The San Francisco 49ers and SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) announced Monday that the world's leading provider of business software and analytics will be a Founding Partner at the new stadium in Santa Clara. As part of the agreement, the team's practice facility, located directly adjacent to the new stadium, is set to be renamed the SAP Training Center. As the team's exclusive Business Software, Statistics and Performance Partner, SAP will support the 49ers year-round operations by enabling the organization to run better in all facets.
"SAP has an unparalleled reputation for creating world-class business software and analytics solutions," said 49ers Chief Executive Officer Jed York. "The 49ers are deeply committed to creating the ultimate fan experience, as we are building a stadium that embodies the best of Silicon Valley. SAP will have an integral role in helping to achieve both of those goals. SAP's commitment to rename our training facility reinforces the alignment of two strong brands."
The partnership will take the 49ers fan experience to the next level by using SAP's expertise in analytics, mobility and real-time systems to decipher the information gathered from all digital fan touch points such as 49ers.com, Twitter and Facebook. That knowledge will help the team integrate new applications and features within the stadium on game day, and improve customer service throughout the year.
"The San Francisco 49ers are a team that knows how to win championships, and SAP is pleased to join them in delivering the ultimate experience to their fans," said Bill McDermott, Co-CEO, SAP. "Together, we will extend the excitement of game-day with unprecedented levels of insight and intimacy. As SAP continues to grow its presence in the Bay Area, we look forward to helping one of the region's trophy franchises run better than ever."
SAP will integrate innovative technologies and capabilities to help map out fan experience into the 68,500-seat stadium set to open in time for the 2014 NFL season, as well as across the 49ers business operations. In addition to developing a statistics platform, SAP is also developing human resource (HR) systems for the franchise as well as other creative systems that have the potential to help football operations function more efficiently and effectively.
The Santa Clara stadium will not only be the new home to the San Francisco 49ers, but it will serve as one of the world's best outdoor sports and entertainment venues. It was designed by HNTB and is being built by Turner/Devcon. The $1.2 billion venue will have 1.85 million square feet, seat approximately 68,500 and will feature an expected 165 luxury suites and 9,000 club seats. It was designed to be a multi-purpose facility with the flexibility to host a wide range of events including, domestic and international soccer, college football, motocross, concerts and various civic events, and will be expandable for major events such as the Super Bowl. For more information, go to www.newsantaclarastadium.com.
