Manchester City Football Club’s new official collaboration solution with Cisco Webex has resulted in the ability for the club’s fans to sing, watch together, and cheer virtually, even though they have not been able to attend matches in person.
As the team returned to the pitch, Cisco’s video collaboration solution has created new ways for fans to connect with the team.
To celebrate the final game of the Premier League season this past weekend, Manchester City and Cisco unveiled a fan-led rendition of the team anthem Blue Moon, which was recorded and facilitated via Cisco Webex.
Newly launched “Watch Together Parties” allow fans to recreate the camaraderie they normally experience on a gameday in a virtual environment via Cisco Webex. Watch Together Parties are available in the official Manchester City mobile app and through the Cityzens portal
While fans can’t be at Etihad Stadium in person this season, Cisco Webex has allowed fans to be a part of the gameday environment by powering “Wonder Wall” video screens, bringing in fans to cheer and celebrate alongside the players at all home matches.
The club’s annual Cityzen’s Giving Young Leaders Summit, which was held virtually this year for the first time ever, brought together 250 Young Leaders from 23 cities around the world via Cisco Webex for a week of digitally delivered training sessions, valuable discussions and fun collaboration.
Cisco, which last year became an Official Technology Partner for five City Football Group clubs – Manchester City, New York City FC, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama F. Marinos and Sichuan Jiuniu FC – plays a key role in supporting all aspects of the club’s business through their networking solutions.
Nuria Tarre, chief marketing Officer at City Football Group said: “At Manchester City we are always looking for innovative ways to engage with our global fanbase and have a positive impact on communities around the world. Working with Cisco has enabled us to create virtual connections between the Club and our fans which is even more valuable at this time when we are not able to be together in person. We are committed to harnessing the latest technologies to create exciting experiences for our fans and look forward to working with Cisco to explore this further together.”
Brian Eaton, director of global sports marketing at Cisco, said: “Over the past several weeks, Cisco Webex has played a critical role in connecting Manchester City and City Football Group coaches, administrators, players and fans during this challenging time. Our goal has always been to create connections to bring joy, engagement and new experiences to the entire ecosystem of people involved with this legendary football club. We will keep working together to forge new opportunities through technology.”
