TORONTO--(Marketwire - May 26, 2009) - Cisco (
NASDAQ:
CSCO) today announced that the
Toronto Blue Jays have deployed Cisco StadiumVision to provide new and
innovative experiences for their fans in select luxury suites and the
JaysShop. A new scalable
Cisco® Connected Sports solution will be central to the fan
experience at the Rogers Centre, providing fans with one of the most
technologically advanced game-day experiences in sports.
Proudly representing the city of Toronto and Canada as the only Canadian
organization in Major League Baseball, the Toronto Blue Jays have
integrated video, voice, data and wireless services into one seamless
next-generation network that transcends sports operations, connecting the
team to its fans in entirely new ways. Fans will be able to view sports
news and scores, weather and traffic while never missing a moment of game
action on the field.
"The Blue Jays organization is committed to providing fans with the best
possible game-day experience," said Wilna Behr, vice president, stadium
initiatives, Toronto Blue Jays. "We were the first major league sports
franchise to pilot Cisco StadiumVision technology last season, in a small
controlled location to the delight of our guests who were able to
participate in the pilot. The success of the pilot led to the full-scale
deployment at the new Yankee Stadium. "
Immersive High-Definition Experience for All Fans
Cisco will work with the Toronto Blue Jays to enhance the way fans enjoy
Blue Jays games and other events by making the experience more interactive,
personalized and immersive. Cisco StadiumVision will allow the Blue Jays to
cost-effectively deliver live game video and customized content to video
monitors in the stadium, addressing the unique needs of each game or event.
The technology will also be available for other events at Rogers Centre,
including the Bills Toronto Series NFL games
The Blue Jays are implementing Cisco technology in three phases. The pilot
-- Phase 1, completed during the 2008 season, comprised the following
areas:
- Jays Fan Amenities: For all Jays fans who don't want to miss a
moment of on-field action, Cisco and Rogers Centre will deliver the live
game broadcast on HD video monitors displayed at gate TVs and eight TVs in
the JaysShop. Along with the live game broadcast, monitors are capable of
simultaneously providing up-to-date sports scores, Jays trivia, news and
weather from a single viewing screen. At the conclusion of games, these
monitors also have the ability to direct patrons to the nearest exits and
provide up-to-the-moment traffic information. In the event of an emergency,
all stadium monitors can be immediately and uniformly mobilized to display
evacuation instructions.
- Premium Luxury Fan: Twenty-two luxury suites have been outfitted
with 25 HD flat-screen TVs that use touch-screen Cisco Unified IP Phones to
view different camera angles and views, including camera views from the
Jays' and the visiting team's bullpens. This feature allows fans to create
their own personalized view of the action on the field.
The Toronto Blue Jays plan to implement Phase II during the 2009 season by
equipping 10-15 additional suites with Cisco StadiumVision technology and
point-of-sale integration, which will allow fans to order merchandise right
to their suites. In addition to select HD channels, Super Sports Pak and
MLB Extra Innings will be made available in StadiumVision-equipped suites.
Phase III, proposed for deployment in 2010, will include the addition of
Cisco StadiumVision to more suites and the HSBC Club VIP. The Toronto Blue
Jays and Rogers Communications are also working together to develop
next-generation fan experiences to take advantage of the unique
relationship between the two organizations.
- Fans of the Future: Cisco and the Toronto Blue Jays have also
kept an eye toward the future to ensure that Rogers Centre remains
state-of-the-art for years to come. For example, the new technology
features in the stadium are designed to support future fan use of mobile
devices for ordering concessions from their seat, viewing instant replays
or chatting in real time with friends inside and outside the
stadium.
"We are excited to be part of bringing this cutting-edge technology to
Canadian sports," said Nitin Kawale, president of Cisco Canada. "With this
deployment, the Toronto Blue Jays are clearly demonstrating that you don't
need to be a new stadium to use the power of the network to provide
innovative technology and new experiences to your fans and customers.
About Toronto Blue Jays and Rogers Centre
The Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club was originally founded in 1976 and
began play in Major League Baseball's American League the following year.
The Club's historical achievements in the ensuing years have been
significant, capturing five American League East Division crowns, two
American League Championship titles and back-to-back victories in the World
Series in 1992 and 1993, while earning the distinction of being the first
team in Major League Baseball to draw more than four million fans in a
single season. In September 2000, Rogers Communications Inc. purchased
controlling interest of the Club, providing strong dedicated local
ownership of the team. That ownership then purchased the stadium, now
known as Rogers Centre, in 2004 and have made significant upgrades in the
facility. We proudly wear the title of Canada's team in Major League
Baseball and are committed to providing first class entertainment
throughout the year.
About Cisco
Cisco (
NASDAQ:
CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms
how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Cisco Canada Co., a wholly
owned subsidiary of Cisco, has offices across Canada dedicated to customer
support, sales and service. For ongoing news, please visit
http://newsroom.cisco.com/canada/.
Cisco, the Cisco logo, Cisco Systems and Cisco StadiumVision are trademarks
or registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the United States and
certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document
are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word
partnership does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any
other company. This document is Cisco Public Information.
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Contact Information: Contact Information
Andrea Berry
Strategic/Ampersand (for Cisco)
416-961-5595, Ext. 428
andberry@cisco.com
Karin Scott
Cisco Canada
416-306-7164
kariscot@cisco.com