WAFL fans set to turn into avatars at Optus Stadium

Fan packed Optus Stadium to deliver Australian stadium first

Thousands of footy fans will be able to show their support in an entirely new way at this year’s Optus WA Football League (WAFL) Grand Final at Optus Stadium.

With the simple scan of a QR code and a quick selfie, spectators can instantly transform themselves into a lifelike avatar donning the colours of their team’s kit, in an Aussie-first augmented reality (AR) in-stadium fan experience.

Fan’s avatars can cheer on their team or wave in support at the weekend game between Subiaco Football Club and South Fremantle Football Club, sharing the experience across social media platforms. For those fans unable to attend, friends at Optus Stadium can upload a photo so they can be at the game together virtually.

“We love to create moments of magic and this activation at the Optus WAFL Grand Final is all about bringing fans together in a fun, interactive and unique way. It’s going to be fantastic to see people engaging with this technology, having a laugh with their mates over their avatar’s likeness and sharing the experience both on the big screen at Optus Stadium and through their own social channels,” said Melissa Hopkins, VP Marketing, Optus.

Optus Stadium CEO Mike McKenna agreed the unique opportunity was just another way for fans to use technology to engage with live sport and entertainment.

“5G is transforming the way we connect, particularly with so many of our friends and families only being able to be seen through a device,” he said.

“Exciting partnerships like this one are a great way to bring people together and enhance the stadium experience, whether they be in person or via technology and innovation.”

Pioneering branded content company Yahoo Creative Studios, combined cutting-edge technologies including WebXR, customer 3D avatar creation and animation to deliver this incredible user experience.

Zoe Cocker, Head of Brand & Yahoo Creative Studios ANZ, added “This in-stadium fan experience is the latest example of how immersive technology can add a whole new dimension to watching sport. Aussie fans are so passionate about their sport and love getting involved in the game. We’re proud to have lent our expertise and worked closely with our partners like Ready Player Me, to provide a new way for fans to take this passion to the next level.”

Optus Stadium was equipped with full Optus 5G capability earlier this year providing Optus customers who visit the stadium with access to Australia’s fastest 5G Mobile Network as awarded by Ookla®* including faster download speeds and a more reliable video and app streaming experience.

“For fans that miss out, we’re excited to be integrating this into the ever-popular daily Optus Stadium Tour from late-October, allowing even more stadium visitors to create their own lifelike fan avatar giving them a lasting memento of their visit to the world’s most beautiful stadium.

“This is just the beginning of innovative in-stadium fan experiences, with 5G opening up a wave of new opportunities to engage fans and get them even closer to the action and we are energised by the future applications that 5G will deliver in Optus Stadium,” added Ms Hopkins.

The inclusion of the Optus Avatar will be the second Optus experience on the Optus Stadium tour with Optus launching an interactive Willy Wagtail 5G experience as part of the tour in January this year.

*Based on analysis by Ookla^® of Speedtest Intelligence^® data Q1–Q2 2021. 5G is available in selected areas. Actual speeds may vary by area. Check website for coverage.

Media enquiries:

Anna Garcia

Optus Corporate Affairs

media@optus.com.au

Tel: (02) 8082 7850