The Challenge:
The usefulness of Sports stadiums as marketing platform has no news value. However, to make the acquisition of new sponsors easier using the X3D technology has become more and more common. It makes a noteworthy difference to offer a potential sponsor a 2D paper or a 3D animated model of a stadium. Because he can not only see, what he gets but he will moreover gain a clearer impression of the predicted advertising appeal. The German 3D software developer Bitmanagement has recently received an order from one of the most famous Soccer Clubs in Germany, Schalke 04, to support efforts of the Club to strengthen its marketing capabilities.  More precisely, to find a state of the art 3D technology based solution.

The Solution:
The imagination of the client was versatile and challenging for Bitmanagement. The virtual 3D arena – based on a 3D model of the stadium with the 3D software BS Contact/X3D  - should be interactive, walk-in accessible, online-ready to be available through the Internet and thus accessible for everybody, display all details of the arena in high definition and with life-like images, and must thus be seen in outstanding quality. The client demanded also for the possibility that further developing steps could be undertaken in the form of so-called Avatars – either as virtual stewards or stewardess – who may lead visitors through the virtual Veltins Arena. With the ability of the modeled Veltins arena for online usage, the club will be able to manage the selling of seats and boxes in the future more efficient. It includes offerings, distribution and reservation with full transparency of all bookings done. On top of that, the club also wanted to bundle its merchandise activities on the platform, and thus strengthen the area of e-commerce. A follow-up order from Schalke 04 - focused on strengthened banner advertising - more over the marketing efforts have been facilitated by implementing an additional “atmospheric” feature. It will create a true-to-live spirit in the virtual stadium. Not far from reality thousands of virtual soccer fans can as avatars frenetically welcome their football team. This scene is additionally supported by an original sound track of fan jubilation or club songs. So Bitmanagement made it happen for Schalke 04 Club to break new ground in marketing.