Genius Sports to Connect NFL Gametime On X
Genius Sports Limited, a global leader in real-time sports data and technology, has partnered with leading social platform X to connect NFL Gametime on X with the NFL’s official data, giving fans real-time scores, statistics and insights as the action unfolds.
With the 2026 season underway, NFL Gametime on X is a dedicated feed sitting alongside the traditional For You and Following tabs. It brings live scores, clips, insights, news and creator commentary into one experience, building on X’s more than decade-long partnership with the NFL.
As sports consumption becomes more immediate, the source of live data matters. Official NFL data is the fastest, most accurate and richest source of information on every down, providing fans on X with real-time updates and insights.
Genius Sports sits at the heart of this live data ecosystem. As the exclusive distributor of the NFL’s real-time, official play-by-play statistics and the league’s Next Gen Stats (“NGS”) data, Genius Sports turns live insights into experiences for fans around the world.
The NFL Gametime on X and Genius Sports collaboration connects fans between the field and second screen, helping fans:
- Stay closer to every play with official scores and play-by-play information delivered in real-time.
- Bring greater context to the action through trusted player, team and game insights.
- Connect the game with the conversation by putting official data alongside clips, news and creator commentary.
“NFL Gametime on X is where the game and the conversation meet,” said Monique Pintarelli, Head of Global Advertising, X. “Providing fans with official, real-time data together keeps fans closer to every play and gives brands a live environment to be part of the biggest moments in sports."
“Nothing rivals the NFL for scale, excitement and spectacle, with X becoming a crucial platform for fans to follow the biggest league in US sports,” said Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports. “Our technology is central to the NFL ecosystem, and we’re excited to expand our reach by helping power NFL Gametime on X, delivering real-time insights, scores and updates to underpin how millions of fans follow every down.”
Since beginning their partnership in 2021, Genius Sports and the NFL have expanded how official league data can transform the way football is experienced across media, broadcast and advertising.
Populous Appointed to Test Canberra City Stadium Concept
Canberra Airport has announced the appointment of world-renowned stadium and event venue design firm Populous to undertake concept design and feasibility work for the proposed world-class, all-event stadium in Canberra's city centre.
The appointment marks the next step in assessing the viability of the proposed stadium at Regatta Place and will include concept design development, site testing, operational planning and independently tested construction cost estimates.
Populous is widely regarded as the world's leading stadium architecture practice, having designed some of the most iconic sporting and entertainment venues globally. The firm specialises in creating stadiums and arenas that deliver exceptional fan experiences through innovative design, technology integration, acoustics, sustainability and community-focused precinct planning.
The appointment follows the launch of the Our City. Our Stadium. proposal and the release of independent economic and social impact analysis examining the benefits of a city-centre stadium for Canberra.
Canberra Airport Managing Director Stephen Byron said the appointment of Populous would provide an independent and globally informed assessment of what could be achieved for Canberra.
"We said from day one that this proposal would be evidence-led and tested rigorously. The appointment of Populous is an important step in that process."
"Populous has helped deliver some of the world's most successful stadiums and entertainment venues. Their role isto test the opportunity, explore options for the site and determine what is possible."
"This isn't about arriving with a predetermined answer. It's about engaging global experts to assess how a stadium worthy of the Nation's Capital could work in Canberra."
Populous has been engaged to undertake:
- Stadium site location study
- Concept designs development
- Site suitability testing
- Sustainability considerations
- Coordination of independent construction costing estimate including engineering, traffic, pitch delivery recommendations
Populous Senior Principal Al Baxter said the firm was genuinely excited to be working with Canberra Airport to explore the potential of the city stadium concept.
“This is an exciting opportunity to bring our global experience of designing One New Zealand Stadium to Canberra and explore how a new stadium could respond to the city, its climate and the needs of its community. I have apersonal connection to Canberra, having been born there, and we look forward to working with Canberra Airport to test the concept to help shape a distinctive, flexible and sustainable venue for the Nation’s Capital.”
Christchurch Connection
In addition to designing Forsyth Barr, CommBank Stadium, Suncorp Stadium and numerous other major stadiums around the world, Populous recently led the design of One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha in Christchurch, a fully covered multi-use stadium in the heart of the city that has become a benchmark for how modern stadiums can support major events, economic activity and year-round community use. The venue was designed as a flexible urban stadium capable of hosting sport, concerts and community events while helping revitalise Christchurch's city centre.
Mr Byron said Christchurch provided an important reference point for Canberra. "Christchurch is one of the most relevant examples anywhere in our region."
"Like Canberra, it's a growing city that recognised the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports tourism, attracts major events and creates a focal point for community life."
"Christchurch will provide an important benchmark and starting point for the design, but the final concept will be tailored to Canberra, its needs and its climate."
Penrith Stadium: Scoreboards installed and Seating Work Begins
Another construction milestone has been reached at Penrith Stadium, with two giant scoreboards now in place and seating installation progressing in the eastern grandstand.
Inspired by the Blue Mountains and Cumberland Plain, the seating design celebrates Penrith's unique landscape. The eastern grandstand reflects the colours and horizons of the Blue Mountains, while the western grandstand draws inspiration from the native grasslands of the Cumberland Plain, creating a stadium experience that is distinctly local.
This marks an exciting milestone for the project and highlights the stadium’s focus on delivering an enhanced fan experience. Better views from every seat, steeper grandstands that bring spectators closer to the action, more food and beverage outlets and amenities with improved accessibility will help create a more comfortable and immersive game-day atmosphere.
The new LED scoreboards on the hills will further enhance the visitor experience. Measuring 19 metres wide and 8.6 metres high the scoreboards will offer superior picture quality and faster replay capabilities meaning fans won’t miss a minute of the action.
"With the seats, we really wanted to create a distinctive visual identity that embeds a strong sense of place into the stadium, ensuring the venue is unmistakably connected to Penrith and its environment.
Seat installation marks a major construction milestone, bringing the stadium’s final look and feel into view and moving the project another step closer to completion," said Josh Robson, Senior Principal, Populous.
AGY Reinforces New Tropicana Field Roof
AGY, a leading manufacturer of advanced specialty glass fibers, announced that its glass fiber yarn serves as the base reinforcement for the Serge Ferrari Group Tenseo Xtrem GF 7000 composite membrane used in the newly installed roof at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The new permanent roof replaces the stadium’s previous membrane, which was destroyed by Hurricane Milton in October 2024. The replacement allowed the Tampa Bay Rays to return to Tropicana Field for the opening of the 2026 Major League Baseball season.
The roof consists of 24 translucent composite membrane panels covering approximately 45,000 square meters, or nearly 485,000 square feet. Each panel is approximately 330 feet long and weighs roughly 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms).
Serge Ferrari Group’s Tenseo Xtrem GF 7000 is a high-performance architectural membrane constructed from woven glass fiber fabric coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE. The membrane is then sealed with Serge Ferrari’s Pro Shield Max fluorinated ethylene propylene, or FEP, surface treatment.
AGY’s specialty glass fiber yarn forms the structural foundation of the woven fabric, providing the strength, dimensional stability and durability required for large-scale permanent tensile structures.
“We are proud that AGY glass fiber yarn was selected as the base reinforcement for the Tenseo Xtrem GF 7000 membrane used in this landmark project,” said Patrick Hunter, Chief Commercial Officer and President of AGY. “The Tropicana Field roof demonstrates how advanced glass fiber yarns enable composite systems that must perform reliably under demanding structural, environmental and weather conditions.”
The project required an unusually compressed engineering, manufacturing and installation schedule. A permanent roof of this size could normally take several years to complete, but the final membrane panel was secured in November 2025, ahead of schedule. Final stretching and sealing work continued into early December, allowing interior stadium renovations to advance in preparation for the Rays’ return.
The membrane material was manufactured at Serge Ferrari Group’s facility in Germany and shipped to Enclos Tensile Structures for fabrication and assembly.
During production, Serge Ferrari wove the glass fiber yarn into fabric, applied the PTFE coating and sealed the material with its specialized FEP surface treatment. The finished surface provides waterproofing, durability and long-term aesthetic performance, while allowing rainwater to naturally remove dirt from the roof over time.
Although the new roof appears visually similar to the original, its engineering has been modernized to address stronger winds, severe storms and updated safety requirements. The completed membrane roof has an expected service life exceeding 20 years and is designed to improve the stadium’s resilience while reducing long-term maintenance requirements.
“This project highlights the essential role specialty glass fiber yarn plays in the performance of advanced architectural composites,” Hunter added. “We are pleased that glass fiber yarn manufactured by AGY in Aiken, South Carolina, is part of a structure that will protect the stadium, its players and its fans for years to come.”
CISCO Becomes Stadium Innovation Partner of PSV
Cisco, a global leader in networking and security and a provider of critical infrastructure for AI, is working closely with PSV to transform the Philips Stadium into a world-class smart venue. Together, they are leveraging technology to enrich the fan experience and streamline daily operations.
Cisco supports the new AI-ready digital infrastructure, which is an essential part of the planned stadium expansion. Deploying AI in a stadium environment requires a rock-solid foundation. Think of a powerful network that processes massive data streams, local computing power for lightning-fast analyses, and security that is seamlessly integrated into every layer of the infrastructure. Cisco is helping PSV Eindhoven lay this foundation, enabling the club to effortlessly integrate new AI applications in the future without having to completely overhaul the entire infrastructure each time.
Frans Janssen, Commercial Director of PSV, on the partnership: “We say it often, but the best partnerships stem from existing relationships. That’s proof that both parties are very satisfied. We’ve already made great strides with Cisco, such as with the high-density Wi-Fi network that covers the entire stadium. We look forward to seeing what milestones we can achieve together in the coming years.”
From stadium-wide Wi-Fi to a smart venue
PSV and Cisco have already implemented a high-density Wi-Fi network at the Philips Stadium. This ensures stable connections for fans and staff, even when tens of thousands of people are online at the same time. Building on this foundation, both parties are continuing to use data and analytics to optimise visitor flows and daily operations. In addition, Cisco is implementing a security architecture that protects both the digital systems and the physical infrastructure.
“A great stadium experience stands or falls on the infrastructure that fans don’t see,” said Cynthia Koetsier-Beerten, Managing Director of Cisco Benelux. “We’re proud to support PSV in building a future-proof venue that is both modern and historic. In doing so, we’re setting a new standard for what fans can expect the moment they step into the stadium.”
The partnership builds on Cisco’s global expertise in supporting some of the world’s most iconic venues, starting with the infrastructure for which AI-driven applications are essential. PSV joins hundreds of leading venues, teams, events, and organizations worldwide that rely on Cisco as their preferred technology partner, including Real Madrid FC, the McLaren Mastercard F1 Racing Team, the Allianz Arena, and Madison Square Garden.
HuskerVision builds IP production facility with Grass Valley
HuskerVision, the video production and multimedia operation for University of Nebraska Athletics, has deployed Grass Valley K-Frame production switchers and LDX cameras as part of a new SMPTE ST 2110 production facility supporting sports venues across the university campus.
The six-month project created three new control rooms and replaced HuskerVision’s aging baseband infrastructure with an IP production environment. The completed facility gives its production teams the capacity to support events across campus, with UHD and HDR capability built into the system as requirements develop.
Operated by students and staff, HuskerVision produces video and multimedia content for University of Nebraska Athletics. Its student program has also provided a route into the broadcast industry for hundreds of graduates, making professional production experience an important consideration when the university selected technology for the new facility.
“We had the opportunity to look at how we wanted to produce content across our venues for the next several years, rather than simply replacing the equipment we already had,” said Garrett Hill, Director of Technology, HuskerVision. “Grass Valley gave us the combination of functionality and price-to-performance we were looking for, with an IP production system that can support what we need today and our move toward UHD in the future.”
Moving Production to ST 2110
The new facility uses Grass Valley LDX 135 and LDX 150 cameras, with XCU Xpress UXF base stations connecting the camera systems into the ST 2110 environment. The LDX 135 provides native UHD acquisition, while the LDX 150 supports multi-format production, with both camera systems providing HDR and NativeIP capabilities.
Two Kayenne K-Frame SXP-I production switchers provide the main production control, with support for HD, 3G and 12G UHD production. Advanced IP I/O and 100GbE connectivity carry signals across the IP infrastructure, while Creative Grading panels and a central control server provide color and HDR management across the camera fleet.
The two switcher configurations provide separate production positions, giving HuskerVision the resources to manage multiple productions across its event calendar. The IP architecture also allows Grass Valley and third-party systems to operate across the same network rather than relying on fixed baseband routing.
Preparing Students for Professional Production
An important part of the project was giving students experience with technology they are likely to encounter when they move into professional live production. Grass Valley equipment is widely deployed across production trucks in the US, making familiarity with K-Frame and LDX systems relevant beyond their work at the university.
“For our students, the technology they work with here is part of their preparation for a career in the industry,” said Kevin Raguse, Broadcast Technology Engineer, HuskerVision. “They can learn live production on the same type of switching and camera systems they will encounter in professional environments, while our staff has a reliable system that is straightforward to operate across our day-to-day productions.”
Grass Valley worked with systems integrator BeckTV on the deployment, which also included commissioning and on-site operational and technical training.
“Working with HuskerVision and Grass Valley, we integrated the cameras and production switchers into a shared ST 2110 network, giving the team more flexibility to route signals across control rooms and campus venues,” said Brock Raum, Senior Engineer, at BeckTV. “The facility was designed to support efficient day-to-day operations while providing a foundation for future UHD and HDR production. It also gives students hands-on experience with the IP workflows they’ll encounter in professional live production.”
“HuskerVision has helped launch the careers of hundreds of people working in live production, which gives this project significance beyond the facility itself,” said Greg Doggett, VP of Sales – NAM Sports at Grass Valley. “It also reflects the growing number of universities investing in professional broadcast technology to support both their production needs and the practical training they provide for the next generation of industry professionals.”
The new facility provides HuskerVision with a common IP production infrastructure across its control rooms, giving its production teams the capacity to support events across campus.
Grass Valley will exhibit at NAB Show New York, October 21–22 at the Javits Center, at Booth 121, where visitors can learn more about its latest live production, IP infrastructure and software-defined production technologies.
SGL Re-launches TurfPod grass-monitoring sensor
SGL have announced the general availability of the new TurfPod, a completely rebuilt version of its grass-monitoring sensor. Redesigned from the ground up based on extensive customer feedback, the improved TurfPod delivers reliable, real-time insight into the microclimate of any playing surface, and forms a core building block of the wider SGL ecosystem.
Together with TurfBase Sports, the TurfPod lets grounds managers create a living digital twin of their pitch: a continuously updating, data-driven picture of what's happening both above and below the surface. Instead of relying on instinct alone, teams can see conditions change in real time and make objective, justifiable maintenance decisions before every game.
Built on everything we've Learned
Every component of the new TurfPod has been redesigned for consistent performance in demanding, real-world environments, minimising downtime and maximising data accuracy.
The device has been extensively tested in stadiums around the world, across different climates and conditions, to ensure reliable performance even under the toughest circumstances.
Key improvements in the new generation include:
- A robust, redesigned exterior engineered for reliability in the
- A new protective sleeve that covers the pins when the TurfPod is not in use, for a safer and more intuitive experience.
- Seamless NFC connection to TurfBase Sports, delivering instant, actionable insight to support data-driven decisions.
- Full backward compatibility, so the new TurfPod works alongside older units already in the ground.
A complete picture of the microclimate
TurfPod tracks six essential growth factors across both soil and surface conditions: air temperature, soil temperature, PAR light, salinity, humidity, and soil moisture, giving grounds teams a highly accurate view of their pitch's microclimate. With multiple TurfPods, teams can map differences across a surface, monitor an unlimited number of pitches, and act precisely where action is needed.
That precision translates directly into efficiency. By using only the water, nutrients, and resources a pitch actually needs,grounds teams can reduce waste and costs while lowering their environmental footprint.
Smart technology, always connected
With 4G connectivity and built-in GPS, the TurfPod continuously transfers data to TurfBase Sports, so grounds managers can instantly see where and when problem areas appear.
Wireless charging, cloud-based storage, and full loT integration keep teams connected to their playing surface 24/7.
"We listened closely to the people who use TurfPod every day and rebuilt it around their needs. The result is a more reliable sensor and, more importantly, a stronger foundation for the digital twin at the heart of the SGL ecosystem." - Mark Trubenbacher, CEO at SGL
What grounds teams are saying
"I couldn't really fault the new TurfPod during testing, the experience has been very positive, and I'm genuinely excited about the full rollout. The most noticeable improvement for me is the consistency of the data readings, and the GPS performance is significantly better than in the old Turf Pods." - Oliver Deeming, FC Copenhagen
Availability and pricing
The new TurfPod is available now on a subscription basis starting at €67 per month, no large upfront investment required. Every subscription includes the TurfBase Sports Live data module, full service, maintenance, and free replacements. An optional Advanced data module adds GPS-based data overviews, in-depth VPD, ET and DLI analysis, out-of-range alerts, and heat maps.
To request a quote or learn more, visit sglsystem.com/products/data-monitoring/turfpod.
Formula 1 To Return To Africa For First Time Since 1993
Formula 1 has announced a landmark 10-year agreement to bring the sport back to the African continent, with the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, set to join the calendar in the early 2030s.
The agreement marks a defining moment in F1’s history and will see the sport return to Africa for the first time since 1993.
Racing in Africa has been a long-standing ambition for F1, with Tuesday’s announcement following years of collaboration to ensure the right foundations, with the best partner, are in place to deliver a successful, sustainable and world-class Grand Prix for generations to come.
The long-term agreement will see the first race in the country take place once a new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, Rwanda, has been completed, which is expected to be early in the next decade.
The new track will be developed to FIA Grade 1 standards as part of a wider sports, tourism, infrastructure, and commercial development project led by the Rwanda Development Board.
Located approximately 40 kilometres south of capital city Kigali, and adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport, the circuit will be designed to work in harmony with the natural landscape, using the area’s elevation changes to create a unique and challenging racing experience while delivering exceptional viewing opportunities for fans.
Beyond race weekends, the venue will serve as a year-round destination capable of hosting international motorsport, major events, conferences and entertainment, helping to drive long-term economic growth and investment across the region.
The announcement reflects F1’s continued commitment to expanding its global reach and connecting with new audiences around the world. Africa represents one of the most exciting growth opportunities for the sport, with more than 100 million fans already following F1 across the continent, and almost 60% of fans in key Sub-Saharan African markets under the age of 35.
Together, F1, the Government of Rwanda and the Rwanda Development Board share a vision to build an event that generates meaningful economic and social impact while inspiring future generations across the continent.
Further details regarding the inaugural race date, circuit development milestones and race weekend plans will be announced in due course.
Bayer Leverkusen To Deploy Wi-Fi 7 By Extreme Networks
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured a new network partner in Extreme Networks GmbH. The leading provider of AI-powered network automation has agreed a five-year partnership with the Bundesliga club, running until 30 June 2031. As part of this, the club’s existing Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure will be replaced by more than 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of a stadium with a high user density. The aim is to enhance the fan experience while optimising operational processes and security.
During the recent summer break, Extreme Networks played a key role in expanding and optimising the IT infrastructure at the BayArena and ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the stadium, the training centre, the concourses, the areas directly adjacent to the pitch, the lounges, hospitality areas and offices.
For fans, this means a reliable connection and a seamless digital experience – from accessing digital tickets and enjoying live match content to using personalised mobile services. For the club, the network streamlines key operational processes, including access control and staff communication, thereby enhancing security throughout the stadium.
“The BayArena has hosted countless legendary matches, and the technology behind it must keep pace with rapid developments. Extreme Wi-Fi 7 provides us with the connectivity we need to support more fans and staff, with a significantly increased number of devices and data volumes, while ensuring that critical stadium operations run reliably – from Bundesliga matches to international competitions,” said Andreas Hinder, Head of IT at Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
“With Germany’s first fully Wi-Fi 7-enabled football stadium network, Bayer 04 Leverkusen is setting new standards in stadium connectivity. The club is thereby enabling a more immersive and personalised fan experience, while at the same time laying the digital foundations for the next generation of live sport,” said Thomas Mehrfort, Head of Hospitality, Sports and Venues EMEA at Extreme Networks.