The PGA European Tour to offer spectators Wi-Fi through Xirrus partnership
The PGA European Tour has partnered with wireless network provider Xirrus in order to provide spectators with Wi-Fi at its golfing events.
“Wireless is playing a fundamental role in helping us entice fans away from watching golf on their TV screens at home, to get out and enjoy the live event itself. The delivery of high-performance Wi-Fi from Xirrus allows us to provide spectators with a home entertainment type experience on the golf course, enabling them to enjoy video and interactive content, visit online communities and share their experiences with friends on social media,” explained Graham Gifford, ICT director at PGA European Tour.
The service also includes live streaming of tournament highlights direct to user’s handsets as well as a player tracking app. User preferences are also captured in order to redirect them to chosen contrnt and tailor promotional materials.
The first phase of the rollout involved introducing Xirrus Wireless Arrays at PGA’s Wentworth Club HQ for the first BMW PGA Championships in May. At peak times there were more than 3,500 devices connected to the network, with 90 per cent being smartphones. The next phase involves rolling out the Wi-Fi network across the entire 18-hole course. The European Tour will also be deploying a similar Xirrus Wi-Fi network at Future golfing events throughout the year.
Sean Larner, VP International at Xirrus, added: “We’re seeing more sporting venues tap into Wi-Fi as a way to provide fans with tailored digital content and value-add services, while also providing the venue itself with new revenue streams for them and their partners.”