Partnership will give Gunners first ever HD capable stadium in Europe

Sony has been appointed by Arsenal Football Club as its technology supplier to equip Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium in Islington, due to open in August 2006.

Once completed, it will be the first ever High Definition (HD) capable stadium in Europe. Sony’s Professional Services Team is managing the deployment of the HD equipment, which started in October 2005 and is due to be completed by July 2006.
“Our vision was to create the most advanced, first HD capable stadium in Europe. With Sony on our side, we are confident that we will achieve this goal and by August 2006 we will be able to offer a fantastic entertainment experience to Arsenal’s supporters,” said Adrian Ford, commercial director, at Arsenal.

The project involves 439 digital signage screens to be sited in the general concourse, Club Level areas and executive boxes. Live content production will be performed in an HD production gallery, which will then feed content to the large screen displays, the general concourse, Club Level areas and executive box screens.

Paul Hennessy, director Sony Professional Solutions UK said: “Sony believes that HD quality should be enjoyed and experienced by everyone and we are delighted that for the first time millions of people from all around the world will be able to watch their favourite game in the best quality ever thanks to Arsenal’s investment.”

This is the first phase in the creation of an HD stadium development, which will see Arsenal and Sony working together to equip new press rooms, conference suites, Museum, Megastore and offices.