Identiv Inc., global digital security and identification leader in the Internet of Things, or IoT, announced its collaboration with collectID to enable authentication and a connected brand experience with the limited-edition NHL Nashville Predators jersey commemorating the retirement of goaltender Pekka Rinne, No. 35.
The jerseys contain an embedded near-field communication, or NFC, tag (News - Alert) designed for a long-term marketing relationship with fans. A fan can scan the tag and register to unlock exclusive content and offers. The tags verify jersey authenticity and allow fans to digitally interact with the team.
"This is more than a physical product; collectID makes it a living, evolving experience for fans. The Predators can add new features, content and even vouchers to give back to loyal fans and connect them to sports icons like Rinne," said David Geisser, co-founder of collectID.
Identiv selected NFC tags that feature a high security level based on NXP NTAG 424 DNA chips. The antenna design and tag conversion will allow for easy integration into clothing, including jerseys, and can even withstand rigorous wash and dry cycles. NTAG 424 DNA NFC tags are also ideal for anti-counterfeiting, verifying proof of ownership and providing a personalized experience within each interaction.
"Our partnership with collectID and this activation with the Predators is an exciting statement about the increase in adoption of life-of-garment tags," said Amir Khoshniyati, vice president and general manager, Transponders, Identiv. "This is another big step in providing digital identities to physical products of all types."
The Nashville Predators are the most recent Identiv and collectID opportunity to integrate embeddable NFC life-of-garment tags to create a memorable fan experience.
“Adding this technology to the Pekka Rinne retirement jersey offers us the ability to communicate directly with our fans in a very targeted fashion while delivering exclusive content to them,” said Dave Urso, senior vice president of operations for the Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena. “We look forward to future integrations with collectID, again offering exclusive opportunities for our fans that they cannot get anywhere else."
The 500 commemorative jerseys mark the first player in the Predators’ franchise history honored with a retired jersey rising above the Bridgestone Arena in "Smashville."
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