Advantel signing continues technology drive by NBA’s Kings

NBA basketball franchise the Sacramento Kings has entered into a partnership with technology solutions provider Advantel Networks.

The company has been named the overall systems integrator for the Kings’ new Golden 1 Center arena, which is currently under construction. Advantel Networks will also work with the club on the development of the new Downtown Commons plaza in Sacramento, where the new arena is being built. The length of the deal was not disclosed.

As part of the agreement, Advantel Networks will provide the Golden 1 Center with wired and wireless internet systems, data security and communications devices.

In addition, the company has been named the presenting partner of the arena’s digital command centre, a first-of-its-kind initiative that seeks to enhance the fan experience by using data analytics to shorten queue lengths and provide video feeds and in-game statistics.

“Our arena will be home to second-to-none technology designed to enhance the fan experience throughout the arena and beyond,” Chris Granger, Sacramento Kings president, said. “Advantel will play an instrumental role in that experience.”

Dan Ferguson, Advantel Networks president and chief executive, added: “The Kings are raising the bar for their fans by seamlessly integrating many technologies never done before at this scale.”

The 17,500-capacity Golden 1 Center is scheduled to open in October 2016. The club will announce additional partnerships with other technology providers in the coming weeks.

The Advantel deal reflects the latest move in Kings owner and chairman Vivek Ranadivé’s ‘NBA 3.0’ philosophy, which focuses on utilising cutting-edge technology to enhance the fan experience, acting as a positive agent of change in the community and expanding the team’s and the Sacramento region’s global brand.