IT services provider dials up Edgbaston partnership

IT services provider and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce patron Intercity Technology has announced a new partnership with Edgbaston - becoming the world-famous cricket stadium 's official IT partner.

Intercity will support Edgbaston 's ambitious regeneration plans and to help them achieve their vision of becoming a world-class tech-enabled cricket stadium.

The partnership has been announced at an exciting time for Edgbaston, which hosted the first Ashes Test match between England and Australia.

Both on and off the pitch huge plans are underway to maintain the stadium 's reputation as an elite sporting venue among a global audience.

As the official IT partner, Intercity will bring its diverse portfolio of managed IT solutions and award-winning customer service, which will be pivotal in enabling the delivery of Edgbaston 's Stadium & Community Masterplan.

The masterplan aims to create a mixed-use development which aims to benefit both cricket fans and the West Midlands community and economy.

An immediate benefit of the partnership was the opportunity to use the Ashes as a 'Living Lab ' to understand the requirements of mass crowds and how the IT provider can best add value.

With over 125,000 spectators in attendance and Sky Sports announcing a record audience for a Test match, Intercity has begun its exploration of the critical role IT, data and technology plays to enable the on-pitch, live sports action and the first-of-its-kind analysis will be shared in a 'Sweating the Numbers ' report in due course.

From scanning hundreds of e-tickets and managing the DRS for fast decision-making after a “howzat ” call to providing fans with a strong Wi-Fi connection so they can participate in the conversation online, integrated technology infrastructure is essential for large sports events, which Intercity will be unveiling in its analysis.

But the Sweating the Numbers report only marks the first innings of this tech partnership, with a host of further milestones at Edgbaston including the Women 's Ashes IT20 in July, Go Green Games in September and the stadium 's next phase of regeneration, which Intercity will be supporting.

Intercity 's group managing director Charlie Blakemore said: “We are delighted to become the official IT partner for Edgbaston Stadium, an iconic cricket venue that's just a mile down the road from our headquarters in Birmingham. Intercity and Edgbaston share the same values and ambition to work together to provide a sustainable, world-class experience and add long-term value to our local community. ”

CEO at Intercity, Andrew Jackson, added: “Our business is designed to create world-class technology partnerships with our customers and together with Edgbaston we are striving to create a unique experience, that sets the standard in Sports Technology Infrastructure. ”

Craig Flindall, chief operating officer, at Edgbaston Stadium said: “Tech needs to be right at the forefront, so we 're working with Intercity to see how we can develop that going forward, with existing talent in the business and also young local talent we can bring through together. ”

RightFormula helped make this partnership possible and facilitated the introductions between Edgbaston and Intercity.

Pictured: Craig Flindall, Charlie Blakemore, Andrew Jackson and Ben Seifas (Edgbaston head of sales and partnerships)