On Wednesday the two organizations announced the opening of the Sea Dogs\u2019 \u201cDiscovery Zone.\u201d Located on the west-end of Saint John\u2019s Harbour Station, the Discovery Zone is an interactive space featuring technologies such as robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual and Augmented reality experiences for game attendees.<\/p>\n

Use of the Discovery Zone will be free to game attendees age 16 and over. The Discovery Zone is the first public one and the first in a sports centre.<\/p>\n

Mark-Anthony Ashfield, a partner at Deloitte, says the company has Discovery Zones throughout Canada, but this will be the first public one, as well the first one inside a sports facility.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Discovery Zones] are typically internal to our firm we have in our offices. We have ones that are \u2018pop-up\u2019 and they take them out into the public,\u201d says Ashfield. \u201cBut this is a permanent public facility and it\u2019s accessible free of charge for anyone who wants to come in.\u201d<\/p>\n

He says the reason why the Deloitte decided to expand into sports is that like every other industry, this new technology will disrupt hockey too. Not just for fan engagement, which is what the Discovery Zone aims to do, but on the rink as well.<\/p>\n

Take a look\u00a0<\/em>inside\u00a0the new Discovery Zone below:<\/em><\/p>\n