WIREDGOV

Visitors to experience enhanced connectivity on route to Gleneagles. 

Visitors to The Ryder Cup can follow the action and share their experiences all the way to Gleneagles thanks to a £130,000 investment from the Scottish Government. 

The funding, which is being made through EventScotland, will be used to install free Wi-Fi hotspots at The Ryder Cup park and ride sites in Stirling, Perth and Balado and provide on-board connectivity on buses transporting golf enthusiasts to Gleneagles.

Cabinet Secretary for Sport Shona Robison said:

“This investment will create one of Scotland’s best ever event experiences for smartphone and tablet users. Scotland is a natural home for major events and this means satisfying the growing demand from visitors for high speed wireless.

“We are investing in the digital connections around The Ryder Cup to not only enhance the experience but demonstrate what can be achieved at large events, even in a rural locations. The investment will build on the fantastic atmosphere and experience expected at Gleneagles and will help show Scotland at its best.”

To further enhance the visitor experience, EventScotland are installing a large screen at each park and ride site so fans can enjoy the build-up and previous day’s highlight ahead of their arrival.

Antonia Beggs, Operations Director for The 2014 Ryder Cup, said:

“For many, The Ryder Cup experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity and the excitement starts before a ball is even struck. The inclusion of Wi-Fi hotspots at park and ride sites from The Scottish Government and EventScotland will allow fans and visitors to share that sense of anticipation through social media as well as catching up on our latest digital content on our spectator app.”

Robbie Clyde, Ryder Cup Project Director with EventScotland, which manages Scotland’s Ryder Cup commitments, said:

“It is important that spectators at The Ryder Cup and visitors to Scotland can utilise mobile technology to make the most of their experience. The modern-day traveller expects an enhanced level of connectivity and not only will this investment allow them to maximise the once-in-a-lifetime experience of attending a Ryder Cup in Scotland, the Home of Golf, it will give them access to information on a whole host of other things to see and do during their time in Scotland.”

The project ensures that Scotland can make the most of emerging trends in digital technology around what will be a world class sporting event. The announcement builds on the earlier announcement from Telefonica to upgrade masts in the area to 4G.

Thanks to the latest technology, spectators on the park and ride to Gleneagles can expect to be connected through an estimated 95 per cent of their journey.

Gleneagles station, too, has Wi-Fi, and 90 per cent of dedicated Ryder Cup trains will offer mobile wifi onboard.

Once at Gleneagles, spectators will be able to use onsite Wi-Fi and experience enhanced 4G and 3G connections to share their Ryder Cup moments with friends and family at home.

Spectators at Gleneagles will receive a special RFID Wristband with their tickets, allowing them to take part in fun activities around the course and share their experiences instantly via social media