America's Cup and Live2media Bring Spectators Inside the Action

PLEASANTON, Calif., April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Newly launched Live2media, a provider of real-time audio to sports fans at live events, is proud to announce its partnership with the America's Cup. The partnership will give spectators watching the 34^th America's Cup race from the shores of San Francisco the opportunity to truly get inside the action on the water through real-time live audio feeds offered by Live2media.

Spectators will be able to select and listen to multiple channels from the Live2media Livecard™. Using the power of Near Field Communication (NFC) to unlock live conversations between a skipper and crew, expert commentaries and sound effects from the boats; Livecard gives enthusiasts and new fans a sense of being right at the heart of the action on the water.

"It is a great privilege for us to announce our partnership with the America's Cup Event Authority today," says Steve Fields, Chief Sales Officer, Live2media. "It is our company's mission to put sports fans inside the action and there is nothing more exciting in the San Francisco Bay than the rush of being on the fastest sailboats in the world. We want to give every customer to experience being on the boat, even if they are on the shores."

The America's Cup has been revolutionized to bring racing closer to the fans with pioneering technology bringing new levels of insight and information to fans. Not only will fans be able to watch the races unfold on the water, they will be able to hear what is happening on the boats, giving spectators a virtual fan experience.  

"Extreme performance boats sailed by the best sailors in the world on one of the toughest race courses there is has made the 2013 America's Cup in San Francisco the most eagerly anticipated series in memory," said Stephen Barclay, CEO of the America's Cup Event Authority. "The racing is more accessible, more engaging and more exciting that ever."

The real-time audio experience from Live2media at the 34^th America's Cup will reach a new level of fan experience.

Creating a new experience with SportsMark
As the Official Corporate Hospitality Management Partner and Exclusive Global Sales Agent of the America's Cup Club hospitality program, SportsMark will offer the Livecard to their on-water guests seeking the ultimate America's Cup experience. With the Livecard, the on-water guests will experience the rush of the water, speed of the race and excitement on the boat, all while listening to the real-time audio and live commentary.

SportsMark brings a rich history to creating first-class guest experiences at some of the world's most exciting sporting events, including the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup, through unique hospitality environments.

A new opportunity for sponsors
Live2media will give sponsors of the America's Cup another avenue to reach consumers during the races. Designed to be collectible and worn by the fan, each NFC smartcard can be branded with images and logos of race teams or America's Cup sponsors, providing a visual brand opportunity on a level like no other. Sponsors will also have the opportunity to air ads on select Live2media audio channels, further improving their emotional connection with the fans.

This deeper relationship between fans, sponsors and race teams is delivered at a fraction of the cost of providing the same level of service with a mobile or Wi-Fi network.

Livecard will be available for purchase during the America's Cup online and in AC stores along the waterfront of San Francisco for a retail price of US$30.

About Live2media
Live2media offers a marketing platform for event operators and sponsors to engage fans with an amplified live-event experience that transforms them into virtual participants. Live2media's reliable, simple-to-use audio technology gives fans the ability to choose what they listen to while attending an event, giving them control over their own experience using the Live2media patent pending smart receiver. Live2media is headquartered in Pleasanton, California.

About the America's Cup
One of the most fiercely competitive and sought after trophies in all of sport, the America's Cup was first raced in 1851, 45 years before the modern Olympics. The U.S. yacht America won, giving the international sailing competition its name. The next Louis Vuitton Cup, America's Cup Challenger Series (July-August 2013), leading to the America's Cup Finals (September 2013), will be held for the first time in San Francisco Bay, a natural sailing arena, in AC72 wing sail catamarans. The associated America's Cup World Series is a global circuit of events where the teams race AC45 catamarans for a season championship. ORACLE TEAM USA won the 2011-12 title. The 2012-13 season opened with events in San Francisco in August and October and continues with races in Naples, Italy.

SOURCE Live2media