226 participants from 43 countries and seven inspiring challenges packed with astonishing results: the first edition of the FC Bayern HackDays resulted in a number of exciting concepts for the German record champions' digital future. Bayern fans and experts from various disciplines came up with numerous ideas for using new technologies in the modern world to bring the fans even closer to the German record champions. There was no limit to the creativity!
"The atmosphere was like a big party," said Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after his visit to the Allianz Arena. The HackDays are a crucial first step towards the future, according to the FC Bayern chairman: "Digitalisation will play a major role for us this year - it'll be a key part of our strategy off the pitch."
Award ceremony with Rummenigge, Boateng and Ulreich
Seven challenges, including personalised fan experiences, virtual reality, augmented reality, global fan networking and innovative services each yielded one winning team that presented their outline to a jury. Team Beat Adidas were the overall winners. FCB legend Giovane Elber honoured them at the Allianz Arena before Rummenigge, Jérôme Boateng and Sven Ulreich presented them with their prize at the DLD Conference in Munich.
The five-strong team designed an app that is connected to a mobile online shop for the so-called Generation Z. Fans can get discounts on their purchases by playing short sports challenges. In addition, the app allows for joint fan experiences, for example spurring on FC Bayern players using the Allianz Arena video wall.
'A great experience'
"The HackDays were a great experience," said team member Christoph Hamsen, who like his colleagues "barely slept" during the four days. However, their efforts have paid off: Hamsen's team will travel to a Champions League match involving FC Bayern. And the other teams' efforts were not in vain either: the German record champions plan to further develop the best ideas and concepts. One thing was clear during the four days: everyone had lots of fun at the Allianz Arena.