Cisco TelePresence Plays Doubles at Rogers Cup

Real-time video connectivity allows spectators to be in two places at once during two-city tournament

Press Release (French)
Cisco TelePresence joue en double à la Coupe Rogers

TORONTO, Ontario, August 03, 2011 – Cisco today announced the 2011 Rogers Cup presented by National Bank, Canada's foremost tennis tournament, will be utilizing Cisco TelePresence® technology to connect spectators, journalists and players in Toronto and Montreal.

For the first time in the history of Rogers Cup, both the men's and women's tournaments will be staged simultaneously. The women's tournament will take place at the Rexall Centre in Toronto August 6-14, while the men will compete August 5-14 at Montreal's Uniprix Stadium. Multiple Cisco TelePresence systems will connect both venues through high-definition video, allowing participants in both cities to interact with each other throughout the event.

Key Facts/Highlights:

• Cisco TelePresence is an immersive meeting experience, boasting high definition video and audio clarity, and providing live, face-to-face communication for enhanced collaboration between participants.


• The 2011 Rogers Cup is one of the largest technology integrations Cisco Canada has deployed at an event, with Cisco TelePresence located in the players' lounges, media rooms, Rogers Connected Zone and Tennis Canada booth, and capable of connecting up to five locations at any given time.


• Cisco TelePresence will be utilized in the media rooms both in Toronto and Montreal during daily press conferences, allowing journalists and players to interact seamlessly regardless of location.


• Players will have access to the desktop-compatible Cisco TelePresence EX 90 with its touch screen interface in the players lounge in each city for face-to-face communication with one another, the media and fans.


• Every day from August 8-14 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET, spectators in both cities will be treated to the ultimate fan experience and be able to talk to players and tournament directors via Cisco TelePresence located in the Rogers and Tennis Canada tents.


• While not in use for TelePresence sessions, the Cisco screens will display match updates and customized content for Rogers Cup attendees.

Supporting Quotes:

Michael S. Downey, president and CEO, Tennis Canada:
"Beginning this summer, Rogers Cup will be 'virtually combined,' and we're thrilled to be using Cisco TelePresence to enable fans, journalists and players to interact across both venues as if they were all in the same room. It's a terrific way to enhance the fan experience by providing virtual access to the players themselves."

Nitin Kawale, president, Cisco Canada: "This exciting initiative at the Rogers Cup is a perfect illustration of the power of video to enhance the fan experience. Cisco TelePresence's high-definition video link between Toronto and Montreal will connect spectators, media and players in new and exciting interactive ways. Whether you're a tennis fan catching up on the action or a journalist in Toronto sitting in on a real-time press conference in Montreal, Cisco TelePresence brings people together for a unique and immersive experience."