Sportsnet conducts Hockey Hackathon initiative
By Adnews Staff
Sports-themed specialty television channel Sportsnet has begun a promotion in collaboration with the University of Waterloo called the “Hockey Hackathon.” The initiative is intended to promote the Rogers Communications 5G wireless service via an online event during which teams of students will design applications using the technology intended to enhance the experience of Sportsnet viewers. According to the company, potential applications may involve augmented reality, second screen experiences, fantasy league systems or other gaming or electronic commerce applications. Each team will have one week to create a working prototype of their application and demonstrate it to a panel of judges. Prizes will include job placements and potential funding to develop the prototype into a releasable product. Sportsnet is a subsidiary of Rogers.
“The next generation of sports fans will engage with and experience our broadcasts in ways we can’t even imagine today,” said Bart Yabsley, president of Sportsnet. “As Sportsnet continues to be a leader in sports technology innovation, we are excited to work with some of Canada’s top young minds at the University of Waterloo to discover how Rogers 5G technology can change the way millions of NHL fans watch and engage with the sport.”