Santa Clara Stadium signs founding partner

25 September 2012 | Posted in Infrastructure, Sponsorship, Football, North America | By Tom Love Santa Clara Stadium signs founding partner

German multinational software corporation SAP AG has been announced as a founding partner of the San Francisco 49ers’ new stadium in Santa Clara, California.

According to an official press release, '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 SAP software and technology supporting the National Football League franchise's year-round operations, the company has also taken up the naming rights to the 49ers' practice facility, located directly adjacent to the new US$1.2 billion stadium.

“SAP has an unparalleled reputation for creating world-class business software and analytics solutions,” said 49ers chief executive 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.”

SAP co-chief executive Bill McDermott added, "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. 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.”

Financial terms of SAP's founding partnership were not released.

In the July 2012 edition of SportsPro, Lanson Nichols, vice president of sports architecture at HNTB, the firm that has designed the new Santa Clara Stadium, described the venue as "almost like a smartphone," adding, "You've got this building, stadium, platform, which you can apply applications - apps. We're trying to make sure there's enough infrastructure there, that things are designed in the right way to support a tremendous amount of flexibility in the building not only in terms of technology but also in how they use the space, revenue-generating opportunities, the premium experience opportunities and the overall fan experience, period."