SMT Partners With THE PLAYERS Championship to Elevate Fan Experience
Story Highlights
SMT (SportsMEDIA Technology) announced it is again partnering with THE PLAYERS to enrich the spectator experience with its signature production services for scoreboards and video displays across TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course. THE PLAYERS, widely known as the “fifth major,” is currently underway in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
With SMT’s new PLAYERS Club TV production, members will be able to experience the thrills of play via SMT’s curated live broadcast that will feature the live leaderboard; enhanced player statistics and information; greenside camera feeds from featured holes, PGA TOUR Live, the Golf Channel, and NBC; and PLAYERS Club content. Members can watch the world’s top golfers compete on the large televisions throughout the clubhouse, and, when ready to watch live, can consult one of SMT’s interactive kiosks for real-time scoring information such as position in the field, daily score, total score, and player location on course. Users can search for players they wish to see, browse the course map and find key points on the course that offer the best viewing.
SMT is also delivering its Monsterboard production to THE PLAYERS. These LED video boards are the largest in tournament history: two 18-by-45 foot boards are mounted at the iconic No. 17 “Island Green” and another measuring 18-by-63 feet is at the 18th hole. The Monsterboards display current standings throughout the tournament, and, at the 18th hole, SMT’s custom “Tee to Green” production provides fans an up-close view of each player from the moment of the tee shot through the final putt via three SMT-provided cameras.
For the third year, SMT brings its Social Media Walls to the tournament’s estimated 191,000 fans. These 9-by-18 foot walls, located in the Patio, Grove and Courtyard areas of the course, feature the live broadcast and social media content from fans who post Twitter, Instagram and Facebook updates. These locations are perfect for fans to relax and enjoy a beverage and bite to eat without missing a minute of the action.
SMT also operates the LED Information Towers located at the Stadium Village and 17th tee that provide live scoring and directional information for fans.
“SMT ups the ante each year for THE PLAYERS, introducing technology and creative services that enrich the experience for our fans at TPC Sawgrass,” says Matt Rapp, executive director of THE PLAYERS. “Keeping spectators updated with live scoring, directional information, live video highlights and social media means a more engaged fan base for the sport of golf. We are looking forward to an exciting week of golf here at THE PLAYERS.”
SMT’s Events division, based in Jacksonville, FL, has supported THE PLAYERS with software development, creative design, computer and networking systems, event operations, and logistics since 2002.
“SMT’s longstanding partnership with THE PLAYERS grows each year as we strive to create the ultimate fan experience here at TPC Sawgrass,” says Ryan McDonald, Senior Business Development Manager for SMT. “Our video displays stationed at key areas across the course allow fans to find the best sight lines to follow their favorite players, and even take a break for lunch and not miss a critical moment.”
