Digital services and consulting company Infosys has announced a new suite of artificial intelligence-driven features and platforms in conjunction with this year’s Australian Open, which is set to take place at Melbourne Park. Among the innovative offerings is a virtual reality AI stadium located in the Infosys Fan Zone, allowing fans to engage with a generative AI speech-to-image feature. This function enables users to participate in virtual play across various tennis courts.
Additionally, Infosys is introducing ‘Beyond Tennis’, which is described as the world’s first generative AI-powered tennis league. This initiative will enable fans to connect with AI-generated virtual tennis players, form teams, and compete in tournaments running throughout the year. A total of 16 unique AI-crafted virtual players will be arranged into eight teams, providing a dynamic and interactive experience for users.
The tournament will also incorporate AI commentary in the Infosys Match Centre, enhancing the viewing experience for attendees and those watching at home. These advancements are made possible thanks to Infosys Topaz, a comprehensive suite of generative AI technologies, and are part of the company's long-standing partnership with Tennis Australia.
In a separate development in the sports industry, SeatGeek has formed a partnership with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers to introduce Concourse Maps. These navigable venue maps will highlight essential features like restaurants, shops, and toilets, beginning at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The company anticipates expanding this offering to other partner venues in the future.
The Leeds Rhinos, a team in the Super League, has collaborated with CUE to launch a range of game-day products aimed at enhancing the experience of fans attending matches. Among the offerings will be mobile fan cameras, smartphone light shows, and an AI-powered selfie aggregator, designed to enrich the in-stadium atmosphere.
CUE is well-known for developing digital fan experiences for live sports, with existing partnerships with major teams such as Tottenham Hotspur, the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Meanwhile, in the world of wrestling, Cosm, an experiential media and immersive technology firm, has entered into a multi-year partnership with WWE. This agreement will see major live events—such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble—be delivered to fans in a shared reality format at Cosm’s experiential venues located in Los Angeles and Dallas. These venues boast 87-foot-diameter 12K+ LED domed screens, providing immersive viewing experiences.
In North Carolina, the North Carolina Football Club has announced a partnership with Jump, a unified fan experience platform specifically tailored for professional sports teams. The club, which operates both the North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League and North Carolina FC in the USL Championship, will implement Jump as its primary fan engagement platform. This partnership encompasses primary and secondary ticketing, group and suite sales, as well as the branded team mobile app.
Jump boasts a wide range of tools designed to personalize the fan experience, both in and out of the stadium, including ticket package offerings and merchandise. The platform has been developed in collaboration with executives from over 70 professional sports teams across various major leagues, emphasizing its potential impact on enhancing fan interaction within the sports industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services