SPORT Ryder Cup invests in RFID fan tech


Fans attending the 2014 Ryder Cup in Gleneagles, Scotland this month are set to enjoy one of the most technologically advanced golf events in history, thanks to the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Spectators will receive a


branded RFID wristband, allowing them to take part in fun activities around the course and share experiences instantly to social media. Once activated, the wrist-


Gillingham FC stadium could become largest in League 1


A proposed new stadium for English foot- ball League One side Gillingham would be more than double the size of its cur- rent home, making it one of the biggest grounds in the entire division, according to new details released in August. With a current capacity of 11,582,


Te branded RDIF wristbands will place fans even closer to the action


bands will allow fans to engage with many of the official partner activ- ities based in the Ryder Cup Spectator Village – such as the Ryder Cup Experience – where spectators can compete in a simulated team competition with live scoreboards situated all around the famous golfing venue. Out on the course, the Active Scotland initia-


tive ‘Walk the Course’, will encourage spectators to get out to all areas of the venue with prizes for those who check in at points around the course.


Te wristbands also enable fans to show


support for their team, including a virtual ‘high five’ for the European Team or Team USA on arrival. By touching their wristband to points around the golf course fans will be registered on a supporters’ leaderboard. Tey will also be able to connect with friends and family around the world through automatic social media updates on Facebook and Twitter. Details: http://lei.sr?a=Q7E3D


Circuit of Wales plans boosted by new deal


Long-held plans for the creation of the £315m Circuit of Wales racetrack have been boosted aſter its backers signed a five-year deal to host motorcycling’s British MotoGP event at the venue. Te track, yet to be constructed, will


become a purpose-built hub for the British motorsport industry, catering for major events and also being a centre for motorsport-related industries. The deal with commercial rights


owner Dorna will see the event held at another venue next year, with the Circuit of Wales becoming its home in 2015 for a remaining four years, while a possible five-year extension could also be in the offing. Being overseen by the Heads of the Valleys


Te venue could become a hub for British motorsport


Development Company, the first phase of the project would see the construction of a 3.5-mile (5.6km) international specification motor racing circuit with world championship facilities, while plans for a hotel, commercial and retail complexes are also in the pipeline. To be located near Ebbw Vale in Blaenau


Gwent, the venue will also house a race academy and training facility, intended to help develop the skills of future motorsport drivers. Other features at the site are to include motocross, trials and enduro venues, an


© CYBERTREK 2014


international kart circuit and an array of lei- sure amenities. Last year Spanish company FCC and civil engineer Alun Griffit won the construction contract for work at the site, with designs being created by architects Populous, engineers Arup and Powell Dobson Urbanists. Te project has been the subject of severe


planning delays following land disputes, while calls have been made on several UK govern- ments to provide investment for the scheme. However, once the project


is com-


pleted, it is thought that around 750,000 visitors would visit the arena each year, while 6,000 jobs could also be created. Details: http://lei.sr?a=W8x9X


Twitter: @leisureopps Hockey balls and sticks will be shared out


Glasgow 2014 equipment goes to grassroots sport


More than £600,000 worth of sports equipment, used at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, will be distributed across Scotland as part of legacy plans to help the country’s grassroots sport. More than £200,000 worth of equipment


will be given to sport governing bodies, with another £200,000 going directly to clubs and facilities. Separately, £200,000 of weightliſting and powerliſting equipment will go to the sportscotland Institute of Sport to upgrade and replace existing items. Stewart Harris, CEO of sportscotland,


said: “Glasgow 2014 provided sportscotland a fantastic opportunity to accelerate our plans towards developing a world-class sporting system at all levels, which we have seized. “From balls and whistles, to the larger,


technical items of equipment which are available, all will have a positive impact on the communities which receive them. “Sportscotland is committed to provid-


ing more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities across the country, and the Games equipment will play a part in this process.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=A4q8B


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital 5


Priestfield – originally opened in 1893 – could not support the club if it were to reach a higher level in the football pyra- mid. Te proposed new stadium, for which the club has earmarked 40 acres of land at nearby Mill Hill, around a mile away from the current ground, would be able to seat up to 24,000 spectators on match day. Details: http://lei.sr?a=K6T9e


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