PRESS RELEASE: WILLOW TO DELIVER DIGITAL TWIN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS AT NEW SOFI STADIUM AND HOLLYWOOD PARK

Willow, the world’s leading provider of digital twin technology, is partnering with Hollywood Park, a new, nearly 300-acre sports and entertainment destination in Inglewood, California, being developed by Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. The agreement stretches across SoFi Stadium, which will be the first major stadium to implement digital twin technology in the U.S. Using big data gathered from every aspect of the stadium and surrounding development, Willow will create a virtual copy of the facility to deliver an unprecedented level of analytical insight to create a truly world-class fan, resident and guest experience along with optimized levels of sustainability and future-proofing.

Digital twins, first developed by NASA for space exploration, are a bleeding-edge technology that converts all quantifiable aspects of physical buildings into living, learning and evolving virtual replicas. It is the most intuitive way to store, organize and access the incredible amount of data generated by complex smart buildings, allowing owners, facility managers and built environment professionals real-time insights to strategize and optimize every aspect of a building’s operations. Importantly, the system becomes more robust over time with the addition of new data.

“Our goal is to deliver a new type of fan and visitor experience, and to do that, we need a comprehensive, data-driven view into how all the pieces of this project connect,” said Jason Gannon, managing director, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. “For such a large-scale and complex asset like a stadium, this is a pivotal undertaking. Willow’s Digital Twin will enable us to collect and analyze real-time big data across the lifecycle of the development, from construction to ongoing operations.”

SoFi Stadium is setting a new bar for smart buildings in the sports and entertainment sector. Designed to be a sustainable, future-forward facility for years to come, the venue will be the new, joint home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams and will also host a variety of events throughout the year. Willow’s comprehensive solution, used by some of the world’s most prominent real estate owners, will enable SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park’s operators to gain complete transparency and a single source of truth on data from across the facility’s complex systems. By accessing this data, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park will be able to solve problems before they happen, manage risk and identify previously impossible integrated strategies.

“By accessing data that was once lost between project phases or in multiple systems, Willow can assist SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park in identifying opportunities they never knew they had,” said Shaun Klann, President and Global Head of Real Estate at Willow. “Stadiums are an amazing opportunity to apply the lessons we have learned in commercial real estate, but on a much larger scale. It’s an incredibly exciting project and we are honored to partner with the ambitious and innovative team at SoFi Stadium.”

At present, SoFi Stadium is slated to host Super Bowl LVI in 2022, the College Football Championship Game in 2023 and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2028 Summer Olympics. Located on the site of a former racetrack, the approximately 70,000-seat stadium will serve as the centerpiece of the state-of-the-art, reimagined Hollywood Park, featuring a full live-work-play experience, from retail, offices, hospitality, residential units and outdoor park spaces.

SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park was represented by Legends Global Partnerships division, which sourced, negotiated and represented SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park in securing this partnership.

PRESS RELEASE: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC NAMED AN OFFICIAL PARTNER OF THE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AND ALLEGIANT STADIUM

Aristocrat Technologies and the Las Vegas Raiders have snapped the ball on a new partnership, making Aristocrat an Official Partner of the Raiders and Allegiant Stadium. Aristocrat’s category includes land-based gaming machines and certain digital social casino games.

As an Official Partner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Aristocrat will have prominent signage throughout Allegiant Stadium year-round, including in-stadium and in-game branding and naming rights to the Owners East Club. The partnership features entitlement of the Aristocrat Club at Allegiant Stadium, an ultra-exclusive experience with a full-service premium bar, luxury lounge and upgraded stadium seating for game-viewing.

Additionally, Aristocrat will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Raiders 50/50 Raffle. Through this exciting joint effort, Aristocrat and the Raiders will join forces in giving back to the community.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Raiders to Las Vegas and to score an exclusive casino gaming supplier partnership with the team,” said Hector Fernandez, president of Aristocrat Americas. “Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, and as an exclusive partner to one of the most iconic teams in the NFL, we look forward to providing playful experiences for Raiders fans.”

“The Raiders are excited to welcome Aristocrat Technologies as our newest partner,” said Raiders President Marc Badain. “Aristocrat is a great match as evidenced by their innovative technology and commitment to team up with the Raiders in giving back to the community.”

Legends Global Partnerships represented the Raiders to secure the partnership with Aristocrat as a part of their duties as the stadium’s official premium ticketing and sponsorships agency.

PRESS RELEASE: MLB FLAGSHIP STORE IN NYC OPENS TODAY

— Widest In-Store Assortment of MLB Product Anywhere in the World, Featuring More Than 10,000 Caps —

— Memorabilia Collection Features Items From Recent Jewel Events and An Exclusive Derek Jeter Hall of Fame Collection —

— Store Includes Exclusive Products, Jersey Customization Station, Along with Merchandise for the 2020 Postseason and World Series —

Major League Baseball (MLB) today opens the MLB Flagship Store, located at 1271 Avenue of the Americas in midtown Manhattan. MLB partnered with Legends, a premium experiences company with global expertise across merchandising, sales, partnerships, planning, technology, and hospitality, to build and operate the first permanent MLB retail store in the United States.

The state-of-the-art retail destination features the widest in-store assortment of MLB products anywhere in the world, spanning two floors and approximately 10,000 square feet, and housing 100 different apparel styles. The main floor of the store features Nike jerseys from stars of all 30 MLB Clubs, plus an extensive New Era Cap Wall, showcasing Authentic Collection fitted caps for each team.  In total, the store maintains more than 10,000 total authentic and lifestyle MLB caps.

The one-of-a-kind store features a large customization station, allowing fans the option to personalize MLB replica jerseys and Stance socks. A jersey carousel, visible from the street, displays customizable jerseys that represent each MLB Club.

The lower level of the store includes a Cooperstown area and a memorabilia section with game-used and autographed merchandise. The area includes game-used bases from historic games such as Game 7 of the 2016 World Series and Game 7 of the 2019 World Series; game-used items from recent All-Star Games, Home Run Derbies, and World Series featuring MLB stars; and exclusive Derek Jeter autographed items from the 2020 Hall of Fame collection.

“With a wide assortment of merchandise and showcasing products from all 30 Clubs, the MLB Flagship Store offers something for all of our fans,” said Noah Garden, MLB Chief Revenue Officer.  “We expect the MLB Flagship Store to be more than a retail location. Over time, we plan to host MLB player appearances, special events, product unveilings and more as the location establishes itself as a new way for fans to celebrate all things Major League Baseball.”

In addition, the lower level houses authentic Mitchell & Ness throwback jerseys as well as an MLB-themed photo booth, where fans can print or upload photos to social media.

The MLB Flagship Store will host the Commissioner’s Trophy, given to the winner of the World Series each year, from October 5th – 8th for fan photos. Following its appearance, the trophy will travel to Arlington, Texas for the 2020 World Series.

The interactive store features products for all 30 MLB Clubs, including items exclusive to the MLB Flagship Store featuring the new MLB NYC logo. The store includes products for fans of all ages and sizes, with an extensive assortment of items for men, women, and kids such as jerseys, t-shirts, fan gear, headwear, training gear, houseware, and accessories.

“Legends has worked closely with Major League Baseball to create an immersive retail experience that brings baseball fans closer to the game they love with a vast selection of products for fans of all ages, across all 30 MLB Clubs, including exclusive items that cannot be found elsewhere,” said Dan Smith, Legends President, Hospitality. “In addition, the store is home to an extensive memorabilia collection, including game-used and autographed items from some of the biggest moments in MLB’s history. Throughout the year, we’ll have special in-store events and appearances – our very first appearance will be next week when the Commissioner’s Trophy visits the MLB Flagship Store before traveling to Arlington for the 2020 World Series.”

The MLB Flagship Store, which will be open daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., will feature a wide product assortment from fan favorites like Nike, New Era Cap, ‘47, Topps, Mitchell & Ness, Rawlings, and Stance. The store will also feature a variety of premium lifestyle brands such as Vineyard Vines, Peter Millar, Johnnie-O, DKNY and Herschel.

The MLB Flagship Store will operate in accordance with local health and social distancing guidelines to ensure the health and safety of our guests and staff. For more information about our COVID-19 protocols, please visit https://www.mlb.com/shop/nyc-retail-store.

In addition to operating the MLB Flagship Store, Legends’ Project Development division oversaw the design and construction of the new space.

Legends Wins Best in Property Consulting, Sales & Client Services

Via Sports Business Journal’s 2020 SBJ Awards

Here is the full list of tonight’s winners:  

• Best in Property Consulting, Sales and Client Services: Legends

• Best in Digital Sports Media: Bleacher Report

• Best in Mobile Fan Experience: The Masters Tournament App, produced by Augusta National and IBM  

• Best in Sports Social Media: Louisiana State University  

• Best in Sports Technology: Mixed Reality Baltimore Raven

• Best in Sports Media: CBS Sports

• Sports Event of the Year: 2019 NFL Draft

• Sports Breakthrough of the Year: Premier Lacrosse League  

• Sports Sponsor of the Year: Visa

• Athletic Director of the Year: Scott Stricklin, University of Florida

• Best in Sports Event and Experiential Marketing: Bespoke Sports & Entertainment  

• Best in Talent Representation: Wasserman

• Best in Corporate Consulting, Marketing and Client Services: Octagon  

• Sports Facility of the Year: Chase Center

• Sports Team of the Year: St. Louis Blues

• Sports League of the Year: Major League Soccer

• Sports Executive of the Year: Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN  

• Celebration of Service Award: Team IMPACT

• Lifetime Achievement: Larry Tanenbaum

SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL 2020 SBJ AWARDS: Legends Wins Best In Property Consulting, Sales & Client Services

Via Sports Business Journal’s 2020 SBJ Awards

Here is the full list of tonight’s winners:

• Best in Property Consulting, Sales and Client Services: Legends

• Best in Digital Sports Media: Bleacher Report

• Best in Mobile Fan Experience: The Masters Tournament App, produced by Augusta National and IBM  

• Best in Sports Social Media: Louisiana State University  

• Best in Sports Technology: Mixed Reality Baltimore Raven

• Best in Sports Media: CBS Sports

• Sports Event of the Year: 2019 NFL Draft

• Sports Breakthrough of the Year: Premier Lacrosse League  

• Sports Sponsor of the Year: Visa

• Athletic Director of the Year: Scott Stricklin, University of Florida

• Best in Sports Event and Experiential Marketing: Bespoke Sports & Entertainment

• Best in Talent Representation: Wasserman

• Best in Corporate Consulting, Marketing and Client Services: Octagon  

• Sports Facility of the Year: Chase Center

• Sports Team of the Year: St. Louis Blues

• Sports League of the Year: Major League Soccer

• Sports Executive of the Year: Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN  

• Celebration of Service Award: Team IMPACT

• Lifetime Achievement: Larry Tanenbaum