NBA 3.0

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SACRAMENTO, CALIF. – Today, the Sacramento Kings announced a strategic investment in VOKE, a leading virtual-reality innovator and immersive real-time and on-demand media company. 

To demonstrate VOKE’s innovative platform, the Kings will livestream its 2015 home opener on October 28 directly to select fans who do not have the opportunity to enjoy NBA basketball in-person. 

In partnership with NBA India, the Kings will be able to share the Opening Night experience with viewers over 8,000 miles away – in real-time. 

Students at Dhirubai Ambani International School in Mumbai, India and children hospitalized at the Kaiser Permanente Women and Children’s Center in Roseville, Calif. will view the game in real-time virtual reality. Their vantage point is one of the most-sought after seats at Sleep Train Arena – courtside next to Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé. 

“Around the world, there are fans who may never have the chance to be a part of the spectacle of NBA basketball,” said Ranadivé. “By partnering with VOKE, we can share the in-arena excitement in an unprecedented way. Through technology, we’ll connect with emerging fans, find new ones, and provide a truly unique experience.” 

VOKE’s media platform utilizes a synchronized multiple point-of-view stereoscopic panoramic camera system that allows fans to be immersed in live action, as well as access multiple seat locations. A seamless 180 degree view allows viewers to follow the action in every direction. The technology enables mobile devices, computers and virtual reality headsets to utilize the same feed, as well as provide special control in 2D and 3D. Virtual add-ons like scoreboards, advanced player metrics and custom video provides the viewer with more information than ever before. 

“The Sacramento Kings are well-known as a leader in bringing technology breakthroughs to the sports industry," said Dr. S. (Jay) Jayaram, VOKE's co-founder and CEO. "As such, their investment in VOKE is a strong statement. We've been working with the Kings to create engaging real-time virtual reality experiences of live basketball games. We are looking forward to delivering an unrivaled immersive experience to Kings fans via VR headsets, mobile phones and tablets.”

About VOKEVOKE, Inc.’s comprehensive virtual reality product portfolio and innovative end-to-end media platform have established VOKE as the world leader in providing new media immersive fan experiences for sports, music and entertainment events.  Learn more at www.vokevr.com and contact us at info@VOKEvr.com or 509-335-6454.

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Sacramento Kings Take Equity Stake in Virtual Reality Leader VOKE

Sacramento, Calif. – Today, the Sacramento Kings and Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms) announced a new partnership utilizing ctms’ comprehensive suite of travel management services. By taking advantage of ctms’ global buying power and high level of support, the Kings will gain significant savings while receiving an unmatched level of personalized and dedicated service.

“In line with our NBA 3.0 philosophy, ctms provides top-tier customer service and innovative technologies for efficient travel management services,” said Kings President Chris Granger. “We look forward to providing our business operations team with safe and reliable travel solutions.”

See Also: Kings and JMA Ventures Announce Partnership with Kimpton Hotels

“This relationship epitomizes a great business and marketing partnership,” said Tom Osovitzki, Chief Executive Officer, ctms. “We’re excited by the opportunity to connect with Kings fans in new and innovative ways and help streamline the organization’s corporate travel needs.”

The partnership will also include integration of digital and traditional ctms signage at Kings home games and on Kings.com.

ABOUT CORPORATE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS: Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms) is an award winning business travel management company. Ranked number 115 on the 26th annual PROFIT 500, the definitive ranking of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies, ctms offers a comprehensive range of integrated travel management services providing clients with the technology and service to manage their business travel with maximum efficiency. For more information, visit www.ctmstravel.com or call 1-877-359-2867.

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Sacramento Kings Announce Partnership with Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms)

Sacramento, Calif. – Hoy, los Sacramento Kings anunciaron que el equipo viajará a México como parte de los Juegos Internacionales de la NBA 2015. Los Kings jugarán contra los Boston Celtics en la Arena Ciudad de México el 3 de diciembre. Este partido representa la primera visita de los Kings a México y el 22º partido de la NBA en México, lo cual supone el mayor número de partidos de la NBA jugados fuera de los Estados Unidos y Canadá.  

“Es un orgullo participar en los Juegos Internacionales de la NBA”, dijo Vivek Ranadivé. dueño y presidente de los Kings. “El máximo poder del deporte reside en su capacidad para conectar personas de distintas regiones geográficas, económicas y culturales. Como parte de la filosofía de la NBA 3.0, estamos muy deseosos de conectar con los aficionados de la Ciudad de México y compartir esta experiencia con aficionados de todo el mundo en medios sociales y en plataformas digitales.”

Además del espectáculo en cancha, los Juegos Internacionales de la NBA 2015 en Ciudad de México, contarán con actividades fuera  de la cancha, entre otros programas comunitarios de “NBA Cares” y eventos interactivos para los aficionados.  El partido también contará con el apoyo de diversos colaboradores y se transmitirá internacionalmente por televisión y por medios sociales y digitales. 

“Los partidos internacionales les dan la oportunidad a nuestros jugadores y personal de fomentar una relación más estrecha entre sí y de experimentar el basquetbol en otros países”, dijo el entrenador principal de los Kings, George Karl. “Todos estamos muy ilusionados con el viaje a Ciudad de México y deseosos de entretener a tantos y tan fabulosos aficionados de la NBA en Latino América.”

Los boletos estarán a la venta a partir del 24 de abril en las taquillas de la Arena Ciudad de México, en línea en superboletos.com, por teléfono llamando al 01 800 BOLETOS, o en cualquiera de estas tiendas en México: Soriana, Farmacias del Ahorro, Blockbuster, Innova Sport y Palacio de Hierro.

Vídeo de los Juegos Internacionales de la NBA 2015

Acerca de la NBA: La NBA es un negocio internacional de deportes y medios de comunicación organizado en torno a tres ligas deportivas profesionales: la National Basketball Association, la Women’s National Basketball Association y la NBA Development League. Esta liga ha desarrollado una presencia internacional considerable con sedes en 13 mercados internacionales, partidos y programación en 215 países y territorios en 47 idiomas diferentes, con ventas de mercancías de la NBA en 100 países diferentes de los 5 continentes. Las listas de la NBA a principios de la temporada 2014-15 incluían jugadores internacionales de 37 países  y territorios diferentes. Los activos de la NBA Digital incluyen NBA TV, disponible en 60 millones de hogares estadounidenses, y NBA.com, que recibió más de 26,900 millones de visitas durante la temporada 2013-14, más de la mitad de las cuales se originaron fuera de Norte América. La NBA es la liga deportiva profesional más importante en los medios sociales y cuenta con más de 800 millones de “me gusta” y seguidores de todo el mundo de distintas plataforams de ligas, equipos y jugadores. A través de “NBA Cares”, la liga y sus equipos y jugaodres han contribuido más $242 millones en donativos a organizaciones caritativas, han donado más de 3 millones de horas en servicios comunitarios y creado más de 915 lugares en los que los niños y sus familias pueden vivir, aprender o jugar.

Acerca de Zignia Live: Zignia Live es una compañía conocida por convocar espectáculos y eventos de primera calidad cada año, ofreciendo al público una experiencia exclusiva de primera en toda ocasión. En colaboración con compañías importantes de la industria del entretenimiento en vivo, Zignia Live acerca al público mexicano los mejores espectáculos infantiles, musicales, familiares y deportivos.

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Los Sacramento Kings Anuncian su Primera Visita a México para Participar en los Juegos Internacionales de la NBA 2015

sacjwise

Last month the White House invited Kings Chairman and Vivek Ranadivé to join President Barack Obama in India for the nation's Republic Day.

"I saw this opportunity to be a part of history," recalled Vivek in his blog for Fortune.com. "As a boy from Mumbai who came to Boston as a teenager with $50 in his pocket, I owe everything to America. To visit the country of my birth with President Obama was a privilege and an honor I simply could not refuse."

[GALLERY: Vivek Joins President Obama in India]

Ranadivé further described his visit to India, sharing anecdotes such as, "While the meetings with Prime Minster Modi, President Obama and the Indian delegation were special, I cherished the small dinner Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker organized with the president. She left no doubt that while there were always hurdles, we would grow and improve the U.S.-India relationship."

To read more about Vivek's trip with President Obama, click the below link.

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Vivek Recalls Trip with Obama

SACRAMENTO, CA - The Sacramento Kings announced today Vlade Divac has been named Vice President of Basketball and Franchise Operations.

In this capacity, Divac’s responsibilities will include advising the Kings front office and coaching staff, assisting the organization’s global branding efforts, augmenting fan outreach initiatives and oversight of player development programs. Additionally, he will facilitate talent evaluation and help foster relationships between the team and a growing pipeline of European athletes.

One of the most respected and revered individuals in franchise history, Divac returns to Sacramento having spent more than a decade serving the NBA and international sporting communities with the same distinction that solidified his reputation as a consummate teammate, player, humanitarian and overall difference-maker on and off the basketball court.

“With an unparalleled philanthropic track record that spans the globe, Vlade Divac is the epitome of our NBA 3.0 philosophy,” said Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé. “He has a unique perspective and global stature that will only further elevate our organization around the world.”

“It’s a great honor returning to the city that has provided a lifetime of unforgettable experiences,” said Divac. “Sacramento and the Kings organization were always in my thoughts and I often dreamed of having a role in helping our amazing fans realize the ultimate NBA prize. I’m thankful to Vivek for the opportunity and look forward to creating more special memories here.”

[WATCH NOW: Vlade Divac Interview with Grant Napear]

“Over the past year that I have gotten to know Vlade, he has proven himself as an ambassador to the Sacramento community," said Kings General Manager Pete D'alessandro. “The organization is fortunate to have him as an advisor. I look forward to his contributions, especially with respect to his knowledge of the international game.”

Divac, 47, has served in a variety of administrative and leadership roles since retiring from professional basketball in 2007. In addition to his philanthropic efforts focused on helping children in his native country and other reaches of the globe, he was named President of the Serbian Olympic Committee in 2009. Under his guidance, Serbian athletes have enjoyed greater success and the country is experiencing a resurgence on the international stage.

In 16 NBA campaigns with Los Angeles, Charlotte and Sacramento, Divac averaged 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game over 1,134 contests. He is only one of four players in league annals to accrue at least 13,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, 3,000 assists, 1,200 steals and 1,600 blocked shots, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett with that distinction. His six seasons in a Kings uniform marked the most successful period in team history, including a league-high 61 wins in 2001-02 and a trip to the Western Conference Finals. His name adorns the franchise record book in several key categories, ranking third all-time during the Sacramento-era in rebounds (3,538) and blocked shots (523), ninth in points scored (5,176), seventh with 454 games played, eighth in free throws made (1,209) and eighth in steals (453). Divac’s jersey was retired by the Kings in 2009.

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Kings Name Vlade Divac Vice President of Basketball and Franchise Operations

Katie Cracchiolo

The Sacramento Kings continue to advance their efforts to enhance the fan experience through the use of technology, as the team is now experimenting with 3D printing.

The organization has teamed up with Sacramento’s Hacker Lab to apply the new tech in a variety of ways, beginning as early as this season. 

The integration of 3D printing further authenticates the commitment to Kings Chairman and Majority Owner Vivek Ranadivé’s NBA 3.0 philosophy. 

“Everyone embraces technology around the Kings organization, so if anyone comes to me and says, ‘Lets do this,’ we can figure out ways to make it happen,” says Kings Senior Vice President of Strategy, Innovation and Technology Ryan Montoya.

During the team’s “Technology Night” game in April, Sacramento Hacker Lab held 3D printing demonstrations on the concourse, featuring 3D versions of the Kings primary logo and miniature replicas of Slamson.

“Fans appreciated the opportunity to engage with a new type of technology, one that will surely transform many industries, including the NBA,” added Montoya.

Rendering of 3D Printed Miniature Replica of new ESC

The printers create complex objects by layering materials, such as plastic or metal, based on a three-dimensional model that is loaded into a computer. 

In terms of practical use, the Sports Business Daily’s Adam Stern recently highlighted the production of bobbleheads as a possibility, stating that 3D printing will create a more realistic token for fans to take home.

Montoya provided additional perspective, citing the example of a broken chair.

“Should a chair arm break off, the team could scan it and print a new one instead of waiting several weeks for a replacement to arrive,” he said.

For additional insight on the use of 3D printing by the Kings and more, check out the complete Sports Business Journal article.

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Latest from Kings Lab: 3D Printing

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Drone Visits XC and ESC Site

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Sacramento Kings today announced the use of the Gimbal™ mobile engagement platform from Qualcomm Retail Solutions, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, to further enhance the fan experience via offers and communications to fans based on location and activity.Through the Sacramento Kings App, fans will receive highly relevant offers and communications delivered to their iPhone using Gimbal proximity beacons with Apple’s iBeacon technology. Gimbal beacons will be positioned throughout the arena delivering a whole new level of micro-awareness for fans.

“Creating the best fan experience is paramount,” said Kings President Chris Granger. “Like many major franchises, we have a loyalty program for our fans, but what we are doing with the Gimbal platform leverages technology to take the relationship between the Kings and our fans to a whole new level.”

Gimbal provides a comprehensive mobile context aware platform the Kings are using to engage fans through the combination of physical location, activity, time and personal interest as a major enhancement to its loyalty program. The Gimbal platform capabilities include:

“No one is more motivated to engage with a brand than dedicated sports fans with a deep connection to their teams,” said Rocco Fabiano, president, Qualcomm Retail Solutions. “Gimbal provides the very latest in mobile context awareness and proximity technology to enable sports franchises to deliver a premium sports venue experience – and the Sacramento Kings are at the forefront in leveraging mobile technology to increase fan loyalty.”

The Kings and Qualcomm Retail Solutions are working closely together with TIBCO, the Kings’ loyalty platform developer, on the Gimbal implementation. Proximity beacons have already been installed throughout the Sleep Train Arena and fans with the Sacramento Kings iPhone App receive special offers at the Kings store and have been given the opportunity to meet members of the team based on proximity. Future plans include special concession offers during games, ticket deals and special offers from Kings’ partners when fans are out and about in the Sacramento area.

“A central element of our NBA 3.0 philosophy is to use cutting-edge technologies, like Gimbal, to enhance and reward passionate Kings fans,” said Granger. “We are constantly on the lookout for the latest technological breakthroughs to help connect fans and the team. In this quest, taking the best advantage of mobile is job one and Gimbal is a great solution for real-time mobile fan engagement.”

The Sacramento Kings App is available for free from the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or via the following: http://bit.ly/KingsAppAS.