lord’s Cricket Ground Pioneers Accessibility with Waymap Navigation Technology
A groundbreaking partnership between the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), owners of Lord’s cricket Ground, and Waymap is poised to redefine the stadium experience for all fans, setting a new global standard for accessibility in sports venues.
Lord’s will become the first stadium worldwide to implement Waymap’s cutting-edge technology, significantly enhancing the matchday experience for guests with visual impairments and disabilities, as well as providing improved navigation for all visitors to the iconic “Home of Cricket.” This collaboration marks a substantial advancement in inclusive sports arena design.
Revolutionizing Stadium Navigation
waymap’s system delivers precise, step-by-step audio and on-screen directions, enabling guests to effortlessly navigate to their seats, essential facilities, and stadium exits – all without relying on GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, or mobile data. The software offers thorough route planning from locations along the M25 orbital motorway, specifically catering to individuals with impairments while simultaneously boosting convenience for all attendees, including staff and international tourists.
Beyond improved wayfinding, Waymap will contribute to the club’s sustainability objectives. By facilitating informed travel choices, the app empowers supporters to plan and complete their journeys to Lord’s using environmentally kind transportation options.offering reliable, turn-by-turn navigation from home to the stadium, the app encourages low-carbon travel, thereby reducing the overall environmental impact of matchday travel.
A Commitment to Inclusivity
“At MCC, we are committed to making Lord’s as welcoming and inclusive as possible,” stated a senior MCC official. “Our partnership with Waymap allows us to lead the way in accessible innovation, ensuring that every visitor – regardless of ability – can experience the magic of Lord’s with greater ease and independence.”
According to a company release, the Founder and President of Waymap, emphasized, “Waymap at Lord’s is the first deployment of this kind of highly accurate personal navigation technology in a sports stadium anywhere in the world. It’s splendid to see MCC setting such a great exmaple of how to make accessibility happen. It will make things much easier for blind and disabled people visiting Lord’s. It will also help everyone coming to the ground – whether it’s to easily find their way to their seats, to the bars and other facilities, or to the moast convenient exit after a match.”
From Visual Impairments to Global Mobility
Waymap’s SmartStep technology initially emerged from a focus on assisting individuals with visual impairments. However, it has since evolved to transform mobility experiences in complex urban environments globally. The software’s independence from cellular signals or physical infrastructure ensures unparalleled reliability for all users.
Lord’s attendees will initially access these features through the Waymap app. Though, the functionality will be seamlessly integrated into the official Lord’s app next season, streamlining sustainable and accessible trip planning for all guests. Bespoke accessibility features, such as step-free route guidance, directions to accessible restrooms, and multilingual food and beverage options, will further enhance the visitor experience.
This innovative partnership demonstrates a powerful commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, ensuring that Lord’s Cricket Ground remains a world-class venue for all.
