Sony World Cup information now available on our global site

Sony, an Official Partner of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), has launched a special website , " ONE STADIUM " ( football.sony.net ), ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil kicking off in June, delivering a variety of content.

True to its name, the site connects the passion of soccer fans worldwide, offering an immersive experience akin to being in one stadium, while showcasing the company's imaging and sound technologies. It is a global site available in six languages: English, Portuguese, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese.

The site is organized into three main categories.

"INSIDE THE STADIUM" features "ONE STADIUM LIVE," which aggregates social media posts related to participating teams. Fans can instantly see the latest trending topics for each team and connect with fellow supporters sharing common interests. During matches, the "Match Live" feature displays real-time reactions from viewers worldwide, allowing easy conversation participation for a second-screen experience. INSIDE THE STADIUM also features content like "BRAVIA 4K EXPERIENCE," where Brazilian soccer experts discuss the appeal of FIFA-certified 4K-compatible BRAVIA TVs.

"DISCOVER THE WORLD CUP" includes "INSIDE BRAZIL," where local reporters visit match venues across Brazil to introduce recommended spots like stadiums and tourist attractions, and "HISTORY," a section featuring footage of iconic World Cup moments. It also introduces "Siyakhona," a program jointly implemented by Sony and FIFA since the last South Africa tournament. This program aims to provide young people in countries facing problems such as poverty and conflict with workshops to acquire media skills, opportunities to disseminate information, and ultimately, employment.

The "FAN CHALLENGES" section includes "SUPER SONG," where you can watch a promotional video of singer Ricky Martin singing the winning song from the official World Cup song contest, and "PAINT STADIUM," which invites submissions of illustrations to be painted on street football stadiums. The stadium is part of a program that donates easy-to-assemble and transportable stadium sets so that children can enjoy soccer safely.

The site will continue to expand its content, including details on the "UNITED" contest, which invites submissions of photos that capture the spirit of soccer, such as celebrations and a sense of unity amid the excitement of the tournament.

FIFA Official Partners are limited to just six companies worldwide, representing the highest level of sponsorship status. Sony has held an Official Partner agreement in the Digital Life category (encompassing a broad range of businesses from electronics to entertainment) from 2007 to 2014. For this tournament, the company is providing broadcast equipment, including approximately 290 HD cameras, to 12 stadiums. It will also deliver 4K broadcasts for three of the 64 matches.