BULLSEYE: ELEVATING THE FAN EXPERIENCE AT PADDY POWER WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP 2023/2024
Over December and early January, Professional darts captured the attention of a global audience with the largest viewing figures EVER. The Paddy Power World Darts Championship, the showpiece event in the PDC calendar, took place from 15th December 2023 – 3rd January 2024 at the stunning Alexandra Palace, London.
ISLANDERS EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS
The New York Islanders NHL ice hockey franchise has taken inspiration from what will be only its second Stadium Series game by unveiling plans for The Park at UBS Arena.
The Islanders have joined forces with healthcare provider Northwell, a team sponsor, along with the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and USA Hockey on what will be a 155,800-square-foot, season-long, outdoor experience that will introduce the first two public pond hockey rinks to the local community.
INTER MIAMI MARKS MESSI MILESTONE
Supporters of Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami CF were able to celebrate Lionel Messi’s historic eighth Ballon d’Or win last month with an engaging evening of fan-facing activities.
Inter Miami’s legendary number 10 and captain joined the club earlier this year, and fans have lapped up the opportunity to witness the World Cup winner’s talents on the field.
COPA LIBERTADORES’ CARNIVAL ATMOSPHERE HITS THE BEACH
Located on Rio de Janeiro’s famous Copacabana Beach, the fan zone featured numerous activations to whet the appetite before the big match. In the week leading up to the game, the fan zone showcased the Copa Libertadores trophy, allowing fans to witness the ultimate prize.
SVNS TO OFFER RUGBY FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
World Rugby will aim to take the sevens format of the sport into a new era next month when its revamped SVNS series launches in Dubai, promising to “bring the biggest party to town” for event hosts.
‘PARTY COURT’ PLANS IN EXTENDED AUSTRALIAN OPEN
The Australian Open enters a new era as a 15-day tournament for its 2024 edition, and organisers are looking to raise the bar for what is already acknowledged to be one of the best fan experiences in world sport.
NASCAR FEELS THE SPEED WITH MIXED REALITY
Motorsport fans will be able to experience an immersive race weekend from the comfort of their own home thanks to a new partnership between XTADIUM, a virtual reality (VR) sports hub, and US stock-car racing series NASCAR.
NFL AFRICA TOUCHES DOWN IN CAPE TOWN
The National Football League (NFL) made a touchdown in Cape Town, South Africa this month, featuring a weekend of fan events to celebrate the commencement of the new 2023 season in the US.
BASKETBALL WORLD CUP SETS NEW BENCHMARK FOR FANS
The 2023 Basketball World Cup has served as a landmark event for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
Taking place in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, the tournament’s opening game on August 25 shattered the event’s attendance record as 38,115 fans took to the vast 50,000-seat Philippine Arena in Ciudad de Victoria to watch co-hosts the Philippines fall to an 87-81 defeat against the Dominican Republic.
GOLF’S VR DRIVE ACCELERATES
Two of golf’s major organisations have ramped up virtual reality initiatives in an effort to bring fans closer to the action this summer.
Ahead of The Open 2023, the R&A and Golf 5 joined forces to bring the major at Royal Liverpool in the UK to the metaverse.
Just like The Open, there were qualifying rounds, starting in July, with the finals set to conclude this month. The overall medal winner of The 2023 VR Open will receive a trophy and tickets to The 152nd Open in 2024, and winners from the other categories will receive limited edition VR Open memorabilia.
