Sporting Innovations is seeking a highly experienced hands-on Lead Architect with the skills to excel in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. The ideal candidate will have a wide breadth of technical knowledge and experience building complex platforms from the ground up with a team of developers and solutions designers. The Lead Architect will be responsible for creating the vision and roadmap for a large-scale enterprise architecture, working with business and strategy teams. The successful candidate will be required to engage with the complete software development lifecycle from vision to production deployment and ongoing operation.
 

Technical Requirements

• ARCHITECTURE
  Application Architecture—Strong, Proven Experience in Pattern-Driven, Object Oriented Design like MVC/”MVC2”
  
  Database/Webservers

RDBMS
– Design and Programming Experience with Oracle/SQL Server/MySQL
– Programming Experience in SQL or PL/SQL or T/SQL
– Data Warehousing and OLAP Knowledge a Big Plus

ORM knowledge like Hibernate

Hosting
– Experience with hosting and infrastructure design, web application clustering and high scalability and high availability optimization

Security
– Strong background with cloud security implementations, specifically OAuth 2.0

Desired Skills
– LDAP Experience – Active Directory or OpenLDAP
– Understanding of x500 schema

• PROGRAMMING SKILLS
  Strong object oriented programming experience with compiled languages like Java, C++
  
  Expert at Web programming like PHP, Python, JQuery
  – Knowledge of AJAX-based programming a plus
  
  Mobile Design & Development with iOS & Android
  
  Social Media Development with Facebook and Twitter APIs

Leadership

• Strong experience with SDLC, including tools like SVN, CVS, Maven, Hudson
• Experience managing a small team of technical resources
• Strong collaboration abilities with business and strategy leaders
• Ability to engage with clients to understand requirements, needs and operational issues and devise successful solutions

Experience & Education

• 10+ years in software architecture and development
• BS/MS in Computer Science

Sporting Innovations is seeking a contract Mobile Developer to work on an exciting mobile project that will change the way fans interact with their favorite sports teams within event venues.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Build exciting new experiences for sports and entertainment on iPhone, iPod and iPad devices
• Work closely with product management, designers, and other teams
• Rapidly fix bugs and solve problems
• Pro-actively look for ways to make your projects better

Skills & Requirements

• BS or MS in Computer Science or equivalent work experience
• Excellent OO programming skills in Objective-C
• Experience building applications in memory and bandwidth constrained systems
• Passion for delivering the best user experience to users
• Experience tuning performance of client applications
• Strong communication and documentation skills

Desired Skills

• iOS experience
• Have released successful mobile applications to Apple App store
• Experience with multiple mobile platforms
• Experience working with multi-media projects
• Previous startup experience

Sporting Innovations is seeking a skilled Persistence Architect responsible for database architecture, development and administration. The ideal candidate will have 4-5 years of experience with database design and development and thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Database Design & Development

• Experience designing complex data schemas for highly scalable architectures
• Hands-on experience with SQL – PL/SQL or T/SQL
• Deep knowledge of Oracle 119 XL or SQL Server or MySQL
• Strong Integration skills – ETL, Curling

Database Security

• RBAC
• Anonymization
• Information Encryption
• Cryptography

Administration

• Clustering
• SGA level redundancy
• RAC
• Replication
• Optimization (Cost-based, Process-based)
• Failover
• Recovery
• Tuning
• High-Scaling Technologies (Sharding)
• Analytics – ROLAP, OLAP
• Data Warehousing

Experience

• 4-5 years in database design and development

Education

• BS/MS in Computer Science

Sporting Innovations is seeking a full-time Software Developer to join the team. This is a mid-level position for an experienced software developer, with a track record of innovative software application production. The ideal candidate will have a keen sense for innovation and development of quality software.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Performing required implementations (e.g. installation, configuration, customization, integration, data migration)
• Developing and refining throw-away simulation or prototypes to confirm requirements
• Authoring documentation needed by users and implementation partners, etc.
• Testing, including defining/support acceptance testing, and gathering feedback from pre-release testers
• Participating in software release and post-release activities, including support for product launch evangelism (e.g. developing demonstrations and/or samples) and competitive analysis for subsequent product build/release cycles
• Maintenance
• Some design exposure and relevant processes

Skills & Requirements

• Bachelors or higher in CS
• 3–5 years of experience
• Practical CS internship experience required
• Java 5 or later (J2EE) detailed knowledge
• Server side scripting exposure must (PHP, PYTHON)
• Web programming exposure required (HTML 5, Java Script, Flex, Action Script)
• Familiarity with Social Media platforms
• Facebook Connect, and Twitter Connect

Sporting Innovations is seeking a full-time Senior Software Developer to join the team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in design, leadership, and development in all Platforms (Rich, Web, Mobile). This is a mid-level position that is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual with a demonstrated passion for developing new-age software on multiple platforms and form factors.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Developing web/ mobile software applications.
• Actual core implementation (programming which is often the most important portion of software development)
• Performing required implementations (e.g. installation, configuration, customization, integration, data migration)
• Developing and refining throw-away simulation or prototypes to confirm requirements
• Authoring documentation needed by users and implementation partners, etc.
• Testing including defining/supporting acceptance testing and gathering feedback from pre-release testers
• Participating in software release and post-release activities, including support for product launch evangelism (e.g. developing demonstrations and/or samples) and competitive analysis for subsequent product build/release cycles
• Maintenance

Skills & Requirements

• BS / MS Computer Science
• 5-7 years of experience
• W2.0 exposure a must
• Practical CS internship experience required
• Detailed knowledge of Java 6 or later (J2EE)
• Must have had exposure to server side scripting (PHP, PYTHON)
• Web programming exposure required (HTML 5, Java Script, Flex, Action Script)
• Familiarity with Social Media platforms, Facebook Connect, and Twitter Connect

Sporting Innovations is seeking a full-time Interactive Graphic Designer to collaborate in conceptualizing and developing a revolutionary experience for sports fans around the world. We are looking for an energetic and imaginative individual to join our team and gain the first-hand opportunity of experiencing the leading edge in sports technology and fan experience.

Responsibilities will revolve around creating the visual/UI design and user-experience on our various software platforms; mostly consisting of web, mobile, and tablet applications. Sporting Innovations and it’s software platforms are living brands and we’re seeking an individual to assist in building upon our identity to create fan-facing interfaces and applications. In addition to equally important business collateral that presents the vision and mission of Sporting Innovations to a professional audience.

Qualifications

• Self-motivated
• Performs well in a fast-paced environment and meets deadlines
• Strong conceptual, creative, and critical thinking skills
• Develop engaging and innovative digital presentations and information graphics
• Collaborate and conceptualize in developing engaging creative assets and user-experience flows for our web and app-based product lines.
• Work well in a highly collaborative environment; ability to engage in and respond to constructive criticism
• An understanding of user-centered design and the importance of usability in interface design
• Willing to put aside current limitations and push the edges of technology and interactive design
• Ability to design for web, mobile, and tablet devices (Android/iOS); working closely with Strategists, Project Managers, Developers, and Engineers.

Skills & Requirements

• 1-5 years experience in interactive design
• B.F.A or B.A. in Graphic Design or related field
• Knowledge of print and digital space (web, mobile, tablet); typography, layout, and image
• Basic knowledge of html & CSS; best practices for web
• Works quickly but attentive to detail and quality craft
• Formal knowledge of design software (Adobe CS5)
• Strong portfolio demonstrating scope as a well-rounded designer

Desired Skills

• Extensive Web Design experience (html, CSS)
• Motion experience (Flash, Flash Catalyst, After Effects)
• Attune to social sharing/engagement trends

Sporting Innovations aims to progressively shift the technology curve in
sports and entertainment across venues, franchises and leagues worldwide

(Kansas City, October 4, 2011) – Sporting Club announced Tuesday the formation of Sporting Innovations, a technology company focused on innovation in sports and entertainment. Sporting Innovations is positioned to utilize key technologies, including Google Fiber, Panasonic Enterprise Solutions, Cisco StadiumVision and Cisco Connected Stadium high-density Wi-Fi, to drive revolutionary fan experiences and deliver a multi-dimensional revenue platform for teams, leagues and venues.

The overarching objective is to help teams grow their revenue, while simultaneously creating additional value for the fan. Utilizing strategic relationships with some of the world’s leading technology providers, Sporting Innovations is well-positioned to become a pioneer in providing software solutions that will support the future of sports and entertainment properties, as well as offering design, consultation and implementation services.

“Sporting Innovations is at the forefront of today’s trends in technology in sports,” said Stuart Hamilton, senior director of Sports and Entertainment Innovations at Cisco. “Its understanding, commitment and vision for connecting fans, teams and partners through the use of technologies is advanced in this industry and something that demonstrates a well-thought-through and differentiated strategy for addressing this opportunity.”

“As a longtime leader in technology, this new venture with Sporting Innovations is an outstanding partnership for Panasonic. We will continue to work together to enhance the fan experience with innovative products and services,” stated President of Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Jim Doyle.

Sporting Innovations’ goal is to progressively shift the technology curve in sports and entertainment across venues, franchises and leagues worldwide through the deployment of a multi-dimensional platform, FAN360, which encompasses a wide array of technology services and solutions to deliver fan centric, engaging and profitable experiences.

“We’ve seen first-hand that technology can greatly enhance the fan experience for sports and entertainment,” Sporting Club CEO/Sporting Innovations Managing Partner Robb Heineman said. “Sporting Innovations will lead the development and delivery of rich, integrated fan experiences that create unprecedented value for fans, new reach potential for sponsors and extensive revenue opportunities for teams. Our goal is to add a whole new dimension to sports industry economics through our platform.”

At the core of its offerings, Sporting Innovations will provide the following four cutting-edge components, which combined make up FAN360 (Fully Aggregated Network):

• Design, consultation and implementation services around networking solutions such as Cisco Connected Stadium high-density Wi-Fi, Cisco StadiumVision, Multi-Media Exchanges, Digital Broadcast Networks and smart, personalized global fan networks.
• An open network to simplify adoption of new technology thus lowering cost of digitization and efficient information flow management.
• An open-ended development platform that will facilitate innovation from third parties and developers, which will encourage the introduction of new interactive ideas for enhancing the fan experience.
• Customizable solutions to provide continuous fan experiences across all technology platforms, including consumer devices and in-stadia systems.

“Our mission is to connect every sports property in the world to the digital highway and enable them to deliver intelligent, personalized and pervasive fan experiences. Sporting Innovations will be the leading enabler of these transitions,” said Sporting Club CIO/Sporting Innovations Managing Partner Asim Pasha.

Cerner Corporation co-founder and Sporting Club owner Cliff Illig will serve as the Chairman of the Sporting Innovations Advisory Board.

For more information on Sporting Innovations, visit www.Sporting-Innovations.com. Please send all media inquiries to rthomson@Sporting-Innovations.com.

About Sporting Innovations
Sporting Innovations, LP is focused on developing and deploying next-generation technology to support the sports and entertainment industry, as well as its patrons. We create software solutions that push the technology curve outward through the integration of our multi-dimensional platform, FAN360. Additionally, we provide advanced technology consultation, design and implementation services to support entertainment properties, sports teams, leagues and venues worldwide. Sporting Innovations offers several unique products and services that promise to revolutionize a consumer’s experience and substantially enhance a venue’s technological capability. Our ultimate objective is to help teams, leagues and venues simultaneously increase revenue and deliver added value to their fans and patrons.

About Sporting Club
Sporting Club is owned by a group of local Kansas City business and community leaders comprised of Neal Patterson, Cliff Illig, Pat Curran, Greg Maday and Robb Heineman. Its flagship Major League Soccer property, Sporting Kansas City, is the only locally owned professional sports team in the city and the club prides itself on its commitment and vision to provide high-performance entertainment and consumer experiences. Sporting Club purchased the team from the Hunt Sports Group in 2006, and under their direction have opened a world-class training center at Swope Park and state-of-the-art LIVESTRONG Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan., which have brought top teams from around the world to play in Kansas City, including Manchester United, Chivas Guadalajara and the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams.

About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.

# # #

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco’s trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks.

– www.Sporting-Innovations.com –

(March 30, 2011) – As part of our overall goal to make the web better for users, last year we announced a new project: to provide a community with Internet access more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have today. The response was overwhelming—nearly 1,100 cities felt the need for speed—and we were thrilled by the enthusiasm we saw across the country for better and faster web connections. Thank you to every community and individual that submitted a response, joined a rally, starred in a YouTube video or otherwise participated.

After a careful review, today we’re very happy to announce that we will build our ultra high-speed network in Kansas City, Kansas. We’ve signed a development agreement with the city, and we’ll be working closely with local organizations, businesses and universities to bring a next-generation web experience to the community.

Later this morning we’ll join Mayor Reardon at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas, for an event we’ll carry live on the Google YouTube channel—be sure to tune in at 10am PDT to watch.

In selecting a city, our goal was to find a location where we could build efficiently, make an impact on the community and develop relationships with local government and community organizations. We’ve found this in Kansas City. We’ll be working closely with local organizations including the Kauffman Foundation, KCNext and the University of Kansas Medical Center to help develop the gigabit applications of the future.

Pending approval from the city’s Board of Commissioners, we plan to offer service beginning in 2012. We’ll also be looking closely at ways to bring ultra high-speed Internet to other cities across the country.

Over the past decade, the jump from dial-up to broadband has led to streaming online video, digital music sales, video conferencing over the web and countless other innovations that have transformed communication and commerce. We can’t wait to see what new products and services will emerge as Kansas City moves from traditional broadband to ultra high-speed fiber optic connections.

Now it’s time to get to work.
——————————————————————————————————————————————–

LIVESTRONG Sporting Park Announcement:

In keeping with its innovative approach to nonprofit management, LIVESTRONG today announced that it has partnered with Kansas City-based Sporting Club to name its stadium and event complex “LIVESTRONG Sporting Park.” Sporting Club, the parent organization of Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer, will host a variety of sports and entertainment events at the new stadium, including all home matches for the soccer team.

Through this unique partnership, fans will join the fight against cancer every time they support their teams or enjoy memorable performances at the venue.

LIVESTRONG is the brand of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, created in 1997 by the cancer survivor and champion cyclist to serve people living with cancer and empower communities to take action. For the duration of the agreement, a portion of all stadium revenues, including ticket sales and concessions, will fund the foundation’s advocacy work.  The partnership will also help launch the development of local cancer survivorship services for Kansas City residents.

“LIVESTRONG is honored to bring its mission to Kansas City through LIVESTRONG Sporting Park,” said Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor, champion cyclist and LIVESTRONG founder and chairman.  “Professional sports provide a powerful vehicle to affect positive change in the world.  LIVESTRONG’s partnership with Sporting Club gives us an innovative opportunity to advance the cancer fight in this region and we are eager to get started.”

“Sports are a unifying force in bringing people together,” said Doug Ulman, LIVESTRONG president and CEO.  “LIVESTRONG Sporting Park is more than just a stadium – it’s the first athletic venue in the world with a social change mission and offers an ideal arena to champion the cancer cause.”

The Lance Armstrong Foundation continually seeks out innovative business strategies and partnerships that will further its mission to serve people affected by cancer and empower them to take action.  LIVESTRONG’s sporting and athletic heritage make for a natural partnership with Sporting Club and provide a unique opportunity for these organizations to spread cancer awareness throughout the Kansas City community.

“We’re proud of Kansas City’s history as a philanthropic leader and we believe that this innovative partnership continues that legacy,” said Robb Heineman, CEO of Sporting Club. “The fight against cancer is being waged around the world, every hour of every day. So while the fight doesn’t take time out for entertainment, LIVESTRONGSporting Park provides each of us with the opportunity to stay involved in the cause and celebrate many of those things worth fighting for – the support of community, the thrill of victory and events that bring us all together.”

LIVESTRONG Sporting Park will seat 18,500 for soccer and 25,000 for concerts. The $200 million stadium will be one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the United States and will focus on fan experience through WiFi Access, multiple themed club environments, an IP television network and a membership affinity platform. In addition, the stadium and accompanying event complex will also be 100 percent tobacco free.

For more information about the stadium, visit www.LIVESTRONGSportingPark.com.

Through this unique partnership, fans will join the fight against cancer every time they support their teams or enjoy memorable performances at the venue.

LIVESTRONG is the brand of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, created in 1997 by the cancer survivor and champion cyclist to serve people living with cancer and empower communities to take action. For the duration of the agreement, a portion of all stadium revenues, including ticket sales and concessions, will fund the foundation’s advocacy work.  The partnership will also help launch the development of local cancer survivorship services for Kansas City residents.

“LIVESTRONG is honored to bring its mission to Kansas City through LIVESTRONG Sporting Park,” said Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor, champion cyclist and LIVESTRONG founder and chairman.  “Professional sports provide a powerful vehicle to affect positive change in the world.  LIVESTRONG’s partnership with Sporting Club gives us an innovative opportunity to advance the cancer fight in this region and we are eager to get started.”

“Sports are a unifying force in bringing people together,” said Doug Ulman, LIVESTRONG president and CEO.  “LIVESTRONGSporting Park is more than just a stadium – it’s the first athletic venue in the world with a social change mission and offers an ideal arena to champion the cancer cause.”

The Lance Armstrong Foundation continually seeks out innovative business strategies and partnerships that will further its mission to serve people affected by cancer and empower them to take action.  LIVESTRONG’s sporting and athletic heritage make for a natural partnership with Sporting Club and provide a unique opportunity for these organizations to spread cancer awareness throughout the Kansas City community.

“We’re proud of Kansas City’s history as a philanthropic leader and we believe that this innovative partnership continues that legacy,” said Robb Heineman, CEO of Sporting Club. “The fight against cancer is being waged around the world, every hour of every day. So while the fight doesn’t take time out for entertainment, LIVESTRONGSporting Park provides each of us with the opportunity to stay involved in the cause and celebrate many of those things worth fighting for – the support of community, the thrill of victory and events that bring us all together.”

LIVESTRONG Sporting Park will seat 18,500 for soccer and 25,000 for concerts. The $200 million stadium will be one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the United States and will focus on fan experience through WiFi Access, multiple themed club environments, an IP television network and a membership affinity platform. In addition, the stadium and accompanying event complex will also be 100 percent tobacco free.

For more information about the stadium, visit www.LIVESTRONGSportingPark.com.