our digital platform with a partner like SapientNitro is reflective of the strong commitment to offer our fans a best-in-class experience with NASCAR.com and all of our digital platforms,” said Marc Jenkins, NASCAR’s VP of digital media. “The digital experience we’re developing will provide NASCAR fans with the ultimate level of engagement while also providing the sport with the tools to attract the next generation of fans.”

In addition to its work with NASCAR, SapientNitro, a leading marketing and technology firm, is currently designing digital experiences for a host of other sports and entertainment clients including WWE, Ladbrokes and LeBron James.

“NASCAR appreciates that its target consumers are increasingly digitally centered, and sees a real strategic opportunity to evolve in a more connected fan experience – before, during and after events,” said Chris Davey, head of worldwide commerce, SapientNitro. “The proliferation of digital presents more compelling opportunities for NASCAR to attract and engage with their consumers. We’re honored that NASCAR has selected us to work alongside them in developing the sport’s new digital experience.”

NASCAR’s comprehensive digital and social media portfolio includes NASCAR.com, the official online destination of NASCAR which provides racing enthusiasts with an all-inclusive offering of engaging content including fantasy games, video highlights, social elements and in-depth editorial content. NASCAR.com, and the sport’s other digital and social media platforms, have been managed by Turner Sports since 2001.

British Sport and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson has said that London 2012 has “salvaged the reputation of the British construction industry” after revealing that he expected the project to be delivered on time and under budget, something he himself never believed possible when the English capital was awarded the Games six years ago.

The estimate of the final cost is down by US$26 million since May, when the last prediction was made.

The anticipated final cost of the Olympic Delivery Authority’s (ODA) construction programme has fallen to US$11.68 billion and is likely to finish US$1.3 billion under budget.

Robertson showed that construction of the facilities was progressing at a satisfactory rate with most of the work now completed more than a year before the Olympics are due to open.

He said: “With one year to go to London 2012, the Games construction is 88 per cent complete and ahead of time and under budget.

“That is an extraordinary thing for a Government Minister to be able to say a year out from the Games.”

Robertson admitted that when London were awarded the Olympics and Paralympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its Session in Singapore, he had his doubts about whether the project would be a success, following the problems that had troubled the reconstruction of Wembley Stadium. 

He added: “I didn’t think in 2005 we had a chance of getting where we are today.

“These are remarkable successes and tribute should be paid to all the ODA staff who have consistently met the challenges set by an immovable deadline and strict budget.

“They have all played vital roles in the success of the build project that will be held-up as an example of British construction and engineering excellence for decades to come. 

“They have salvaged the reputation of the British construction industry.”

Five venues, the latest of which is the International Broadcast Centre, are now complete, with the next completion due to be the Aquatic Centre, which is expected to be unveiled on July 27, the date marking the One Year to Go landmark until the Games commences.

John Armitt, the chairman of the ODA, said: “The Olympic Park project is on schedule and budget and we have successfully hit all of our milestones over the last five years. This is thanks to the skill and professionalism of thousands of British businesses who have won contracts and shown the rest of the world what UK plc can achieve.

He added: “The Olympic Park is a great showcase for UK industry and many companies have used it to go on and win work on other projects across the world. When we welcome the world to London next summer, tens of thousands of people from right across the UK will know that they played a part in building the stage for the greatest show on earth.”

The ODA is coming to the end of its procurement after awarding more than 1,500 direct contracts worth over US$10 billion, 98 per cent of which were awarded to British companies.

The  ODA’s contract for the construction of the Olympic Stadium, for example, resulted in work for 240 UK companies plus many more sub-contractors.

Another US$1.1 billion worth of contracts are set to be awarded in the next year by London 2012 as officials gear up for the operational phase of the project.

Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012, said: “London 2012 has already been great news for British business – and there’s more to come. The new permanent venues are mostly constructed and the Olympic Park is progressing well in advance of next summer.

“The teams at LOCOG are now concentrating on finalising our plans to stage the Olympic and Paralympic Games – we’re about half way through our own procurement programme and there are lots more opportunities for British business to be part of the greatest show on earth.”

The French Football Federation (FFF) has announced the departure of CEO Alain Resplandy-Bernard. The governing body cited the reason as being due to a difference of opinion with president Noel Le Graet over the future direction of the body.

The announcement comes as another destabilising act in what has been a turbulent year for the FFF. The national team’s dreadful performance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup coincided with players refusing to train after striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home in disgrace following a falling out with coach Raymond Domenech.

Aside from the national team dispute at the World Cup, there have also been issues surrounding player bonuses and alleged race quotas.

An FFF statement read: “The implementation of the action plan of the Executive Committee-elect requires a perfect convergence of views between the president and the CEO. Mr Le Graet and Alain Resplandy-Bernard find that the natural time to build this convergence is not compatible with the short term of the new executive (18 months).”

Resplandy-Bernard was only appointed CEO on February 25, while Le Graet was elected to replace Fernand Duchaussoy as president in June. Le Graet had announced there would be a significant “staff restructuring” and a “revised organisational chart” under the new regime as the FFF seeks desperately needed stability ahead of an important period as France prepares to host UEFA Euro 2016.

A new joint venture has been created to combine the marketing and media skills of two leading Swiss organisations – Infront Sports & Media AG and die Ringier AG.

The companies have announced a new 50:50 joint venture to exploit the growing Swiss sports market through an effective collaboration, cough which will be known as Infront Ringier Sports & Entertainment Switzerland AG, abbreviated to InfrontRingier.

The venture will support organisers of Swiss sports events and top Swiss athletes by providing sophisticated marketing and consulting services.

In what the two parties feel is an ideal partnership, Infront will contribute its expertise in the commercialisation of sport (including sponsorship, production and distribution) and its highly specialised services to sport. In turn Ringier will integrate its newly-created Marketing and Sponsorship division set up last year which includes Pool Position Switzerland AG, which supports Switzerland’s big names in sports, the arts and culture.

Philippe Blatter, President & CEO of Infront Sports & Media AG, said: “The experience and resources of Ringier and Infront Sports & Media complement each other ideally in this partnership. Infront already has a large network of rights owners and sponsors based in Switzerland, but with the focus on international events. Now, we will be offering high-level services to national events too through InfrontRingier. We can help set the tone of the future for the Swiss sports market and provide an innovative and reliable partner on the doorstep.”

Marc Walder, CEO Ringier Switzerland and Germany, added: “The activities of Infront and Ringier in Switzerland are highly complementary. In addition to its core business, Ringier will be diversifying its existing product and brand portfolio through this involvement in an ideal way. As both companies are market leaders in their respective fields, we feel this is a relationship on an equal footing.”

The International Sport Business Congress, pharm part of the International Festival for Business, sale has announced a partnership with iSportconnect for this summer’s event. 

Taking place as part of this year’s major UK business festival in Liverpool, try the Congress focuses on the interplay between cities, brands and sport. The North West of England is the home of several of the world’s most iconic sports brands and events and the Congress will uniquely divide its two days between Liverpool and Manchester. 

Working with the University of Liverpool, one of the world’s leading academic institutes researching and teaching the business and science of sport, the International Sport Business Congress has developed a world-class speaker programme touching on the core topics in the business of sport. On Thursday 17 July, at the BT Convention Centre in Liverpool, the Congress will focus on the interplay of cities, brands and sports with speakers including;

• § Sir Howard Bernstein – CEO, Manchester City Council 
• § Ian Ayre – Managing Director, Liverpool Football Club
• § Robert Elstone –  CEO, Everton Football Club
• § Ian Edmondson – Head of Major Events, London & Partners
• § Paul Samuel – Executive VP Europe, AEG Global Partnerships
• § Nick Varley – Founder, Seven46

Day Two offers detailed analysis of the economic impacts and values of sport and its power to transform cities and communities. Taking place at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, speakers include;

• Dr Tom Markham – Manager EMEA Football, Sport and Leisure, PwC
• Maurice Watkins CBE – Senior Partner and Head of Sport, Brabners
• Dr Geoff Pearson – Football Industry Group, University of Liverpool
• Professor Stefan Szymanski – University of Michigan
• Professor Greg Whyte OBE – Liverpool John Moores University
• Professor Keith George – Head of RISES, Liverpool John Moores University 

The International Sport Business Congress is in partnerships with both Liverpool Vision and Marketing Manchester and the University of Liverpool, creating a unique event in a region where sport has achieved global success and recognition and where the business of sport is one of the key drivers of the local economy. 

iSportconnect is the largest global private network of sport business professionals, bringing them together digitally to discuss, share viewpoints, obtain information and news and ‘e-meet’ one another. 

Sree Varma, Founder and CEO of iSportconnect, said; “We are delighted to be partners of the International Sport Business Congress. Sport as a business doesn’t exist in isolation and it’s great that the International Sport Business Congress is part of the International Festival for Business.” 

Richard Morris, International Sport Business Congress Event Director, said: “This will be amazing event hosted out of two of the most famous sporting cities in the world – Liverpool and Manchester. Nothing has the power to engage like sport and this shared event between two cities illustrates the transformational power of sport.”

Nine-time Le Mans champion and 2013 World Endurance Championship title winner Tom Kristensen has been elected to the FIA Institute Executive Committee by the organisation’s General Assembly, impotent which met in Paris on December 5th.

The Executive Committee plays a pivotal role in providing direction to the activities of the FIA Institute, capsule | deciding on the organisation’s strategy and selecting the projects to be undertaken.

“The work the FIA Institute does in motor sport safety and sustainability is vitally important and I hope that my experience as a driver can help contribute to that,” said Kristensen.

The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) has asked the IOC to re-investigate its decision to void hammer thrower Koji Murofushi’s election to the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

Murofushi, a Bronze Medalist at the London Games, gained enough votes to win election to the Athletes’ Commission, but the IOC refused to accept his election, claiming he had violated election rules at the Games.

The JOC believes the IOC’s decision was incorrect.

The IOC said Murofushi “campaigned for election in areas off limits to election activities.”

JOC Board Member, Yoshiji Nogami, said: “Some parts [of the response] were half-baked. There’s a big difference between having a conversation and campaigning for election.” {jcomments on}

British pay TV giant BSkyB is raising its prices for its Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2 networks, ESPN and an entertainment content package as of September after a two-year price freeze.

U.K. media regulator Ofcom disclosed the increases on Friday, and BSkyB published an advisory on its web site, highlighting it has spent more than $600 million more per year on content. Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. controls a 39 percent stake in BSkyB.

Each of the two Sky Sports channels will cost an additional 50 pence per month (78 cents), and the price of Walt Disney’s ESPN will rise by £1 ($1.56) a month. The company’s Sky Entertainment packages will cost an extra £1.50 ($2.34) per month, but pricing for Sky Movies and other offers will remain unchanged, the company said.

A BSkyB spokesman said the price hikes come amid continued service improvements that have meant big content investments.

“Having held our prices for 24 months, this September there will be a small price increase to some of our TV packages,” he said. “We’re committed to investing for our customers, and over the last two years this has led to Sky investing nearly £400 million ($624 million) more in content per year, the launch of two new channels [in a Formula 1 channel and Sky Atlantic, which features HBO content] and award-winning products, including [mobile service] Sky Go and Sky Anytime+.” The company also recently agreed to raise its spending on the English Premier League soccer rights.

The spokesman added: “A small increase in our prices means that we can continue to reinvest in the best content for our customers, alongside market-leading innovation to make their experience even better.”

BSkyB is in the process of writing to all of its 10.5 million subscribers to advise them of what the price changes mean for them.

The change also effects other pay TV operators that have the right to carry the sports networks, including telecom giant BT and cable firm Virgin Media. The rate they pay to wholesale Sky Sports channels is linked to their retail price.

 

The 30-year contract to design, allergist finance, ambulance build, no rx operate and maintain a new 40,000 capacity stadium in Bordeaux, France, in time for the UEFA Euro 2016 soccer championships, has been awarded to a consortium led by Vinci Construction in association with Fayat Group.

The consortium, known as Stade Bordeaux Atlantique, will construct the stadium in time for the tournament. Reports suggest that the contract is worth approximately US$238 million.

The stadium will be capable of playing host to both soccer and rugby matches as well as major concerts and other events.

The consortium includes Vinci Construction France, via its subsidiaries GTM Bâtiment Aquitaine-Limousin and Faure Silva, the Fayat Group, architectural firm Herzog and de Meuron, Groupe 6 and teams from Stadia Consulting Group.

Vinci Facilities will handle the maintenance of the stadium. Landscape architect Michel Desvigne, winner of the 2011 Grand Prix de l’Urbanisme award will be charged with ensuring that the stadium, which is to be situated on ‘greenbelt’ land, is suitable for the surrounding environment.

Vinci will add the Bordeaux stadium to a property portfolio which already includes the Stade de France, the MMArena stadium in Le Mans and the future Nice Stadium, which is due to be handed over in 2013.