LAFC and IBM sign stadium deal

MLS football (soccer) club Los Angeles FC (LAFC), have announced a stadium tech partnership with IBM.

For the 2018 season, ahead of LAFC’s MLS debut, the club will make use of IBM’s platforms and technologies to deliver a connected fan experience at the new 22,000-capacity Banc of California Stadium.

IBM is to provide Wi-Fi access using a fibre-based network throughout the stadium along with an enhanced digital experience, at an estimated cost of US$ 350 million.

“The explosive growth of an immersive fan experience has elevated people’s expectations when they attend any large venue event,” said Peter Lorenzen, General Manager of Networking Services at IBM Global Technology Services. “Today, stadiums such as LAFC’s new facility are embracing new and innovative solutions that answer the call and in doing so are helping to re-invent the game-day experience.”

The soccer-specific stadium partnership in the MLS is a first for tech giants IBM.

LAFC president and owner Tom Penn, said, “This partnership underscores our club’s commitment to leveraging innovation for a best in class fan experience. With the pace of technological evolution, this partnership will set us up to provide best-in-class connectivity in the Banc of California Stadium, not only in 2018, but also as we look into the future.”