Wireless network operator Verizon has partnered with live entertainment company Live Nation to use 5G to build immersive artist and fan experiences, as well as offering customers first access to tickets.
Venues throughout the US, including The Wiltern in Los Angeles and the Irving Plaza in New York which will also be renamed as the Irving Plaza Powered by Verizon 5G, will be fitted with Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband technology that is built for large-scale events.
The partnership will allow Live Nation and its artists to build immersive in-person and virtual experiences for fans.
The integration of the faster network will also allow Live Nation concert-goers, clubs, theatres and amphitheatres to stream, share photos and videos, as well as download content, at speeds up to ten times faster than 4G.
Verizon Up members will also gain first access to tickets through its new ticket presale programme, and can purchase tickets for upcoming Live Nation tours including The Weeknd and Imagine Dragons.
The collaboration has further aims to provide exclusive access to select artists’ live streaming concerts through streaming platform, Veeps, as part of +play, a new platform exclusive to Verizon customers that is set to launch later this year.
Veeps was acquired by Live Nation in January last year.
Fans attending live shows at venues powered by 5G will have access to specific AR (augmented reality) filters to enhance their experiences, as well as virtual venues with 5G-captured performances in a 3D world. Verizon customers will also have access to NFTs (non-fungible tokens) that can be redeemed for in-venue benefits.
Hans Vestberg, chairman and chief executive of Verizon, said: “The partnership we’re announcing today is a continuation and deepening of Verizon’s long-standing relationship with Live Nation. Predicated on technology and our massive consumer base, this partnership will elevate the ecosystem of music – how fans engage, how artists produce and perform, and how venues deliver enhanced in-person experiences and scale them digitally.”
Michael Rapino, president and CEO of Live Nation, added: “Verizon has always been a great partner and we’re excited to build something together by integrating their 5G technology into many of our venues. With more connectivity than ever, we look forward to seeing what artists and fans create and share as they enjoy live shows together.”