NOVEMBER | FEATURE
The Department for Digital ,
Culture , Media & Sport
( DCMS ) has founded the Sports Technology and Innovation Group ( STIG ), which is tasked with exploring a range of high-tech solutions that it hopes will enable the safe return of audiences to elite sports events .
The DCMS says STIG will work closely with sports bodies and the Sport Grounds Safety Authority to “ explore the whole fan journey from home to venue ”. Among the companies providing technology that enables highly targeted communication with fans throughout that journey is Realife Tech .
Specialising in the creation of mobile apps and interactive technology designed to enhance the experience for audiences while boosting revenue for venue operators , Realife Tech was launched in 2014 by CEO Adam Goodyer .
Its digital systems , which can be embedded into white-label apps , a venue or organisation ’ s website or social media pages , provide highly targeted customer messaging around everything from access control and loyalty rewards to helping them navigate their way around a venue . Its clients include Edgbaston , The O2 arena and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium .
Realife Tech ’ s recently launched Covid Safety Hub combines much of that pre-existing functionality to provide highly targeted advice and information to fans pre , during and post events . The aim is to help maintain social distancing in all areas of sports venues , including merchandise and food & beverages outlets .
For Covid-secure events the app is manipulated so that users can only see details of product sales points near their seat , and once a purchase is made they are given specific collection times or can have items delivered .
“ We offer contactless collection , which
Poised for kick off
The return of spectators to sports venues may be on hold , but behind the scenes there has been no shortage of ingenuity from new and existing suppliers offering Covid-safe event solutions . Access investigates some of the products and services on offer .
Words : Christopher Barrett
allows users to order and receive goods without having to come into contact with another human ,” says Goodyer .
Another way the technology can be used to minimise congestion is by providing targeted information regarding venue access . Digital ticket buyers are given specific venue entrance and exit times , and once at the venue they are given clear directions so they can find their entrance and seats quickly .
“ We also provide personalised safety and hygiene messaging , so anything from the best routes to toilets or how to find the nearest hand sanitiser units ,” says Goodyer .
Passports to participate A rapid , “ end-to-end ”, Covid-19 testing and tech solution dubbed Fans Are Back has been presented to prime minister
Boris Johnson and the DCMS . The system provides event attendees with the results of a test within 10 minutes , creates a health passport enabling those that test negative to gain entry to events , and involves a contact tracing app . The aim is to enable stadia to operate at full capacity .
The initiative has received the backing of former sports minister Richard Caborn , former England Rugby captain Mike Tindall and his wife the Equestrian World Champion and London Olympics 2012 silver medallist Zara Tindall .
Fans Are Back is the result of a partnership between cybertechnology company VST Enterprises , rights holder Redstrike , public health and event safety management company Halo and occupational health and testing provider Latus Health . Its ‘ VHealth Passport ’ and
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