MLBAM Completes Initial iBeacon Installations

NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- MLBAM today announced it has completed installation of Apple's iBeacon technology at the first two of more than 20 Major League Baseball ballparks that will use iBeacon technology for Opening Day of the 2014 season. With 65 iBeacons affixed throughout Petco Park and Dodger Stadium, the two ballparks have become the first sports venues in the world permanently equipped with iBeacon, a technology introduced with iOS 7 that uses Bluetooth Low Energy and geofencing for micro-location awareness.

Baseball fans will be able to utilize iBeacon technology within MLB.com At The Ballpark when the award-winning app's 2014 update is released for Opening Day. Complete details on new features being developed by MLBAM for At The Ballpark, including iBeacon capabilities, will be available in March.

"We are proud to be the first ballpark to roll out iBeacon technology, and we'd like to thank our partners at MLBAM for the effort to make this happen," said Padres President and CEO Mike Dee. "The Padres are focused on improving every aspect of how fans experience games at Petco Park, and this technology, especially through its integration with MLB.com's At The Ballpark app, will be an integral part of that."

"This is a great addition to our over-all program to make Dodger Stadium Wi-Fi-friendly for our fans," said Lon Rosen, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Los Angeles Dodgers. "We are hoping to provide our fans come Opening Day the finest in wireless technology and connectivity. This state of the art system will greatly enhance the fan experience and the enjoyment of Dodger baseball."

"Our top priority always has been to build technology to support our clubs and fans with an unrivaled experience in these world-class facilities," said Adam Ritter, SVP, Wireless, MLBAM. "The introduction of iBeacon services in our At The Ballpark app will be the latest evolution in this process, giving us another important platform to engage fans with their surroundings and to enjoy customized experiences through their iPhones."

Additional iBeacon installations at MLB ballparks will be announced as they are completed.

SOURCE MLBAM