Social media will be at the core of EHF EURO 2018, with content posted regularly to officials channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. Moreover, a dedicated Snapchat and Instagram stories reporter will create content on-site, providing fans with behind the scenes footage.
The official website of EHF EURO 2018 (ehf-euro.com) has been revamped with a dedicated ‘match centre’ featuring all the live stats, as well as links to live streams, related pictures, news, videos and social posts. Video news will be showcased on the website for the first time, with highlights and videos replacing static images.
Together with LIDL, official sponsor and fresh food partner of the EHF EURO 2018, the EHF will also present the ‘EHF EURO Live Show’ to be broadcast every day at 12:00 on Facebook and YouTube.
The show will feature exclusive guests, analyses of the matches played the night before, a preview of what is coming up the same night, in-depth features on the participating teams and its stars as well as a humorous approach to the championship. It will premiere on 11 January.
These measures are expected to significantly boost the overall digital reach to more than the 60 million achieved at the last EHF EURO in 2016 in Poland.
Seven leading backers
Lured by the appealing potential of the tournament in Croatia, long-standing Official Sponsors Grundfos, INTERSPORT and Engelbert Strauss are being joined by Lidl, Raiffeisen Bank International AG, Gorenje and Gjensidige. Besides the multitude of brand exposure opportunities and activation possibilities, advertising partners will benefit from an optimised installation of 80 metres of LED boards, also behind the goals.
The Official Sponsors will be able to reach a wider audience through digital solutions and the activation opportunities both internationally and on-site. For example, GRUNDFOS will use its digital channels to promote its support of No. 6 & 13 of the United Nations' sustainable development goals.
In addition to its role in presenting the ‘EHF EURO Live Show’, Lidl will activate a fan sofa campaign whereby fans will be able to experience the unique atmosphere of a live match in the arena combined with the comfort they can only find at home. A fan sofa will be placed next to the court for all the matches in Croatia's largest sports arena and fans will be able to win ‘Lidl Fan Sofa’ tickets via its online channels.
Leading white goods and home appliance company Gorenje has tailored a creative activation programme under the title #simplyfans, which is to be run on various social channels including simplyfans.eu.
Technology for a fairer game
Goal-lne technology will again be in operation to support the referees as it offers a perfect view on the goal line from three different angles. This will be complemented by goal-light technology, whereby a blinking signal behind each goal will go off every time the clock is stopped to provide spectators with an even more comprehensive visual experience.
Finally, instant replay technology and substitution area technology will focus on the action of the game and will enable match officials to review certain actions or substitutions to make sure that no irregular or unsportsmanlike behaviour took place out of sight.
The technology will be installed at all the four venues of the EHF EURO 2018.
The stage is set: now sit back and enjoy the action!
About Infront
Infront, a Wanda Sports company, is a leading sports marketing company managing a comprehensive portfolio of top properties. Led by President & CEO Philippe Blatter, Infront covers all aspects of successful sporting events – including distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production, event operation and digital solutions – and has won a reputation for its high standards of delivery. As the number one player in winter sport and with a leading role in football, summer sports and corporate and personal fitness, Infront enjoys long-lasting partnerships with over 180 rights-holders and hundreds of sponsors and media companies. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Infront has a team of more than 900 experienced staff working from over 35 offices across more than 15 countries, delivering 4,100 event days of top class sport around the world every year. In November 2015, Infront was integrated into Wanda Sports Group, part of the Chinese conglomerate the Dalian Wanda Group.
About Wanda Sports Group
Wanda Sports Group is the world’s leading sports business entity, founded to capture the opportunities in the global sports industry and to contribute to the prosperous international sports landscape. Led by President & Vice Chairman Philippe Blatter, Wanda Sports incorporates the international sports marketing company Infront, the iconic endurance brand IRONMAN and Wanda Sports China. The headquarters are in Guangzhou, China.
