Sony will conduct a PoC (proof of concept) with Manchester City, aiming to develop new forms of digital content and services that integrate the physical and virtual worlds to excite and engage both existing and next generation of sports fans across the globe. The PoC will leverage the technologies of multiple Sony group companies and the global IP of Manchester City. The PoC will leverage Sony’s cutting-edge image analysis and sensing technologies, as well as the leading Electronic Performance Tracking Systems (skeletal tracking and data manipulation/Virtual Recreation technology) of Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations. The PoC will explore new ways to use this technology to engage sports fans from anywhere in the world.
The focus of this PoC is to create a global online fan community, where fans can gather to interact with other fans, the team and establish new levels of connectivity with the Club within a virtual recreation of the Etihad Stadium. The Virtual Etihad Stadium will not only be a realistic rendering of the stadium in Manchester, UK – it will also be a point of access to unique virtual experiences for fans, from fully customizable avatars to next-generation interactive loyalty programs, all new methods of expressing their fandom.
This initial partnership with Manchester City marks another step for Sony’s effort to accelerate its commitment to the sporting community. Manchester City FC is an English Premier League club initially founded in 1880 as St Mark’s West Gorton. Sony has already developed successful digital fan experiences in sports, music and the wider entertainment industries.
