April 2025 //
Zeus Kerravala from ZK Research interviews Philippe Dore, CMO of the BNP Paribas tennis tournament. Philippe discusses the tournament’s goal of attracting half a million attendees, emphasizing the importance of technology in enhancing the fan experience. Innovations include the first use of HawkEye in 2011, real-time scoring via tablets, and an enhanced app with features like AR for navigation and live streaming. The player app helps players manage their schedules and transportation. AI is used for real-time highlight reels and facial recognition in photography. The media control room manages multiple screens across the site, providing live updates and personalized commentary via headsets.
Outline
BNP Paribas Tennis Tournament Overview
- Philippe mentions the tournament is in its second week and expresses excitement.
- Zeus asks about the expected attendance, and Philippe hopes to achieve half a million attendees, slightly surpassing last year’s numbers.
- Zeus highlights the historical significance of the tournament and its innovative technology, such as the first use of the HawkEye system in 2011.
Technology and Fan Experience
- Philippe emphasizes that technology is central to their vision of “Tennis Paradise,” oRering a comprehensive experience beyond just the game.
- The tournament features various amenities like restaurants, strong Wi-Fi, and an app to enhance the fan experience.
- Zeus notes the prevalence of digital displays and LED boards throughout the site, which provide real-time updates and directions.
- Philippe explains the use of real-time scoring data, which is fed to screens, the app, and the website, enhancing the fan experience.
Enhanced App Features
- Philippe discusses the rebuilt app, which includes features like schedules, live scores, streaming, and an interactive map.
- A new augmented reality (AR) feature allows fans to point their phones at specific locations to get information about nearby attractions.
- The player app helps players manage their journeys, including transportation, stringing status, food information, and practice schedules.
- There is crossover between the fan app and the player app, allowing fans to know when players are practicing and vice versa.
AI Integration in Tournament Operations
- Zeus inquires about the use of AI to enhance both fan and player experiences.
- Philippe explains their collaboration with broadcast partners to cut highlights and hot shots in real-time for digital products.
- AI is used for facial recognition in photography, making it easier to distribute photos of players like Carlos Alcaraz.
- The AI-driven system automates the tagging and distribution of photos, improving eRiciency and product quality.
Event Production and Media Control Room
- Zeus and Philippe visit the media control room, where they discuss the integration of information from various sources for stadium displays.
- The control room manages multiple screens across the site, including the Super Wall and stadium screens.
- The team can display up to five diRerent signals simultaneously, showcasing graphics and live matches from diRerent courts.
- The control room also handles additional screens in the stadiums, providing comprehensive coverage of the tournament.
Live Feed Headsets for Fans
- Zeus asks about the live feed headsets available for fans, which provide a personalized commentary experience.
- Philippe explains that fans can check out the headsets at the site, oRering live broadcasts from Tennis Channel and additional information from the tournament’s production team.
- The headsets enhance the in-stadium experience, ensuring fans have access to real-time updates and commentary.
- The goal is to make the live experience as engaging and informative as watching from home.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- Zeus thanks Philippe for the tour and insights into the BNP Paribas tennis tournament.
- Zeus emphasizes the importance of technology in enhancing the fan and player experience.
- The conversation highlights the innovative use of technology to create a seamless and enjoyable event for all attendees.
To watch the video, click here.