The Wimbledon Championships, famed for its timeless charm, strawberries, and cream, and over 320,000 glasses of Pimm’s, has long held a commitment to excellence. Wimbledon’s approach, however, isn’t to settle for tradition alone. Over recent years, The Championships has embraced technology to enhance the experience for players, spectators, and millions of fans worldwide, merging tradition with innovation in a uniquely Wimbledon way.
Strategic Wi-Fi Rollout
This year, Wimbledon is experimenting with free Wi-Fi in select locations, including near the food court and court 12. This trial aims to understand how fans interact with Wi-Fi during matches, and early data shows that users on court 12 typically pause their phone activity when play resumes. If successful, venue-wide Wi-Fi could roll out by 2018, allowing better connectivity and a more engaging digital experience for attendees.
AI-Powered Highlights and IBM Collaboration
Wimbledon’s partnership with IBM has transformed how fans experience matches. Advanced AI software detects high-excitement moments during games, creating automatic highlight clips by reviewing buffered footage. For now, editors still refine these highlights, as the AI has limitations in recognizing nuanced match details, though enhancements are anticipated. Alongside highlights, IBM’s technology also provides insightful match context to commentators, enhancing the fan experience with rich data.
Wimbledon also benefits from IBM’s extensive historical match data, holding stats from over 100 years of competition. The IBM partnership has expanded the depth and accuracy of this data, enabling fans and commentators to dive deeper into tennis history and performance insights.
Hawk-Eye Data and 3D Match Tracking
Wimbledon’s Hawk-Eye system tracks ball movement for accurate line calls, producing a constant stream of data that IBM processes for real-time analysis. Currently, Wimbledon uses this data to track players’ “aggressive” shots, but stores additional data in its database for potential future analysis. This 3D tracking raises questions about data ownership and competitive transparency, as players may be wary of revealing their play style secrets.
Enhanced Visitor Flow and Experience
With plans to extend Wi-Fi coverage throughout the venue, Wimbledon could use unique MAC addresses to track visitor movements, offering insights into crowd flow and identifying congestion points. This data would help organizers optimize amenities, from restroom placements to strawberries-and-cream stands, enhancing the overall visitor experience. The system could also send notifications to guide fans through the grounds, providing updates on events and amenities.
Upgraded Mobile App
To align with a shift in viewer behavior from desktop to mobile, Wimbledon released an overhauled mobile app. The app features Ask Fred, an AI-powered assistant by IBM Watson that answers user queries, plus access to 360-degree cameras on each court. The app reflects Wimbledon’s dedication to a modern, user-friendly digital experience, blending convenience with innovative technology.
A New Era of Tradition and Innovation
Wimbledon’s tech-forward approach shows that innovation can coexist with tradition. Through Wi-Fi trials, AI-driven content, real-time data tracking, and a robust mobile app, Wimbledon is setting a new standard for live sports events, enhancing its rich legacy with cutting-edge technology that serves fans both in the stands and around the world.