13.05.19 – UK: Football fans now have access to the ultimate match-day experience thanks to cutting-edge team merchandise powered by SOLOS Smart Wearable technology.
Launched this weekend, the supporters gear, embedded with intelligent technology that connects wirelessly to the wearer’s smartphone, enables football clubs to reward fans with exclusive food and drink offers, money can’t buy experiences in stadium and ticketless entry. The smart wearables connect to stadium turnstiles allowing users to walk right through the gates without the need for a ticket or membership card. The patented technology also enables clubs to protect their brands against counterfeit, drawing on SOLOS’ experience creating anti-counterfeit solutions for the luxury fashion industry.
Real Sociedad fans were the first to trial the new technology during La Real’s last home game versus Real Madrid at Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian on Sunday 12th May. Wearers of the limited edition scarf received automated messages direct to their smartphones, granting them the opportunity to experience the future of game day in stadium or whilst watching the blue and whites from the comfort of their own home.
Real Sociedad Head of Digital Transformation Juan Iraola said, “This is an opportunity for us to create the best possible experience for our fans, rewarding them for their loyalty to the club and to transform Anoeta into a world-leading smart stadium. We’re delighted to be working with SOLOS Ltd. and look forward to seeing the technology in action.”
Fans wearing the merchandise also have the option to use it as a contactless way to pay for food, drink and other merchandise within the stadium and soon the opportunity to link with an app aimed at gamifying the match day experience and enabling fans to interact in real time using their smartphones.
SOLOS Ltd. CEO George Monemvasitis said, “The way in which fans watch and engage with sport is changing and Real Sociedad is at the cusp of that transformation. We’re excited to partner with a club with such a rich history, a loyal fan base and a willingness to embrace new technology. We hope the fans enjoy the opportunities this technology allows and we’re grateful to La Real for the chance to join them on this journey.”
SOLOS Ltd. was founded in smart anti-counterfeit solutions for the luxury fashion industry, before venturing into the sports industry with the patented wearable technology. The smart merchandise is a first for the La Liga and one of the first in the world to utilise wearables to enhance fan engagement in sports. The technology also enables clubs to collect information, track purchasing habits and connect data in real-time to customers.
SOLOS Ltd. was selected as one of the winners of the Sport Thinkers Smart Stadium competition organised by the Global Sports Innovation Centre, powered by Microsoft in collaboration with Real Sociedad. The contest focused on the development of smart stadium solutions to transform Real Sociedad’s home ground Anoeta during its reconstruction. The competition rewarded 11 companies with a start-up acceleration programme, including SOLOS Ltd., with access to the Global Sports Innovation Centre, mentors and advice from sports industry professionals.
The project utilises technology and insights from SOLOS Ltd.’s successful pilot with Sydney-based AFL team the GWS Giants, whereby supporter guernseys were embedded with the same technology. The technology is now being rolled out to the entire AFL and SOLOS is in discussions with other professional sports clubs around the world.
On Thursday 2nd May, SOLOS Ltd. was named the winner of a prestigious Yahoo Sports Technology Award in the Best Sports Equipment, Apparel or Wearable Technology category at the globally recognised event in London.