Reading FC announce AI initiative with major tech firms
Reading Football Club have announced a major strategic AI initiative with Stelia AI, powered by NVIDIA and Lenovo, bringing together professional sport and advanced computing to accelerate the practical application of artificial intelligence.
The initiative will focus on the co-development of a Reading Football Club AI Centre of Excellence, designed to identify, develop and share best practice in applying AI and accelerating computing across football operations, performance analysis, fan engagement and commercial innovation. The Centre will also support skills development, education and innovation across the wider Thames Valley, working with local schools, colleges, universities and technology organisations.
As part of the initiative, Reading Football Club will use Stelia’s full-stack platform to support the development, testing and deployment of AI applications - leveraging accelerated compute infrastructure from NVIDIA and Lenovo. This will enable organisations to prototype real-world use cases and explore emerging approaches such as generative AI and agent-based systems within a practical, applied, and secure environment.
Together, the organisations aim to establish a scalable model for deploying AI responsibly across both sport and enterprise.
“This initiative brings together the best of sport, technology and community,” said Tim Kilpatrick, Chief Revenue Officer at Reading Football Club. “By working with Stelia, NVIDIA and Lenovo, we’re creating a platform that not only enhances how we operate as a football club, but also delivers real value to the Thames Valley business and education ecosystem. The AI Centre of Excellence will help translate innovation into practical outcomes, locally and beyond.”
“Football is an ideal environment for applied AI—data-rich, fast-moving and outcomes-driven,” said Stuart Fenton, Head of AI at Reading Football Club. “We’re building an AI Centre of Excellence to focus on real-world use cases, from performance and analysis to operations and fan engagement, while also sharing insight and opportunity with educators and technology partners across the Thames Valley.”
“Our focus is helping organisations move beyond experimentation to real, measurable value from AI,” said Dave Hughes, CTO at Stelia AI. “Working alongside Reading Football Club, NVIDIA and Lenovo allows us to demonstrate how strategy, data and technology can come together in a highly practical environment, while also supporting innovation and skills development across the Thames Valley.”
“AI delivers the greatest impact when it is applied to complex, real-world challenges,” said Anthony Hills, Director, UKI, NVIDIA . “Professional football offers a unique testbed for advanced analytics, accelerated computing and AI-driven insight. This partnership shows how technologies developed for elite performance can translate into meaningful outcomes for businesses, educators and communities.”
“At Lenovo, we’ve seen that the most successful AI strategies are built where data, infrastructure and day-to-day decision-making come together. Football is a particularly powerful environment for that because it demands speed, resilience and clarity under pressure. By bringing Lenovo’s expertise into this collaboration, we can help turn ambitious ideas into practical capabilities that deliver value both on and off the pitch,” said Andy Rhodes, VP and GM, Lenovo UK & Ireland.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that advances in AI deliver tangible benefits for sport, the regional economy and the future workforce.
UAB break ground on Bartow Arena renovation
University leaders, donors, community partners and elected officials gathered on campus to celebrate the start of construction on the project that will enhance the overall gameday experience. The ceremony featured comments from UAB President Ray L. Watts M.D., Mayor of Birmingham Randall L. Woodfin, Director of Athletics Mark Ingram, Head Volleyball Coach Betsy Freeburg, Associate Women's Basketball Coach Taren Martin, Head Men's Basketball Coach Andy Kennedy, and inaugural UAB Athletics Foundation Chair Hatton Smith.
"Bartow Arena is a time-honored venue for our campus and our community, hosting over four decades of exciting athletic competition, commencement ceremonies, and many other memorable events—all of which will be elevated by a modernized, state-of-the-art Bartow," Watts said. "This renovation will help take our national profile and competitiveness—and our student and fan experience—to even greater heights, as we carry on our longtime commitment to excellence in a bold new era of UAB Athletics."
"Birmingham is a sports town," Woodfin said. "The upgrades to Bartow Arena are not just a huge win for the Blazers, but a major win for our city as we continue to embrace our sports legacy and further establish Birmingham as a destination for sports and entertainment. Bartow Arena has been the site of many memorable moments. Gene Bartow stood for a commitment to excellence. This project showcases UAB's continued commitment to the highest standard for its student athletes, fans, and the community at large."
"The Bartow Arena Renovation will be transformational for UAB and for athletics," Ingram said. "It will mirror the modern aesthetics of our campus and provide an enhanced experience for all of our students and fans. Additionally, in an era where increased revenues are more important than ever, this renovation will assist us in adding more events to assist us in that effort."
Bartow Arena is home to the UAB men's and women's basketball programs, as well as the volleyball program. Bartow Arena serves as a multipurpose venue for numerous university, community, and civic activities throughout the year.
"We are truly excited about the Bartow Arena Renovation project.," Kennedy said. "There is so much history within these walls, and now we have an opportunity to build on that legacy in a way that will impact not only UAB Basketball, but the entire Birmingham community. A modernized Bartow Arena will create the first-class experience that our fans, students and community deserve. This building has already provided our program with so many unforgettable moments and now we begin an exciting new chapter for UAB Basketball."
"Bartow Arena has been the home of so many special moments for UAB Athletics," Martin said. "This renovation represents much more than just upgrades to a building as it solidifies a belief in the future of UAB Basketball and the city of Birmingham. What makes Bartow special has always been the people, the energy, the pride, the history, and the passion of Blazer fans. This project allows us to honor that tradition while creating something that will impact future generations of student athletes and supporters. We are excited and grateful to be part of this historic day for UAB Athletics."
"Bartow Arena is a special place," Freeburg said. "The arena is our home where we train and compete. This project will have a lasting impact on the volleyball program for both the players and the fans. The new court will not only look great but will also provide a better training surface to help our athletes stay healthy and competing at a high level. The new concourse and seating options will also elevate Bartow Arena to one of the best volleyball venues in the American Conference. We can't wait to play here."
"Modernizing this facility will continue elevating UAB and Birmingham," Smith said. "Providing a first-class facility for our students and fan base was a team effort from the community and UAB who believed in the importance of building upon the history and tradition surrounding Bartow Arena."
Upon completion, Bartow Arena will also feature a new entrance lobby with approximately 7,400 square feet of new space to enhance the fan experience, allow ticketing activities to take place indoors, and update the overall exterior image. The 34,500-square-foot concourse will be updated with new lighting, paint, finishes and graphics, as well as renovations to the restrooms with new fixtures and finishes.
Stone Building was selected as the lead contractor for the renovation of Bartow Arena through the competitive process in accordance with Alabama law. Construction is expected to be completed in October 2026 and is anticipated to be fully functional for the 2026-27 basketball season.
Innovative wayfinding boards introduced at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge has become the first football stadium to implement a new means of independent accessible wayfinding, available to anyone visiting the site.
These tactile information boards are positioned at Stamford Gate and Britannia Gate, before the security bag-check area, helping supporters access key information as they arrive at the Bridge.
This provision, in collaboration with Direct Access Group, is designed to support more independent navigation around the stadium. The boards provide all visitors with independent accessible wayfinding and the opportunity to find their bearings and make informed choices without needing to ask for assistance.
Each board brings together multiple ways to access information, allowing supporters to engage in the way that suits them best. Features include tactile elements and Braille, QR codes linking to British Sign Language and audio descriptive content, and clear use of colour to support visual navigation.
This latest addition reflects Chelsea Football Club’s ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and creating a more inclusive experience for everyone at Stamford Bridge.
Woking FC to upgrade stadium floodlights
Woking Football Club have confirmed that the Club will undertake a significant floodlight upgrade at the Laithwaite Community Stadium during the 2026 close season, with the existing floodlighting system being converted to modern LED technology.
The project represents another important investment in the stadium infrastructure and wider long-term development of the Club. The new LED system will provide improved lighting performance and efficiency while also reducing energy consumption and minimising unnecessary light spill beyond the stadium footprint. The upgraded system will also align the stadium with modern lighting standards increasingly expected across games.
While the overall appearance and structure of the existing floodlight gantries will remain unchanged, the underlying lighting technology itself will be comprehensively modernised through the installation of new LED units and associated electrical upgrades.
The project will be backed by the Cards Trust, as well as the Premier League Stadium Fund.
The contribution and backing received from both organisations have played an important role in helping make this investment possible and reflect a shared commitment towards the continued improvement of facilities at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.
Further updates regarding the installation process and project timeline will be shared in due course.
Scottish FA partner with PepsiCo
The Scottish Football Association have announced a new five-year partnership with PepsiCo and Pepsi MAX®, officially becoming the soft drinks partner of the Scotland Men’s and Women’s National teams through to 30 July 2030 - further strengthening Pepsi MAX’s international football platform.
The partnership represents defining chapter in Pepsi Max’s ambition to be an unmissable part of Scottish football culture, providing meaningful support to the teams and wider football ecosystem. As part of the agreement, Pepsi MAX has also secured pourage rights at Barclays Hampden, ensuring a presence across both football and major music and entertainment events.
Drawing on more than five decades of global football heritage, spanning the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Women’s Euro, Pepsi MAX holds a long-standing place at the heart of the game - its enduring presence in football, which now includes even more iconic stages like Barclays Hampden, gives the brand a distinctive platform to engage with the passion of Scotland supporters.
Brendan Napier, Commercial Director, Scottish Football Marketing, said: “It goes without saying that, in Scotland, football is a way of life. In Pepsi MAX, we have a world-renowned partner who recognises that and speaks our language. We have a lot to look forward to with our national teams – from now through until 2030, and beyond. This partnership is built for impact. Bringing supporters closer to the Scotland national teams through bold, innovative content and experiences.”
Natalia Filippociants, General Manager, International Beverages, PepsiCo, said: “We’re incredibly excited to unveil Pepsi’s five-year partnership with the Scotland national teams ahead of an unmissable summer of sport - a collaboration that continues to strengthen our presence across both local and international football. We are committed to being at the heart of the Tartan Army’s journey through to 2030, making Pepsi MAX an unmissable part of Scottish football culture at Barclays Hampden and beyond.”
T-Mobile to keep fans connected with Dynamic CX
From global soccer matches and sold-out concerts to packed summer festivals, massive crowds can put sudden pressure on wireless networks. To help customers stay connected during those high-demand moments, T-Mobile is introducing Dynamic CX, a new AI-powered network optimization capability that helps the network adapt automatically in near real time as demand shifts.
Built specifically for large-scale live events and high-density environments, Dynamic CX builds on T-Mobile’s intelligent Self-Organizing Network (SON) technology, which continuously monitors and optimizes network performance. Dynamic CX also uses AI to help identify potential mass gatherings — from major sporting events and concerts to festivals and community celebrations — by analyzing publicly available event information, schedules and online activity. The capability then helps prepare the network in advance and continuously monitors network conditions around event venues as crowds move, stream, share and connect throughout the day. Using AI-driven automation, it continuously adapts to network demand, enhancing network performance in real time and helping deliver responsive experiences for customers.
Imagine trying to text friends after a sold-out concert, upload a video from the stadium or request a rideshare alongside tens of thousands of other people at the exact same time. Situations like these can create sudden surges in network demand during live events. The capability is designed to help customers stay connected during those high-demand experiences.
“T-Mobile has decades of experience supporting America’s connectivity during some of the world’s largest events, and we’re constantly evolving how the network responds to moments of high demand,” said John Saw, Chief Technology Officer, T-Mobile. “With Dynamic CX, we’re using AI to help the network prepare ahead of large-scale events and adapt in real time as crowds move and demand changes — helping deliver a stronger, more resilient experience for customers.”
Dynamic CX is launching as T-Mobile prepares for one of the world’s largest global soccer tournaments hosted across the United States this summer.
“This summer’s event season will bring millions of people together across America for some of the year’s biggest cultural and sporting moments,” said Ankur Kapoor, Chief Network Officer, T-Mobile. “From network readiness and public safety coordination to new technologies like Dynamic CX, our teams are focused on helping people stay connected when it matters most.”
T-Mobile teams have expanded network capacity and operational support across stadiums, fan zones, airports, transit hubs and surrounding infrastructure throughout the United States to help support connectivity throughout the tournament and related travel activity. T-Mobile is also offering flexible eSIM-based connectivity options for international visitors traveling in the U.S. with compatible devices.
Preparations also include coordination with public safety agencies and local partners, support for priority communications capabilities including T-Priority, staging deployable network assets in several host markets and maintaining heightened cybersecurity vigilance across critical infrastructure and event-related network operations.
With millions of visitors expected over multiple weeks, T-Mobile teams across the country are preparing for a broad range of connectivity and operational scenarios throughout the summer’s busiest event and travel periods. Preparations also account for seasonal risks such as hurricanes, wildfires and extreme heat in several host regions.
Host cities for the global soccer tournament include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, the New York/New Jersey region, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle.
Philadelphia Phillies renew with Evolv Express
Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc., a leading security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, today announced that the company has renewed its partnership with the Philadelphia Phillies, extending the use of Evolv Express® for fan entry screening at Citizens Bank Park, the team’s home ballpark.
The Phillies’ renewal reflects a broader trend among Evolv’s professional sports customers, as teams and venues that were early adopters of the company’s technology approach the end of their initial subscription terms. In the Phillies’ case, Express has been in use for all home games since the start of the 2023 season, screening nearly 12 million guests to date. This renewal reinforces Evolv’s strong position in the Philadelphia sports market, one of five in the country in which the company serves all the major professional sports venues.
As with other pro sports renewals to date, the Phillies have elected to update their Express fleet to new Gen2 hardware at Citizens Bank Park, adding enhanced mobility, improved camera resolution, and other features. The renewal also maintains the marketing partnership between Evolv and the ball club. Evolv continues to be designated as the “Preferred Fan Screening Partner of the Philadelphia Phillies,” providing the company with a brand presence inside the ballpark and an opportunity to use the team’s trademarks in certain promotional activities.
"Thanks to Evolv, our fans have come to expect a fast, seamless entry experience when attending games at Citizens Bank Park,” said Salvatore DeAngelis, Vice President of Operations & Security. “We’re excited to continue our successful partnership, and this renewal ensures we can maintain that high standard for years to come, including as we welcome fans from across the league for MLB All-Star Week in July.”
“We’re grateful for the ongoing trust that the Phillies organization has placed in Evolv,” noted John Baier, the company’s Vice President of Sports & Entertainment. “Citizens Bank Park is one of our longest-tenured pro baseball deployments, and with the Gen2 hardware update, this renewal ensures that Phillies fans will continue to enjoy our state-of-the-art screening experience.”
In addition to Citizens Bank Park and the other three major sports facilities in the market, Evolv also serves several other customers in metro Philadelphia, including schools, healthcare facilities, and entertainment venues. Worldwide, the company has almost 100 sports and entertainment customers and more than 50 official partner designations.
Lenovo and Invisionary Media, in collaboration with Intel, Launch AI-Powered Fan Experience with Newcastle United, Built on Flagship LUX-75 Displays
Lenovo, in collaboration with Invisionary Media and Intel, have announced the launch of a next-generation immersive fan engagement platform with Newcastle United Football Club (NUFC), designed to drive new revenue through immersive retail experiences and deliver measurable audience insight across stadium and retail environments.
At the centre of the platform is Invisionary Media’s flagship LUX-75, an AI-powered interactive display designed to deliver immersive, high-impact engagement in public spaces. It represents an evolution of traditional digital signage, combining immersive fan engagement with new opportunities for retail interaction and revenue generation.
At Newcastle United, the platform is being brought to life through a series of interactive fan experiences designed to turn passive spectators into active participants. Supporters can step up to the “Goalkeeper Challenge,” a gesture-controlled game where fans attempt to save penalties from Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimarães in real time and compete for high scores.
Alongside this is “Matchday Moment”, an AI-powered virtual try-on experience where fans can see themselves wearing official Newcastle United kits and merchandise. The display becomes an interactive retail touchpoint that drives product discovery, deeper merchandise engagement and stronger purchase intent.
Underpinning the experience is Intel’s advanced hardware and AI software stack. The system is powered by the Intel Xeon W5-2565X Processor, delivering the performance required to handle real-time processing and high-throughput data capture.
Intel Open Edge Platform supports the delivery of the platform’s real-time analytics layer, helping optimize audience engagement by enabling precise detection of presence, movement and interaction to deliver rich sales behavioural insight and measurable engagement data.
This capability is delivered through Lenovo’s ThinkStation P5, acting as the central compute device within each display unit. Engineered for performance-critical workloads, the ThinkStation P5 ensures seamless execution of AI-driven interactions and real-time content in demanding stadium and retail environments.
Within the platform, Invisionary Media’s Real-World Analytics system captures and measures every fan interaction, from footfall and dwell time to behavioural engagement and demographics. It enables clubs and partners to optimise performance, quantify audience value and directly link engagement to revenue outcomes.
By combining Intel’s AI platform, Lenovo’s high-performance compute infrastructure and Invisionary Media’s LUX-75, this deployment sets a new benchmark for fan engagement, turning physical spaces into intelligent, interactive environments that deliver measurable performance and clear ROI.
Commenting on the new platform, Andy Rhodes, Managing Director, Lenovo UK & Ireland, said: “This collaboration with Intel, Invisionary Media and Newcastle United demonstrates how technology can fundamentally transform the fan experience. By combining high-performance compute with real-time AI and immersive display innovation, we’re enabling physical spaces to become intelligent, data-driven environments. This not only deepens engagement for supporters but also provides clubs and partners with measurable insight and clear commercial value, setting a new standard for how sport, technology and data come together.”
In addition, Mark Frost, Global Head of Business Development, Invisionary Media said: “As a company headquartered in Newcastle, partnering with Newcastle United on one of the most exciting next-generation fan engagement deployments in sport is incredibly meaningful for us. Together with Intel and Lenovo, we’re showing how immersive display technology can evolve beyond traditional signage into a revenue-driving engagement experience, blending retail, entertainment and real-time audience insight in a way that is genuinely future-facing.”
Mariya Zorotovich, General Manager, Consumer Industries Division, Intel said: “AI at the edge is redefining how physical spaces engage and monetise audiences With Intel Xeon processors and our Open Edge Platform, this collaboration enables Newcastle United to transform matchday into an interactive, data-driven experience—driving deeper engagement and measurable outcomes.”
About Invisionary Media
Invisionary Media, a division of Aircards Studio, is redefining digital out-of-home through AI-powered interactive displays and immersive media experiences. Built around its flagship LUX-75, Invisionary combines real-time AI, Augmented Reality, spatial interaction and intelligent analytics to transform high-footfall environments into engaging, measurable and revenue-driving destinations. From retail and hospitality to airports, events and public venues, Invisionary Media helps brands turn passive screens into immersive consumer experiences.
Athletics' Vegas Stadium Reaches Major Construction Milestone
As the Athletics look to move up in the Major League Baseball (MLB) American League West standings, their new home stadium in Las Vegas has reached a major milestone. Crews lifted the first 200-ton arch truss segment into place on Monday, marking the start of roof construction on the 33,000-seat ballpark.
The stadium’s long-span roof features five overlapping curved surfaces designed to look like baseball pennants, supported on freestanding steel arch trusses that will span nearly 700 feet across the playing field. Thornton Tomasetti is the structural engineer for the stadium, working in collaboration with the design team of BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group and HNTB. Mortenson-McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. joint venture is the construction manager.
The roof structure will reach 290 feet above the playing field. The park will also feature one of the world’s largest cable-net glass façades in the outfield, which will provide expansive views of the famed Las Vegas Strip.
In addition to structural design, Thornton Tomasetti are providing construction and façade engineering, connection detailing, and waterproofing and façade access services. The stadium is scheduled to open for the 2028 baseball season.