Major League Baseball team the Los Angeles Dodgers has launched a business accelerator program aimed at improving the fan experience at its Dodger Stadium.
The Dodger Accelerator initiative will see the team work with 10 start-up companies for three months in the hope of developing technologies to enhance sports and entertainment events and operate its facility more efficiently.
The Dodgers and its project partner, New York-based advertising agency R/GA, will invest US$20,000 into each of the 10 ventures, in exchange for a 6% stake in the fledgling companies.
Chief financial officer at the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tucker Kain, said the project could target technological advances in areas such as getting food to fans quicker, building second-screen applications for fans watching at the ballpark, and minimizing energy usage in facilities.
The Dodgers will provide up to US$100,000 in additional funding for the most promising ventures, in exchange for increased ownership stake, and help present ideas to potential investors and clients.
April 16, 2015
