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.
Derq Powers NJDOT AI Traffic Network Ahead of FIFA World Cup
Derq, an intelligent transportation company focused on real-time safety and traffic analytics, is supporting a major Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) upgrade across 95 sites surrounding MetLife Stadium ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The project is part of a broader effort led by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to prepare critical roadway infrastructure for a significant increase in traffic during the tournament, with more than 1 million visitors expected across the New York–New Jersey region.
New Jersey Expands Traffic Monitoring Across Key Corridors
The deployment spans highways and surface streets throughout the Meadowlands area, where a mix of complex roadway infrastructure and event-driven congestion presents unique operational challenges.
Derq’s AI-powered analytics platform is being used to process real-time data from roadway cameras and monitor key conditions, including:
- Crash detection
- Wrong-way driving
- Pedestrian and right-of-way intrusions
- Fire detection
- Animal detection
- Vehicle and pedestrian counts, and traffic patterns
The data feeds into NJDOT’s Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), helping transportation teams monitor conditions and manage traffic during high-volume events.
Award-Winning Planning Effort Informs Deployment
Michael Baker International specified the project and led a comprehensive ITS needs assessment, earning a Transportation Achievement Award from the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) for its work.
Engineering firm HNTB is leading implementation, with Derq providing analytics and monitoring capabilities within the broader system, alongside regional partner SCP Signal Control Products.
Cities Look to Real-Time Data Ahead of Major Events
As cities prepare for large-scale events like the World Cup, transportation agencies are placing greater emphasis on real-time visibility into roadway conditions.
“This project marks an important opportunity to apply our technology in one of the most complex and high-visibility transportation environments tied to the biggest sporting event in the world,” said Dr. Georges Aoude, Co-Founder and CEO of Derq. “By delivering continuous insights and real-time alerts, we enable transportation agencies to better anticipate risks, adapt to changing conditions, and operate more proactively.”
Upgrades Expected to Extend Beyond the Tournament
While the system is being deployed ahead of the World Cup, the infrastructure is expected to support ongoing traffic operations across the region, improving visibility into roadway conditions during future events and everyday travel.
Elland Road enhancement works under way
The enhancement of Leeds United’s iconic Elland Road Stadium is officially under way.
A momentous moment in the club’s 106-year existence, work has now begun on the West Stand starting with the removal of the Banqueting Suite, shaping the future of Elland Road.
Executives from Leeds United, the Leeds United Foundation and Leeds City Council, along with Club Ambassadors Stuart Dallas, Tony Dorigo and Eddie Gray were all in attendance to mark the occasion.
The new West Stand, which will be built over the top of the existing structure, is the first phase of transforming Elland Road into a UEFA Category 4 stadium, placing it among the elite venues in European football.
Increasing the capacity of the stadium is vital for the future, with the club having a now strong 32,000 Season Ticket waiting list.
It will also allow Leeds United, alongside civic partners, to bid to host major international tournaments and showcase events in the future, generating significant cultural and economic value for the Leeds City Region.
Carefully designed to enhance the matchday experience whilst protecting Elland Road’s famous atmosphere, supporters can look forward to:
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Improved seating comfort and sightlines throughout the expanded West Stand
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Enhanced concourses and fan amenity spaces both inside and around the stadium
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A more inclusive and accessible environment for all visitors
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World-class hospitality facilities
For players, the enhanced stadium environment will provide a stage befitting elite-level football, strengthening the club’s ability to compete at the highest level and attract top talent.
The club will provide regular updates throughout the project.
Hill Dickinson Stadium to host World Cup Watch Parties
Evertonians and football fans across the city will be able to watch England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage fixtures from one of Hill Dickinson Stadium’s most exciting waterfront spaces this summer.
The Club will host a series of special Three Lions screening events at The Yard, Dock on 1, giving supporters the chance to come together at Everton’s new waterfront home and watch England on the big screen, with stunning evening views across the River Mersey as dusk turns into night.
The events will offer fans a unique opportunity to experience Hill Dickinson Stadium away from an Everton matchday, enjoying the atmosphere of a major international tournament from one of the stadium’s premium spaces.
With Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford once again representing the Blues on the world stage with England, the watch parties will give supporters the chance to back the Three Lions while following one of their own throughout the tournament!
A pre-sale window is now open, giving supporters the opportunity to secure their place early before the priority period closes on Friday 12 June.
England fixtures being shown at The Yard, Dock on 1 are:
Wednesday 17 June – England v Croatia
Doors open: 7.30pm
Kick-off: 9pm
Last orders: 11.30pm
Tuesday 23 June – England v Ghana
Doors open: 7.30pm
Kick-off: 9pm
Last orders: 11.30pm
Saturday 27 June – England v Panama
Doors open: 8.30pm
Kick-off: 10pm
Last orders: 12.30am
Supporters can choose from a range of ticket options, including reserved tables, shared reserved seating and pre-sale entry.
VIP Table for Six – £140
Includes a reserved table for six people in one of the best viewing areas, plus two beer buckets on arrival, containing 12 drinks in total. Tables will be allocated based on the timing of confirmed registration, giving supporters another reason to secure their place early.
VIP Reserved Seat – £25
Includes access to a shared reserved table, with seating assigned based on the timing of confirmed registration. Also includes two drinks.
The Yard Pre-Sale Ticket – £10
Includes one drink token or one food item. High-top seating will be available on a first-booked, first-served basis, and supporters are encouraged to arrive during the first hour after doors open to take advantage of discounted drinks pricing during a special ‘Happy Hour’.
Please note, all England World Cup watch party events at The Yard, Dock on 1 are strictly for supporters aged 18 and over. No one under the age of 18 will be admitted, and ID verification may be required on entry.
A range of food will be available to purchase throughout the evening, including pizza by the slice and a loaded salt and pepper chicken and chips basket, as well as vegetarian options, with drinks promotions also available on the night.
The hugely popular House of Fizz will also be brought into The Yard, giving supporters the chance to try Pepsi’s Hill Dickinson Stadium-exclusive drink, created as part of its official partnership with Everton.
The Pepsi MAX Toffee Boba Drink is an unmissable toffee-inspired, zero-sugar Pepsi MAX creation, mixed with sweet tapioca-popping boba and topped with whipped cream, toffee sauce and toffee chunks.
While car sharing and public transport are encouraged, supporters with a valid digital ticket will be able to access parking within the stadium on the Western Quay car park via Gate E on Regent Road.
There will also be opportunities for private groups and businesses to make the occasion their own, with exclusive venue buyout options available for Dock on 1’s restaurants. Pricing is available on request by clicking here.
Spaces are limited and are expected to be in high demand for each fixture, and supporters are encouraged to book early to secure their preferred experience for a unique World Cup evening at one of Hill Dickinson Stadium’s standout locations.
The watch parties form part of the Club’s continued ambition to make Hill Dickinson Stadium a year-round destination for sport, entertainment and premium experiences.
Upper Deck golf coming to The Bernabeu
The prestigious international event will debut in Spain at The Bernabéu that will once again prove its versatility by becoming a golf course.
Upper Deck Golf is set to take over the stadium from Thursday 24 September through Sunday 27 September, transforming it into an interactive golf experience with tee boxes placed high in the stands and custom greens laid out on the pitch below. It marks the first time Upper Deck Golf has hosted at a stadium in Spain. Fans are set to enjoy great music, cold drinks, food, and multiple golfing challenges at an exclusive clubhouse bar inside the stadium.
Tee times will be available from 0700-2100 all four days, offered in two-player increments. VIP Packages will be available for fans looking to enjoy additional perks, including free entry into driving, chipping and putting challenges and complimentary food and beverage items. Right-hand, left-hand, women's and senior clubs are provided at every hitting location, supplied by PXG.
Marc Bender and Adam Wachter, Managing Partners of Upper Deck Golf: “We are incredibly proud to announce Spain as the next stop on our global expansion, kicking off at the historic Bernabéu. The energy of Spanish sports fans is unmatched, making this the perfect backdrop for our first event in the country. Together with this world-class venue, we’re ready to welcome fans inside the stadium for a one-of-a-kind, interactive golf experience they will never forget.”
Diageo become partner at MCC
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced Diageo as an official partner of Lord’s in a deal which sees Guinness, Guinness 0.0 and Pimm’s supplied to visitors around the Ground, including Public Bars, Members’ areas and hospitality spaces.
The partnership also includes supply of Pimm’s No.1, a drink intrinsically linked to the English summer.
Diageo is a British multinational alcoholic beverage company, headquartered just two miles from Lord’s. As well as Guinness and Pimm’s, Diageo distributes some of the world’s most recognisable drinks brands including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and Captain Morgan’s.
Andy Muggleton, Commercial Director of MCC, said: “It is fantastic to partner with Diageo, bringing Guinness and Pimm’s to the fore at Lord’s this summer. The presence of Guinness, Guinness 0.0 and Pimm’s across our Members’ and Public Bars further strengthens our drinks offering and ensures that there is a drink for all tastes at Lord’s. I am confident our Members and visitors will enjoy the wide range of high quality and recognisable brands available to them this summer.”
Jamie Brooks, Sports Partnership Lead at Diageo, said: ‘We are thrilled to be partnering with Lord’s Cricket Ground, an iconic stadium and the Home of Cricket. We look forward to bringing beautiful pints of Guinness to the stadium, and many lovely days over the summer.
Valencia issue Nou Mestalla update
Construction of the Nou Mestalla continues to make steady progress, with the project now entering the final stages of preparation before the lifting of the main roof structure, which will cover the 70,044 seats of Valencia CF’s future home.
In recent days, the installation of all auxiliary scaffolding required for the tension ring cable system has been completed.
Significant progress has also been made on the protective structures within the stands ahead of the deployment of the radial cables, several of which have already been installed. At the same time, work has continued on the stadium façade, stair towers and a number of interior areas.
Aramco Arena to feature at Houston FIFA Fan Festival
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee have confirmed that its Official Houston World Cup 2026™ Host City Supporter, Aramco, will supply and host the official ‘Aramco Arena’ soccer pitch at the FIFA Fan Festival™ Houston.
To bring this project to life, Aramco worked closely with its chemical arm, SABIC, to develop a customized material solution with SABIC’s success partner TenCate, a global leader in synthetic turf, using recycled plastics for the main material components of the soccer pitch surface. The project leverages SABIC’s innovation, as it used circular polymers produced through advanced recycling. The synthetic turf, which requires no black crumb rubber infill, is engineered for performance and built for recovery and reuse.
The Aramco Arena will complement a wide range of immersive attractions and fan experiences at the FIFA Fan Festival™ Houston. Houston Hall, for example, is an air-conditioned retreat, which will include local food vendors, as well as interactive experiences from Space Center Houston and The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Lenovo AI powers FIFA World Cup infrastructure
Lenovo today announced it is delivering a near real-time AI-powered infrastructure platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to enable ultra-low-latency IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) video distribution in addition to the traditional cable and satellite broadcast, intelligent content delivery, and mission-critical decision-making across the event ecosystem and operations.
As the world’s largest sporting event prepares for an unprecedented scale—spanning three host countries, featuring 48 teams, and engaging an estimated 6 billion fans—FIFA, broadcasters, and event operators will benefit from a live, always-on environment designed to perform at the highest level. As FIFA’s Official Technology Partner, Lenovo will deploy servers at the International Broadcast Center in Dallas, Texas, to help deliver the computing power, devices, and AI-driven solutions needed to bring every moment of every match to global audiences and support the most expansive broadcast operation in FIFA World Cup™ history. More than 17,000 Lenovo and Motorola devices and 200+ engineers deployed across venues and Team Base Camp training sites will help ensure professional execution.
Lenovo’s technology solutions have reduced latency within IPTV infrastructure for the global showpiece, with IPTV delays now under five seconds, enabling near real-time access to live match action and more synchronised viewing experiences. Lenovo ThinkSystem SR635 V3 servers and technology will help manage massive volumes of live video data coming in from stadiums across North America and power FIFA’s IPTV live feed by ingesting, processing, and distributing all match content in close to real-time via ten channels to over 1,000 screens throughout FIFA venues. Fans, media, VIPs and officials will quickly be able to access every match from anywhere within the event ecosystem, from fan zones to media tribunes.
An AI Nerve Center for the World’s Biggest Sporting Event
Beyond broadcast, Lenovo’s technology will be deployed at FIFA’s Technology Command Center in Miami and the Tournament Operation Center for the duration of FIFA World Cup 2026™. This hub serves as the central “mission control” for the World Cup, where all the technology powering the games is monitored and managed in near real-time by experienced engineers and FIFA management. With the help of Lenovo’s enterprise solutions, FIFA’s Technology Command Center and Tournament Operation Center will ensure tournament organisers are able to swiftly observe, and if needed, address operational matters across the tournament footprint.
“Lenovo’s AI infrastructure is redefining the FIFA World Cup experience, delivering near real-time highlights, multi-angle views, and insights at unprecedented global scale,” said Ashley Gorakhpurwalla, President of Infrastructure Solutions at Lenovo. “Together with FIFA, we are running AI under the world’s most demanding conditions—solving latency concerns and bringing billions of fans closer to the action than ever before, setting a new standard for live sports.”
“The FIFA World Cup is one of the largest and most complex sporting event in the world,” said Nacho Fresco, Director of Technology at FIFA. “With this edition set to be the biggest in history, delivering exceptional operational efficiency and cutting-edge technology is critical. Lenovo is a key partner in helping us meet the stringent low-latency requirements essential for live production environments.”
Powering the World’s Biggest Stage
FIFA World Cup 2026™ showcases the real-world AI advancements Lenovo is making possible. Lenovo will manage complex on-premise edge computing, significantly reducing latency, where cloud-only solutions failed to meet broadcast requirements. During the World Cup, technologies powered by Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, engineered for high-density, mission critical environments requiring massive throughput, and near real-time operational performance will support:
- Near real-time monitoring of stadium and tournament wide tech systems
- Live broadcast, streaming, and IPTV delivery
- Rapid incident detection and issue resolution to minimise disruption and downtime
Enhancing the Fan Experience with Real-Time Insight and Transparency
Lenovo is enabling a more immersive and understandable viewing experience through AI-driven innovations. AI-enabled 3D player avatars provide clearer, real-time visualisation of complex decisions such as offside calls. Built using advanced GenAI and real-world player data, these avatars are designed to help fans better understand the game as it happens. These avatars will also be an additional value input to support FIFA’s Match Officials in their offside decision-making during matches.
To improve the in-venue experience across three countries, Lenovo is deploying solutions designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and engagement:
- AI-driven navigation systems reduce congestion and improve movement across venues.
- AI-driven stabilised “Referee Views” deliver first-person perspectives with up to 50% less motion distortion.
- Immersive digital and holographic experiences create new ways for fans to engage with the game.
Leveling the Playing Field Through Smarter Football for All
Lenovo is actively transforming the sports industry and remains committed to democratizing football through its “Smarter AI for All” vision. With the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Lenovo will deploy the FIFA AI Pro platform, a next-generation AI-powered knowledge assistant delivering tactical insights to coaches, players, and analysts. Built using Lenovo’s AI Factory, the platform will be provided to all 48 teams competing in the tournament, democratising access to elite-level analytics and helping level the competitive playing field.
Bringing the Tournament Home with Special Edition Collections
For fans of the game, Lenovo is offering a unique way to showcase their passion through a collection of FIFA Special Edition devices across its commercial, consumer, and gaming portfolios. Featuring exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026™ branding and packaging, the lineup includes the motorola razr FIFA World Cup 26th Edition, ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1, ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 and 14, Yoga Slim 7i ultra Aura Edition (14”, 11), Idea Tab, and the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (16”, 10). These limited-edition models allow fans to carry a piece of the world’s largest sporting event with them, long after the final whistle.
The scale and complexity of these operations reflect Lenovo’s broader investment in sports technology. In March, Lenovo launched a dedicated sports vertical designed to support organisations operating live, global, and mission-critical environments. By integrating AI infrastructure, edge computing, devices, and services into a unified model, Lenovo is enabling sports organizations to move from fragmented systems to real-time, end-to-end operational control.
As the Official Technology Partner of FIFA, Lenovo is powering the biggest event in the history of humanity. FIFA trusts Lenovo to deliver the tournament’s end-to-end technology backbone from AI devices to infrastructure and solutions, to provide immersive and unique fan experiences and provide unprecedented access to data and analytics for the 48 competing teams. Visit the FIFA page on Lenovo.com to see Lenovo in action at the World Cup.