Daktronics partners with American Association of Professional Baseball
Daktronics has partnered with the American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) as its official video display and control equipment provider to bring education and professional sports together.
“This partnership is mutually beneficial as the teams gain access to a pool of talented, trained students who are ready to jump into a career with their production teams,” said Joey Hulsebus, regional sales for Daktronics. “They are familiar with almost every aspect of the control room, including the software they use, how they use it and what they expect to see on game day.”
As part of the partnership, Daktronics is a part ofthe AAPB’s Preferred Supplier Program and Business Alliance, and students will receive opportunities to learn and launch careers in live event production and sports media, with the ability to support AAPB teams as they grow their talents.
“The American Association is proud to partner with Daktronics to provide the next generation of sports business professionals with real-world experience through work in our league,” said Josh Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association of Professional Baseball. “Daktronics has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation with the creation of the DakClassroom, and we’re excited to collaborate in expanding this groundbreaking initiative.”
Multiple aspects of this partnership bring direct benefits to both the students and AAPB teams, including furthering education, behind-the-scenes insights and trained, career-ready talent.
Through DakClassroom, students gain hands-on experience with the same technology used in professional sports venues. DakClassroom is a detailed live event and game-day production curriculum that gives educators the tools to help them launch their programs from the ground up and aligns with career and technical education (CTE) standards.
Through Daktronics Crew Connect, students have access to the next level of production with internships, seasonal jobs and the opportunity to build for the future. Crew Connect is a program that brings high school students with event production experience together with jobs at colleges, universities and professional sports venues across the country.
AAPB teams will provide another layer to the curriculum through a look behind the curtain of their event productions with specific content tailored to the students, including “Day In The Life” content. This will share their process for multiple aspects of the team, including game-day operations, videography and photography, and even social media management.
“These students can’t be what they can’t see,” said Kyle Sydow, high school, parks and recreation market manager for Daktronics. “This partnership helps them see real careers in sports and media. And it gives these teams access to trained game-day production talent at the same time. This partnership is really going to give AAPB, DakClassroom and Crew Connect strength in their shared commitment to shaping the next generation of live event professionals.”
Collette Roche appointed CEO of new Manchester United stadium development
The role, reporting to Manchester United chief executive officer Omar Berrada, marks an exciting next step in plans for development.
This followed the announcement of our vision in March, inviting all fans to share their views on a range of potential features, including facilities, seating and pricing options.
Omar Berrada, CEO, said of the appointment: “Collette has done a fantastic job leading the club’s work to develop our ambition to build a new 100,000-seater stadium as part of the wider Old Trafford Regeneration.
“As we start to accelerate our plans, we are delighted that Collette will now be totally focused on working to deliver this hugely important project.”
Collette Roche, CEO, New Stadium Development, added: “I am incredibly proud to have been asked to lead the new stadium development and continue to work closely with the Mayoral Development Corporation and all our diverse stakeholders.
“Our aspiration is to create the best stadium in the world for the best team and fanbase in sport – guided by fans’ input throughout the design and development process. We are committed to taking a consultative approach, ensuring our plans are shaped by fans every step of the way.”
Spain vs Egypt to Be Played at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium
The international fixture between Spain and Egypt, scheduled for 30 March in Qatar, has been moved to a new venue and will now be played at Lusail Stadium rather than the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, as originally announced by organisers.
The same iconic stadium will also host the Finalissima clash between Spain and Argentina three days earlier, on Friday 27 March. Lusail Stadium, which seats 80,000 spectators, will offer fans a unique opportunity to enjoy the Spanish national team twice in one of world football’s most prestigious arenas. Spain arrive as reigning European champions and current leaders of the FIFA world ranking.
The only previous meeting between Spain and Egypt dates back to 3 June 2006, when the two sides met at the Martínez Valero Stadium in Elche. On that occasion, Spain claimed a 2–0 victory thanks to goals from Raúl and José Antonio Reyes.
OAK VIEW GROUP ANNOUNCE MULTI-VENUE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE KRAFT HEINZ COMPANY
Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services including venue development, venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales, today announced a new multi-year partnership with The Kraft Heinz Company, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, to enhance the fan food experience across OVG’s expansive venue portfolio.
The partnership spans more than 50 OVG-managed venues across the U.S., including UBS Arena in New York, Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, BOK Center and Arvest Convention Center in Tulsa, First Horizon in Greensboro and PeoplesBank in Hartford amongst others— and introduces Kraft Heinz’s iconic brands through immersive, in-venue activations, premium branding, and custom culinary offerings designed to elevate game day and live event dining.
“Kraft Heinz is synonymous with quality, familiarity, and innovation—making them a natural partner as we continue to elevate the food and beverage experience across our venues,” said Dan Griffis, President, Global Partnerships, Oak View Group.
“Together, we’re creating scalable, authentic integrations that resonate with fans while delivering meaningful value to our venue partners and guests.”
Across the OVG venues, fans will see Kraft Heinz integrated throughout the concession experience, including branded condiment cart stations, logo placement on point-of-sale menu boards, and digital and static in-venue signage such as concourse LED and IPTV displays.
In addition, OVG Hospitality and Kraft Heinz will collaborate on ten exclusive, venue-specific feature recipes, spotlighting Kraft Heinz products and sauces in custom menu items at select locations. Select venues will additionally feature expanded brand integration, including added IP usage, digital and social content, in-arena branding, Kraft Heinz Dip Bars, and specialty Kraft Heinz sauces available at concession stations—creating a more interactive and flavor-forward fan experience.
“This partnership with Oak View Group allows us to bring our iconic brands directly to fans where unforgettable moments happen—inside world-class venues,” said Peter Hall, President of Elevation & Away From Home, Kraft Heinz.
“From customized menus and recipes to immersive in-arena experiences, we’re excited to collaborate with OVG to reimagine how fans enjoy great food at live events.”
This partnership underscores OVG’s commitment to working with category-leading brands to deliver best-in-class hospitality experiences, while providing partners like Kraft Heinz with unmatched scale, reach, and cultural relevance across sports, music, and live entertainment.
Star Live and Electra announce strategic collaboration to support Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding live events and experiences sector.
Star Live and Electra have today announced a strategic collaboration, bringing together two internationally respected businesses to support the delivery of major live events and complex temporary venues across Saudi Arabia, with a wider focus on the Middle East.
The collaboration combines Star Live’s global expertise in staging, structures, seating and modular solutions with Electra’s established leadership in premium fit-out, bespoke temporary structures, furniture and end-to-end experiential delivery, creating a joined-up, turnkey offer for clients operating in the region.
Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in culture, entertainment and sport, increasing both the pace and scale of delivery. As a result, clients are increasingly looking for delivery partners that can take responsibility across multiple disciplines, simplify procurement and deliver at pace on site. The Star Live – Electra collaboration has been established in direct response to this shift.
The collaboration has been formally established under a strategic agreement, with a shared focus on delivering integrated solutions particularly within Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC.
Star Live has an established and expanding presence in the Kingdom through Star Live Arabia, while Electra has a strong regional track record delivering complex event and temporary environments across the Middle East. Together, the businesses combine international experience with established local operations in Saudi Arabia and UAE, reinforcing a shared, long-term commitment to the Kingdom and the wider region.
Grahame Muir, CEO, Star Live: “Saudi Arabia is redefining what’s possible in live events and temporary venues. Our collaboration with Electra is about combining shared core values, international experience with strong local delivery to support projects of unprecedented scale and ambition, and to play a meaningful role in the Kingdom’s long-term cultural and entertainment landscape.”
James Payne, CFO & Acting CEO, Electra: “Saudi Arabia’s ambition demands delivery partners who combine creativity with world-class executional standards. Partnering with Star Live strengthens our ability to deliver fully integrated, multi-disciplinary solutions and premium environments at speed, while maintaining the quality, accountability and on-site excellence our clients expect from Electra.”
The collaboration will deliver turnkey environments across entertainment, sport, brand activations and cultural projects, supporting both temporary and longer-term installations. It also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s wider ambition to develop world-class destinations and experiences as part of its ongoing national development programmes.
The partnership is effective immediately.
Stamford Bridge: VodafoneThree brings coverage and capacity improvements
VodafoneThree has made major network upgrades at Chelsea FC’s home ground, Stamford Bridge, meaning Vodafone customers can now enjoy the same seamless connectivity during match days that Three customers have experienced for several years.
In 2022, Three, Official Connectivity Partner of Chelsea FC, rolled out 5G across Stamford Bridge. This made the 40,000-seat ground the first Premier League stadium in the UK to switch on 5G across its entirety, paving the way for the ultimate connected fan experience.
Now, thanks to VodafoneThree’s ‘Multi-Operator Core Network’ technology, customers of Vodafone and Three can enjoy the best available coverage, at no extra cost, throughout the stadium.
VodafoneThree has now activated an advanced feature at the stadium, which allows customers to take advantage of a much-improved network capability using the dedicated Three UK infrastructure. As a result, customers can enjoy smoother streaming, faster browsing and more reliable voice calls throughout the ground.
The improvements were completed ahead of Chelsea FC women’s fixture against London City Lionesses on 1 November and the men’s match versus Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. on 8 November, ensuring thousands of fans could benefit from a vastly improved mobile experience.
Andrea Dona, Chief Network Officer, VodafoneThree, said: “We’re proud to deliver enhanced network capacity at Stamford Bridge, as we know that connectivity is a vital part of the matchday experience. Activating advanced network technology around the stadium has resulted in a better mobile experience, not just for consumers but for vendors operating on site too.
“This latest upgrade supports our commitment to build the UK’s best network and ensure fans can stay connected when it matters most. So, whether they’re browsing the latest results from across the league or sharing videos on social media, we’ve got them covered.”
The activity is part of a UK-wide £11 billion investment programme, announced by VodafoneThree in June 2025, delivering premium connectivity to customers at high-footfall venues.
EQUIPSON GROUP ACQUIRES LEGENDARY SPANISH PRO AUDIO MANUFACTURER, MUSICSON.
The Equipson Group has to announced the acquisition of MUSICSON, Spain’s oldest manufacturer of loudspeakers and professional audio solutions.
Renowned for its extensive range of large format loudspeaker enclosures, MUSICSON is the only brand in the world to use wooden waveguides, which give its products a warm and natural sound. Unlike many of its competitors, MUSICSON also manufactures its own loudspeakers and compression drivers, which allows it to maintain full control of its most critical components, thus elevating the quality of its products above market standards.
This strategic acquisition enables Equipson to expand the development of its large format loudspeaker enclosures by capitalising on MUSICSON’s historic legacy and extensive manufacturing and R&D experience. It also reaffirms Equipson’s commitment to create high quality professional audio products that are entirely manufactured in Spain.
Juan Jose Vila (CEO of the Equipson Group), said: “This acquisition fits perfectly with Equipson’s long-term plan to invest in the people, infrastructure and technology needed to create effective and high quality solutions for the professional audio market.”
He adds that he is particularly delighted with the acquisition because it highlights the personal affection he feels for MUSICSON.
“Prior to setting up Equipson, my father, José Luis Vila, was MUSICSON’s sales manager for more than 30 years” he says. “As family-owned companies, both are renowned for their high levels of customer service and are committed to providing comprehensive and immediate support.”
Based in Valencia, MUSICSON was established in 1965 by Joaquin Benavent Pérez with the aim of developing the highest-quality professional sound equipment. The company, which has its own in-house Engineering, Woodworking and Electronics departments, will move all of its employees to the new facilities located next to the Equipson facilities. Additional staff will also be recruited to boost production and manufacturing.
Musicson’s product roster includes sound systems for a large number of applications, from concert halls, live, touring, festivals, and auditoria to theatres, clubs, bars and restaurants.
Joaquin Benavent Diaz (son of the founder), and until now CEO and key figure in acoustic design and R&D, will continue to be associated with the brand. His talent and vision ensure that the soul of MUSICSON will live on in the development of future products.
Ana Benavent (MUSICSON’s Brand Manager), said: “As the granddaughter of MUSICSON’s founder and daughter of its CEO, I am very excited about this acquisition, which heralds a new chapter for the company. I am confident that, as part of the Equipson Group, we can take this legendary brand and project it into the future without compromising the passion for authentic sound.”
A new brand identity has already been created for MUSICSON, and this will soon be followed by the launch of a new website.
Manchester United: Stadium regeneration plan moves forward
Manchester United has welcomed the official launch of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation (OTR MDC) – a major milestone in the journey towards a new world-class home for the club and a vibrant district around Old Trafford.
The OTR MDC will be the driving force behind the transformation of the 370-acre Old Trafford area, supporting the delivery of more than 15,000 new homes and 90,000 jobs, improved public spaces, and significant infrastructure benefits for supporters, residents and visitors.
Crucially, it also supports the ambition for a new 100,000 capacity stadium for Manchester United, which will set a new benchmark for fan experience and atmosphere.
The developments are expected to add over £7 billion per year to the UK economy.
Collette Roche, Manchester United Chief Operating Officer, said: “It's an honour to represent Manchester United at the launch of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation. Our ambition is to build the world’s best football stadium – one worthy of our supporters, our history and our future. We want to create the best matchday atmosphere and experience anywhere in world football, while ensuring the stadium acts as a catalyst for a vibrant new district for fans, residents and visitors.
“Today marks a landmark moment for our club, for Trafford, and for Greater Manchester. We express our thanks to Lord Coe, Mayor Andy Burnham, Trafford Council, GMCA, and all our partners and community representatives for their leadership and collaboration in helping us reach this important milestone.”
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Improve Game-Day Experience with Daktronics Video Displays
Daktronics has partnered with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to manufacture and install two end zone video displays at Princess Auto Stadium in Manitoba, Canada. The end zone displays complement last year’s addition of ribbon displays and Daktronics Show Control system, and are currently being installed for events in 2026.
“Delivering an outstanding game‑day experience is always a top priority for our organization,” said Blue Bombers President Wade Miller. “The new end zone displays represent another significant investment in Princess Auto Stadium and in our fans. Daktronics has been a trusted partner in elevating our venue’s technology and these additions will bring even more energy, clarity and excitement to every Blue Bombers home game.”
Video Display Details
The displays at each end of the stadium measure more than 30 feet high by 110 feet wide and each features a 10-millimeter pixel spacing to deliver crisp, clear imagery to fans throughout the venue. These displays are capable of variable content zoning, allowing each to show one large image or to be windowed into different zones of content. This content ranges from live video to instant replays, from statistics and game information to graphics, animations and sponsorship messages – anything needed to deliver an exceptional, memorable experience for audiences.
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as they enhance the visual experience for their fans,” said Joey Hulsebus, Daktronics regional sales representative. “These new end zone displays bring added flexibility and vibrancy to Princess Auto Stadium, ensuring every event is supported with great visuals, real‑time information and engaging content. It’s rewarding to help elevate an already amazing game‑day atmosphere.”
The new displays integrate seamlessly into the existing Daktronics display system, which includes long, narrow LED ribbon displays mounted to the seating fascia and an exterior pylon display, as well as a Show Control System upgrade last season. This industry-leading control system provides a combination of display control software, world-class video processing, data integration and playback hardware that forms a powerful yet user-friendly production solution.
Rugby World Cup 2027: 8 host venues announced
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 took an exciting step forward with the announcement of the eight world-class stadiums that will host matches across seven Australian cities during the tournament.
From Perth Stadium, set to host the opening match on 1 October 2027 with its 60,000-seat capacity, to Stadium Australia in Sydney | Wangal, the stage for the final on 13 November with 82,000 seats, fans can expect world-class venues and cutting-edge facilities, perfectly suited for this expanded edition featuring 24 teams.
Several venues will be familiar to fans who experienced the last Rugby World Cup down under, with five stadiums returning from 2003, including Adelaide Oval and Brisbane Stadium.
Docklands Stadium in Melbourne | Narrm stands out as the only venue with a retractable roof, which will remain closed for all matches, while North Queensland Stadium in Townsville | Gurambilbarra is making its Rugby World Cup debut, seating 25,000 and showcasing a striking roof design.
Newcastle Stadium and Sydney Football Stadium complete the line-up, with the latter, reopened in 2022 after a full rebuild, making Sydney | Gadigal the only city to feature two Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 venues.
With the final confirmation of stadiums and their availability, Adelaide will host six pool matches while Melbourne will host six pool matches plus two round of 16 encounters.
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Managing Director, Chris Stanley, said: “The selection of these stadiums reflects not only Australia’s proud rugby legacy but also our unwavering commitment to creating an unforgettable Rugby World Cup experience for every fan. From iconic national arenas to vibrant regional hubs, each venue has been chosen for its ability to deliver world-class facilities and electric atmospheres that will showcase the very best of our game.
“These stadiums are more than just places to play, they are stages for history, where passion and community come together to celebrate rugby’s global spirit. Today marks another exciting milestone on the journey to Australia 2027, and we cannot wait to welcome fans from across the world to experience the magic of this tournament in every corner of our country.”
Host Cities and Venues
Adelaide | Tarntanya
- Adelaide Oval – Located on the riverside and known for its stunning blend of heritage and modern design, it hosted matches in Rugby World Cup 2003, including Australia’s victory over Namibia.
- Capacity: 53,000
- Matches: Six pool matches
Brisbane | Meeanjin
- Brisbane Stadium – Known as “The Cauldron”, it is one of Australia’s most iconic rugby venues offering an electric atmosphere with fans close to the action. The stadium hosted nine Rugby World Cup matches in 2003 and featured 13 of the 2027 qualified teams.
- Capacity: 52,500
- Matches: Six pool matches, two round of 16 and two quarter-finals
Melbourne | Narrm
- Docklands Stadium – The only fully enclosed venue in the tournament. The roof will remain closed for all matches, ensuring perfect conditions for players and fans. Hosted seven RWC matches in 2003.
- Capacity: 53,000
- Matches: Six pool matches and two round of 16
Newcastle | Awabakal-Worimi
- Newcastle Stadium – Set to host Rugby World Cup matches for the first time in 2027. The venue’s rugby heritage includes the British & Irish Lions’ 1989 match against NSW Country and the Wallabies’ 2012 Test against Scotland.
- Capacity: 30,000
- Matches: Four pool matches
Perth | Boorloo
- Perth Stadium – Opened in 2018 by the Swan River, the multi-award-winning venue is recognised globally for its design and fan experience. A regular host to Wallabies Test matches, the stadium will host the RWC 2027 opening match on 1 October 2027.
- Capacity: 60,000
- Matches: Five pool matches (including the opening) and two round of 16
Sydney | Wangal & Gadigal
- Stadium Australia – The biggest stadium used across the tournament, it joins iconic venues Eden Park, Twickenham and Stade de France as the only stadiums in history to host a Men’s Rugby World Cup Final for a second time.
- Capacity: 82,000
- Matches: Two pool matches, two quarter-finals, two semi-finals, Bronze Final and Final
- Sydney Football Stadium – Reopened in 2022 after a complete rebuild, the most modern stadium of RWC 2027 located in the heart of Sydney will offer fans an electric atmosphere and cutting-edge facilities.
- Capacity: 42,500
- Matches: Three pool matches and two round of 16
Townsville | Gurambilbarra
- North Queensland Stadium – Opened in 2020 and making its Rugby World Cup debut, the stadium’s striking roof design is inspired by the tropical pandanus plant, native to the North Queensland region.
- Capacity: 25,000
- Matches: Four pool matches
Stadiums have been selected in consultation with Host Governments for their facilities and availability, as well as ensuring a maximum reach of the tournament footprint for local and international rugby fans.