Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust’s CEO Jamie Barkley took some time out of his busy schedule to tell us why he is returning to TheStadiumBusiness Summit again this year.
“We have implemented a number of initiatives at our venues during the past year following information and ideas gathered through the Summit, its participants and its venue tours”.
“For example, we installed two giant super screens, Wi-Fi and IPTVs at Allianz Stadium to improve the match day experience for our home teams and fans. We upgraded food and beverage options and added themed bars and dining areas. We continue to work on a range of initiatives to give the fans what they want, increase attendances and financial viability for our home clubs and to provide an experience on game day that is second to none.”
Jamie continued, “I always find it fascinating that even though our sports, stadiums and languages might be vastly different, we often share the same challenges”, explains Jamie.
“The strategies that work for us at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium might provide inspiration for venues around the world, just as their strategies can provide ‘light bulb’ moments for us.”
Global Networking
“The level of cooperation among Australian venues is generally very good; but TheStadiumBusiness Summit provides us with the opportunity to expand that network internationally.”
Given that we often share events (One Direction’s On The Road Again tour for example) the contacts that can be established at the Summit can prove valuable. Interaction with venue operators, sports team administrators, architects, suppliers and others at the Summit is a great medium for the exchange of information and knowledge on current and future trends – at home and abroad.”
Future Plans
“Digital connectivity and fan engagement are among our key interests at the moment. At Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground, we have world-leading technologies in place – what we need now is the world’s best practice to ensure that we use what we have to give our fans and our sports partners the best possible result.”
Looking ahead to Barcelona
“Barcelona has been on my ‘to-do’ list for some time, as well as seeing Camp Nou, one of the great stadiums in the world”, he explains.
“Taking inspiration from other venues around the world is our goal as we continue to pursue event opportunities – especially given that the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium boast new facilities”.
“I’m also keen on keeping up to date with the latest stadia design and architectural trends as we continue to upgrade our facilities and implement Master Plan projects on site.
Awards
“We’re thrilled to be recognised in the shortlists alongside some of the biggest sporting events of the year in TheStadiumBusiness Awards Sport Event of the Year category.”
“The task to transform the Sydney Cricket Ground into a ‘ball park’ to host the 2014 Major League Baseball Opening Series was nothing short of monumental. It was a great credit to our staff and the many MLB employees who we worked alongside in the lead-up to the first pitch.”
“The SCG has hosted many fantastic events in its 160-year history, but few match the scale, audience and sheer excitement of the season opener between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers.”
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