Giant new screen’s ‘a Ricoh game-changer’
THE Ricoh Arena now boasts one of the largest big screens in UK sport – and it will make its debut this weekend.
Wasps have invested a “six-figure sum” to install the 188m sq LED screen ready for Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership clash with Gloucester.
Following the launch this weekend, the screen – which is the equivalent of 673 32-inch TVs – will be used for all Wasps and Coventry City fixtures.
A team of 16 screen technicians, steel fabricators, and crew, managed by stadium technology experts ADI, have been building and installing the screen since July in the South Stand.
When the big screen announcement was made in the summer, it was hoped that Wasps’ derby with Leicester Tigers in September would be the date for the bit switch-on, but instead it will make its debut for the visit of Danny Cipriani’s Gloucester.
The investment in the technology is part of the Wasps’ aspiration to create the best in-game match-day experience in the country, and follows constructive feedback from fans over the past few seasons.
Alongside the match action, there are interactive opportunities for fans, including “tweet the screen”, with its live social media feed, prizes to be won for the best fan dancing on the screen, as well as match information to help fans understand the rules of the game.
Other on-screen information will include a scoreboard, clock and sponsors’ logos.
Its high resolution pitch and superwide format means it can display a range of crystal clear content simultaneously.
A series of new LED screens have also been installed inside the Ricoh Arena’s main entrance and atrium, as well as an LED scoreboard and clock on the mid-tier of the West Stand.
Stuart Cain, commercial director for Wasps and Ricoh Arena, said: “We aren’t just unveiling a new screen this weekend, but a piece of technology which, along with the venue’s highspeed Wi-Fi, has laid the foundations for us to evolve the way our supporters engage with live entertainment.
“Not only will the screen be a platform for replaying key match moments and explaining the laws/ rules, it will also be central to a series of new pre-match and half-time interactive initiatives that will be introduced throughout the season.
“We’re also hoping the screen can provide our players with an added advantage when they are playing towards the South Stand – you can’t miss it and, as a fan, it’s the perfect way to tweet their message of support to the players.
“The installation has taken a lot of meticulous planning and testing with the manufacturer ADI, and we’re grateful for their ongoing support with what is a game-changing investment for the Ricoh Arena.” GARETH Southgate is closing in on a new four-year deal ahead of naming the squad for England’s Nations League double-header against Croatia and Spain.
The 48-year-old has been in negotiations with the Football Association over an extended stay after leading the Three Lions to the World Cup semifinals in the summer.
The run to the final four in Russia increased the clamour for Southgate to sign a new deal and it is understood an improved contract until Qatar 2022 is close to being wrapped up.
The FA could even tie up the deal before today’s press conference at St George’s Park, where the manager will name his squad for October’s back-toback Nations League away trips.
England will face Croatia behind closed doors in Rijeka on October 12, when the World Cup finalists will complete a stadium ban handed down after having a swastika on their pitch in 2015.
They then travel on to Seville to take on Spain, who won 2-1 at Wembley in England’s first Nations League match last month.
Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard started that match, but both have question marks over their availability ahead of the squad announcement at 2pm today.
Tottenham confirmed that Alli will not be available for them before the international break due to a hamstring injury sustained against Spain.
Lingard has been absent from the past two Manchester United squads with a reported groin injury, while Ashley Young – starting left-back at the World Cup – missed the Champions League draw against Valencia with an issue of his own.
He has been usurped at club level by Luke Shaw, who looks certain to be recalled to the England squad after recovering from concussion suffered against Spain.