INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Green Technology
Minnesota Vikings harness the kinetic power of their fans with Pavegen
The NFL ’ s Minnesota Vikings have caught a pass from UK-based Greentech firm Pavegen to launch a unique fan experience that merges STEM education with sustainability and entertainment . At the core of this collaboration is Pavegen ’ s pioneering technology , which converts kinetic energy from footsteps and movement to power immersive fan experiences .
Coinciding with the start of the 2023 season , fans visiting Vikings training camp in Eagan , Minnesota , can participate in two immersive challenges .
In the 40-Yard Dash , fans can go through the same test every NFL player faces and race against their favorite Vikings player , with Pavegen ’ s kinetic floor tiles simultaneously capturing and converting their energy into off-grid electricity in real time .
Meanwhile , Famous Game Plays invites fans to guide a virtual football ’ s flight using kinetic floor interactions and recreate some of the Vikings ’ most famous plays .
Successful participants are rewarded with exclusive video clips of iconic gameplay sequences . The games form part of the Vikings ’ commitment to STEM education , using their platform to positively impact their local community . The installations show how energy is all around us and can be harnessed for a better world .
The partnership not only offers a glimpse of what future stadiums could look like , but also encourages fan interaction and engagement – rewarding fan loyalty in a highly visual brand activation .
CEO of Pavegen , Laurence Kemball-Cook said : “ The energy and excitement when fans fill their team ’ s stadium has always been the best part of the football experience . Our pioneering kinetic brand activation helps teams harness that “ buzz ” and turn it into an immersive and enjoyable fan experience that can literally light up their day and earn them exclusive prizes and content .
“ At the same time , it helps deliver a serious message , particularly to young people , around sustainability through a tangible and immersive interaction while supporting their team .”
Brett Taber , Vice President of social impact for the Minnesota Vikings said : “ STEM education is a critical portion of the Minnesota Vikings mission to utilize our platform for impact to give back to our community .
“ Here in Minnesota alone , students have one of the highest opportunity gaps in the United States . So by partnering with Pavegen , the Minnesota Vikings can help students understand STEM principles and bring them to life in the real world .
“ Pavegen is a unique technology because it really demonstrates how energy is all around us – and it ’ s about how we harness it and use it for a better world .” p
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