The 40th Ryder Cup, held on the greens of the idyllic Scottish resort Gleneagles, attracted 135,000 spectators and utilised technology to improve fan engagement
By Tom Walker | Published in Sports Management 2014 issue 4
Arena Group provided the spectator seating as well as a three-tier hospitality structure
For three days in September, the picturesque Gleneagles Golf Course in Perthshire, Scotland, was transformed into a bustling, vibrant, world-class sporting venue. More than 135,000 spectators and hundreds of support staff were catered for by an impressive network of temporary structures and overlay.
This year’s event was a landmark in the way technology was used to improve fan interaction. As part of that, radio frequency identification (RFID) was used for the very first time.
In an initiative managed by Intellitix, more than one hundred thousand visitors were provided with an RFID-enabled “Ryder Cup Experience” wristband, enabling various interactive activities across the course. These included virtually “high five-ing” your chosen team and sharing a message of support on the leader board and personal Facebook and Twitter accounts, which proved a huge success with almost 45,000 interactions.
Tournament partners Standard Life, BMW, Gleneagles and Sky Sports each created their own activities to amplify customer interaction with the brands, while collecting valuable data.
Antonia Beggs, operations director for the 2014 Ryder Cup, said: “Ryder Cup Europe wanted to lift the event this year beyond the standards set previously. As social media, smartphones and mobile internet have become a part of everyday life for our customers, RFID technology seemed a natural choice.
“We’ve had positive feedback from both the audience and sponsors, who are always looking for additional ways to amplify their sponsorship. We’re certain that RFID and the interactivity that it brings will become the future of major sporting events. We’re proud to among the firsts to offer it.”
TAKING A SEAT To accommodate the fans, Arena Seating managed the installation and construction of 14,700 seats across 18 grandstands using the company’s innovative clearview seating system. While parent company Arena Group has a long association with the Ryder Cup organisers – spanning two decades of European tournaments – the clearview is a new addition to the Ryder Cup.
Meanwhile, Arena Group’s structures arm installed 32 temporary buildings around Gleneagles. The triple deck Aviemore Pavilion, overlooking the 18th fairway and green, became a familiar backdrop for those watching the action unfold on TV screens –and provided unri- valled views for corporate partners onto the action of the final hole.
Elsewhere, Serious Stages created the settings for the opening ceremony and celebratory trophy presentation. As part of the stage, the company installed a 22m Supernova roof, with wing extensions for the pipe band, creating a 46m wide space with Ryder Cup branding – a visually stunning feature for the spectators –as well as global TV audiences. The stage, overlooking the 18th hole, was also the location for the culmination of the event – Team Europe’s captain Paul McGinley lifting the Ryder Cup trophy. Commenting on the structures, Ryder Cup match director Edward Kitson said: “Arena made positive contributions as we planned and designed infrastructure for the 2014 Ryder Cup. The company delivered exceptionally well and the quality of product, from premium hospitality, public and media facilities combined with the best grandstand seating we’ve ever seen, ensured a great performance.”
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
The 40th Ryder Cup, held on the greens of the idyllic Scottish resort Gleneagles, attracted 135,000 spectators and utilised technology to improve fan engagement
By Tom Walker | Published in Sports Management 2014 issue 4
Arena Group provided the spectator seating as well as a three-tier hospitality structure
For three days in September, the picturesque Gleneagles Golf Course in Perthshire, Scotland, was transformed into a bustling, vibrant, world-class sporting venue. More than 135,000 spectators and hundreds of support staff were catered for by an impressive network of temporary structures and overlay.
This year’s event was a landmark in the way technology was used to improve fan interaction. As part of that, radio frequency identification (RFID) was used for the very first time.
In an initiative managed by Intellitix, more than one hundred thousand visitors were provided with an RFID-enabled “Ryder Cup Experience” wristband, enabling various interactive activities across the course. These included virtually “high five-ing” your chosen team and sharing a message of support on the leader board and personal Facebook and Twitter accounts, which proved a huge success with almost 45,000 interactions.
Tournament partners Standard Life, BMW, Gleneagles and Sky Sports each created their own activities to amplify customer interaction with the brands, while collecting valuable data.
Antonia Beggs, operations director for the 2014 Ryder Cup, said: “Ryder Cup Europe wanted to lift the event this year beyond the standards set previously. As social media, smartphones and mobile internet have become a part of everyday life for our customers, RFID technology seemed a natural choice.
“We’ve had positive feedback from both the audience and sponsors, who are always looking for additional ways to amplify their sponsorship. We’re certain that RFID and the interactivity that it brings will become the future of major sporting events. We’re proud to among the firsts to offer it.”
TAKING A SEAT To accommodate the fans, Arena Seating managed the installation and construction of 14,700 seats across 18 grandstands using the company’s innovative clearview seating system. While parent company Arena Group has a long association with the Ryder Cup organisers – spanning two decades of European tournaments – the clearview is a new addition to the Ryder Cup.
Meanwhile, Arena Group’s structures arm installed 32 temporary buildings around Gleneagles. The triple deck Aviemore Pavilion, overlooking the 18th fairway and green, became a familiar backdrop for those watching the action unfold on TV screens –and provided unri- valled views for corporate partners onto the action of the final hole.
Elsewhere, Serious Stages created the settings for the opening ceremony and celebratory trophy presentation. As part of the stage, the company installed a 22m Supernova roof, with wing extensions for the pipe band, creating a 46m wide space with Ryder Cup branding – a visually stunning feature for the spectators –as well as global TV audiences. The stage, overlooking the 18th hole, was also the location for the culmination of the event – Team Europe’s captain Paul McGinley lifting the Ryder Cup trophy. Commenting on the structures, Ryder Cup match director Edward Kitson said: “Arena made positive contributions as we planned and designed infrastructure for the 2014 Ryder Cup. The company delivered exceptionally well and the quality of product, from premium hospitality, public and media facilities combined with the best grandstand seating we’ve ever seen, ensured a great performance.”
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
