Sidearm Sports and VenueNext create new digital platform

As colleges and universities across the US prepare for returning students and sports, SIDEARM Sports and VenueNext have announced a new solution for athletic departments to help improve the overall fan experience and social distancing on game days.

SIDEARM Sports, the nation’s leading digital provider behind more than 1,300 collegiate athletics websites and mobile apps, is collaborating with mobile commerce technology leader VenueNext to bring a multi-faceted, seamless offering to its school partners.

This relationship enables intercollegiate athletics departments the option to embed a new fan-centric platform directly into their existing mobile apps. Notably, it provides fans access to contactless payment, in-seat ordering and ordering ahead to help schools comply with new safety standards surrounding in-venue concessions and merchandise.

The enhanced offering also presents fans with reward opportunities and VIP experience options.

SIDEARM Sports President & CEO Jeff Rubin, who is also Chief Digital Officer for Learfield IMG College, which acquired SIDEARM in 2014, said:

We’re constantly thinking of new ways we can help our school partners use technology to better engage with their fans. Now, with college sports on pause and the increased conversation around fan experiences and safety regulations this fall, we’re thrilled to unveil this new platform with VenueNext. We are especially proud to get this started with a storied athletic program like Nebraska.

University of Nebraska Senior Deputy Athletic Director, External Relations, Garrett Klassy, said:

Contactless transactions will be a critical part of the post COVID sports and entertainment environment. We are excited to partner with SIDEARM and VenueNext to help us better prepare our athletic venues and enhance our overall fan experience.

Aligning with SIDEARM will utilise VenueNext’s mobile point-of-sale solution, called OrderNext, to support a variety of use cases for contactless ordering and payment within venues.

The OrderNext mobile point-of-sale allows guests to shop, order and pay using their personal device without venues needing additional investments in hardware or infrastructure. This includes mobile ordering for food & beverage, merchandise and VIP access and experiences.

In addition, the VenueNext mobile wallet will provide a contactless branded payment platform, including student/fan rewards to drive engagement within the venue.

VenueNext CEO, Anthony Perez, added:

Our collaboration with SIDEARM will provide colleges and universities with the tools they need to keep fans safe, comfortable and engaged. Our mobile point-of-sale will allow fans to enjoy the same great experience they’ve always enjoyed but to do so safely and confidently. SIDEARM was the perfect partner for us to combine our platforms and offer schools a best-in-class solution at a time when it’s needed most.

In the coming days, we will be bringing you an in-depth interview with VenueNext CEO, Anthony Perez, so watch this space!

Main image (top): VenueNext’s Florida Gators app

#arena #cashless #contactless #sportsbiz #sportsentertainment #sportsindustry #sportstech #stadium #stadia

ALSD International – Europe’s leading event for the Premium Seat & Sports Hospitality sector – is taking place at Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium this October, 12-13, and will examine how to increase revenue through new builds, renovations, service expansions and the latest technology.

The next edition of ALSD International – organised by the Association of Luxury Suite Directors and Sports Venue Business – will feature a high-level conference, an exhibition hall showcasing the latest products, services & solutions, tours of Anfield, Everton’s Goodison Park and M&S Bank Arena, and numerous networking events, ensuring optimised opportunities to knowledge-share, network and do business.

#ALSDInternational – Europe’s leading event for the Premium Seat & Sports Hospitality sector

#ALSD – Leading the Premium Seat sector for the last 30 years

#sportsvenuebiz

#sportsvenuebusiness – The leading platform for sector news, views & developments