While Cisco Systems can’t make the drive to the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, Ont. any shorter for Ottawa Senators fans, it can offer a more interactive networking and video experience to fans once they arrive at the hockey arena.
The Ottawa Senators have announced they’re adding Cisco StadiumVision to the Canadian Tire Centre, where it will be branded Canadian Tire Centre Vision in the venue. It will be the first NHL venue in Canada to use Cisco’s digital video and content distribution system designed to control and deliver targeted high-definition video and digital content to spectators at the arena.
“It has been our commitment to provide fans with the best possible entertainment experience and the addition of these 700 high definition screens will bring our fans’ arena experience to a whole new level,” said Senators owner Eugene Melnyk in a statement. “Our partnerships are paramount in bringing innovation and an increased level of engagement to our fans. Working closely with two of our major partners, Canadian Tire and Cisco, we are exceptionally proud to be the first venue in the National Hockey League to deliver this type of highly specialized multimedia experience.”
With a variety of different events being held at the arena, the system will allow content, colour and branding to easily change for each event. Instillation of the system will include two new full colour, 234-square-foot LED screens on the highway marquee outside the arena, the Gate 1 screen and marquee, and as many as 700 other displays and digital signage throughout the venue.
“Cisco is proud to be working with innovative customers like Canadian Tire and the Ottawa Senators,” said Kim Devooght, vice-president, public sector with Cisco Canada, in a statement. “Both organizations understand the unique role sporting venues play in our communities and are committed to elevating the fan experience through more media-rich, personalized sports and entertainment experiences. These new digital experiences not only create a heightened sense of satisfaction and energy, but translate into significant business opportunities and new levels of business value for venues and their partners.”
According to Cisco, the technology will allow the arena to deliver content such as live event video, customized fan engagement content and interactive advertising to each video monitor, and will create new revenue streams, merchandising solutions and customized venue usage opportunities for the venue.
