As part of their role as title sponsor of the English Football League, Sky Bet has introduced beacon technology to the homes of Leeds United and Rotherham United.

The beacons have been installed at Elland Road, home of Leeds United, and Rotherhams New York Stadium and will work with the Sky Bet app to send push notifications and engagement messages to fans visiting the grounds.

“This is cutting edge technology which were trying out, and hope to offer football fans a range of special offers in the near future,” said Edwin Martin, head of sponsorship at Sky Bet. “Its a really exciting idea so were hoping fans will keep an eye out for the messages on match days.”

“To be one of the two clubs involved from the start with Sky Bets iBeacon project is very exciting,” said a Leeds United spokesman. “The iBeacon technology was tested at Elland Road during our game with Sheffield Wednesday. For any of our fans wishing to bet on the game it helps them find the best place for special offers and promotions from our betting partner Sky Bet.”

“The use of proximity marketing tools at outdoor sporting events is relatively new, but there is enormous potential for the technology within this space,” said Ian Malone, managing director of proximity marketing specialists Geemo. “One great advantage for sporting events in particular is that football fans will almost certainly already have their clubs app downloaded onto their device, which makes engaging through proximity marketing so easily acessible.”