Sports Technology & Communications News from Around the World

Warsaw's brand-new National Stadium, one of the venues for next year's UEFA EURO 2012 European Football Championship, has selected Cisco (News - Alert) to implement the CiscoCopyright Connected Stadium solution, the company has stated.

Warsaw's 58,000-seat National Stadium, a world-class multifunctional venue for large-scale sports and entertainment events, will have a single converged platform that integrates building management, access, communication, operations and entertainment systems with a Cisco Connected Stadium foundation in place.

Organizers, players and fans now benefit from the latest information and communication technology solutions with the state-of-the-art customized Internet Protocol (IP) network for sports and entertainment venues, the company stated in a press release.

“Modern stadiums no longer serve just as a backdrop for sports events, but are offering new, more engaging experiences for visitors and new business opportunities for owners and operators,” stated Dariusz Fabiszewski, general manager, Cisco Poland. “At the National Stadium in Warsaw, technology is a key differentiator, and the Cisco Connected, Stadium foundation will deliver added value for organizers, business partners, sponsors and spectators alike.”

Resulting in significant efficiencies and enhanced business flexibility, the Cisco network was designed to deliver simplified operations. It will also help enable the delivery of new services and experiences and commercial opportunities for the National Stadium.

The National Stadium will host not only the opening match, along with an official ceremony, but also three group matches, one quarterfinal and one semifinal during next year's UEFA EURO 2012 European Football Championship, the company has stated.

Recently, the company announced its intent to acquire BNI Video, a privately-held provider of video solutions, headquartered in Boxborough, MA. Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco will pay approximately $99 million in cash and retention-based incentives in exchange for all shares of BNI Video.