Stuart Cain, Commercial Director for Wasps and Ricoh Arena, with the new screen at the Ricoh Arena
The investment in the technology is part of the club’s aspiration to create the best in-game match day experience in the country, and follows constructive feedback from fans over the past few seasons.
Alongside the match action there are interactive opportunities for fans including ‘tweet the screen’ with its live social media feed, prizes to be won for the best fan dancing on the screen, as well as match information to help fans understand the rules of the game.
Other on-screen information will include a scoreboard, clock and sponsors’ logos.
A team of 16 screen technicians, steel fabricators, and crew, managed by stadium technology experts, ADI, have been meticulously building and installing the screen since July in the South Stand.
Its high resolution pitch and super-wide format means it can display a range of crystal clear content simultaneously.
Following the launch this weekend, the screen will be used for all Wasps and Coventry City fixtures.
A series of new LED screens have also been installed inside the Ricoh Arena’s main entrance and atrium, as well as an LED scoreboard and clock on the mid-tier of the West Stand.
Stuart Cain, Commercial Director for Wasps and Ricoh Arena, said: “We aren’t just unveiling a new screen this weekend, but a piece of technology which, along with the venue’s high-speed Wi-Fi, has laid the foundations for us to evolve the way our supporters engage with live entertainment.
“Not only will the screen be a platform for replaying key match moments and explaining the rules, it will also be central to a series of new pre-match and half-time interactive initiatives that will be introduced throughout the season.
“We’re also hoping the screen can provide our players with an added advantage when they are playing towards the South Stand - you can’t miss it, and as a fan, it’s the perfect way to tweet their message of support to the players.
“The installation has taken a lot of meticulous planning and testing with the manufacturer ADI, and we’re grateful for their ongoing support with what is a game-changing investment for the Ricoh Arena.”
Geraint Williams, CEO of ADI, added: “We’re really excited to be playing a part in helping Wasps transform their match day experience. This might be one of the biggest screens in UK sport, but it is how the club use it that really counts.
“Such a display is worth little without compelling content and we’re delighted to be supporting the club by delivering an exciting live match day production that creates value for fans and an engaging platform for club partners.
“The completion of the screen installation is part of a wider digital infrastructure project we’re delivering for the club, and we’re really looking forward to working with Wasps to help develop a match day experience that welcomes fans new and old to the Ricoh Arena.”
