Vodafone Qatar, the Official Telecommunications Partner of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, set a new benchmark for innovative digital fan engagement with a series of customised fan experiences and a high-tech ‘Fan Zone’ that put thousands of eager spectators in the centre of the action at one of the region’s most important sporting events.
Vodafone Qatar’s offerings relied heavily on digital engagement including its social media and specially designed engagement platform www.fans.vf.qa Throughout the tournament, fans were able to play interactive games in real-time on the platform and Vodafone gave away exciting prizes to 17 winners of the in-stadium ‘Fan of the Match’ digital quiz and the online platform daily quizzes – ‘Predict & Win’ and ‘Qatar’s Greatest Fan’.
Excited crowds at the Vodafone Fan Zone at Khalifa International Stadium experienced a customised Augmented Reality (AR) game that featured the Arabian Gulf Cup mascot Sodeifi powered by Vodafone’s 5G GigaNet network as well as a Virtual Reality (VR) football game.
Not only ticketed football enthusiasts were kept engaged. Vodafone, in partnership with Al-Kass Sports Channels, also brought fans the country and the region’s first-ever live 5G and 360-broadcast of the semi-final game. The 360-degree camera at Al-Janoub Stadium broadcasted the match live to the Al-Kass YouTube Channel, a real-time experience that showed how 5G can create viewing experiences for sporting fans with 5G-powered Virtual and Augmented Reality. Fans who missed out on the semi-final in Al-Janoub can relive the experience by visiting the Al-Kass YouTube channel. To celebrate Qatar’s national team victories, Vodafone Qatar’s Prepaid and Postpaid customers also enjoyed free data.
Vodafone Qatar CEO Sheikh Hamad Abdulla al-Thani said, “With our unmatched innovative fan experiences at the Arabian Gulf Cup, we have set new standards for fan engagement and given sports enthusiasts a glimpse into how 5G can transform sports viewing. I would like to sincerely thank the local organising committee for delivering a highly successful event and for putting their trust in Vodafone to deliver a world-class infrastructure and an unforgettable fan experience.”
The final at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Sunday brought a historic 24th Arabian Gulf Cup to a close, with Bahrain taking home the title. Organised by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation, the tournament saw thousands of fans show their support for the eight participating nations.
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