Reimagine Football: creating next-level fan experiences

Reimagine Football is an initiative by Royal Netherlands Football Association KNVB, the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, and AFC Ajax. The project is supported by the Eredivisie CV and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. - Foto: KNVB Media

The Dutch football sector challenges your organization to submit your fan experience solution! The Royal Netherlands Football Association KNVB, the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, and AFC Ajax are back with the next Reimagine Football start-up and scale-up challenge, continuing their outreach for new solutions to tackle urgent challenges in the football industry.

Since the first innovation challenge in 2019, over 700 organizations from more than 55 countries have submitted their solution. Over 70 solutions have since then been selected and implemented. Building on the success of the previous challenges, the next challenge is focused on enhancing the fan experience, inside as well as outside of the stadium, and in-person as well as digitally.

Fan journey

Every fan is unique and by providing them with a personalized experience, their experience inside the stadium, as well as before and after going to the game, can be greatly enriched. The first challenge is aimed at improving the fan journey by personalizing, increasing, and enriching the array of services for the fans.

Fans should enjoy the most unforgettable experience, whether they are watching live in the stadium or whether they are watching from home. The second challenge is aimed at enhancing the ambiance both inside and outside the stadium, bringing new ways of storytelling to life, and immersing fans in the moment.

Clean and sustainable

These experiences should be enjoyed in a clean and sustainable environment. Hence, the third challenge is aimed at involving fans to keep the stadium clean and reduce waste. Herein, not only market-ready solutions, but also ideas and best practices are accepted that help stimulate and reward fans to prevent litter and clean up waste in their surroundings.

Does your solution enhance the personalized journey of football fans, create unforgettable experiences, or stimulate cleanliness and sustainability around stadiums? Companies with innovative solutions can submit their proposals on the online platform: ReimagineFootball.com. The organizing football organizations will review and select the most promising solutions. The goal is to bring the most promising solutions into football practice as quickly as possible. The platform can be used by the football community and other organizations to exchange knowledge and promote mutual cooperation.

The Royal Netherlands Football Association KNVB, the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, and AFC Ajax have chosen three themes for the search for smart innovations in the field of fan experience:

#1 Personalised fan journey

How can we create memorable fan experiences before, during, and after the game?

#2 The WOW for the crowd

How can we provide the best show and experience for all fans?

#3 Your clean and sustainable stadium

How can we stimulate fans to contribute to a cleaner stadium, and reduce waste?