Hacking hockey for the future

Rogers and Sportsnet work with Waterloo students to innovate fan experience

By: Concept

How can we create a fun, immersive viewing experience for NHL fans using 5G technology? That was the question 50 University of Waterloo students were looking to answer during a week-long hackathon hosted by Sportsnet and Rogers.

The 2020 Sportsnet Hockey Hack tasked students to work alongside mentors from Concept — Velocity's experiential innovation hub at Waterloo — to come up with innovative solutions that would change the way millions of NHL fans watch and engage with live games both inside and outside the arena.

Students from the winning teams were invited to progress into an incubation phase and work with senior project managers at Rogers and Sportsnet to create a prototype and pitch it to the Product team. Offering a valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, and also for Sportsnet and Rogers who were able to tap into young talent and innovative thinking.

“The Sportsnet Hockey Hack, powered by Rogers 5G, was an incredible example of the strength of our partnership with the University of Waterloo, and our collective ability to bring together bright minds and innovative ideas,” says Neel Dayal, senior director, Partnership and Innovation at Rogers Communications. “We were energized by the creative and smart thinking that came from the students at the event, and we look forward to building on key concepts to advance Canada’s 5G roadmap.”