This morning, we were lucky enough to visit the
training grounds and stadium of the current champions of the Chilean Primera
Division, Club Deportivo Universidad Catolica (CDUC), a soccer club in
Santiago. Our time at their facilities began with an intuitive presentation as
to how the Club is adapting the experience that it provides to fans, as well as
how they are adapting the guidance and management of the team with the incorporation
of major technological improvements and data analysis. These adaptations and
improvements range from introducing a fiber optic cable ring around their
stadium, to automated turnstiles to make entering the grounds more efficient.
The presentation was followed by a Q&A in which many intuitive questions
were asked by my fellow classmates. Among them was one by Jon Huntley who
wondered whether or not the club was using their investment in technology and
analytics to aid the scouting department in evaluating players. The answer was
yes; CDUC has begun using these technologies not only in scouting new players,
but also to better develop players that they already have, in both games and
training. In doing so, they are able to track movement and create strategies
that put players in the best positions for success on the field.
Afterwards, we walked to the stadium, Estadio San Carlos de
Apoquindo, where we got to see both the visiting and home locker rooms, as well
as the field. On our way there, Phil Kimmel remarked that if he were to ever
play soccer professionally, he would want it to be here. One might wonder why
Phil would want to do so when European clubs are much larger and impressive,
but having seen the mountains encircling the complex of CDUC, I think
I began to agree with him.
Once inside, as was expected, the dressing room for CDUC was
far better than that of the one used by their opponents. With motivational
phrases donning the walls, as well as photos of past champions for CDUC, their
barracks were a reminder to carry on the same legacy and repeat the same great
history as their predecessors.
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| CDUC's Dressing Room |
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Group Picture at the Estadio
San Carlos de Apoquindo
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After a brief look around, it was time to visit the field.
On first sight, Matt DeFreitas immediately exclaimed, “this place is
beautiful”, in reference to the amazing placement of the stadium amongst the
mountains. I thought to myself a similar sentiment as well: what fun it would
be to play in front of diehard soccer fans here. Although not allowed to walk
on the field itself, the breathtaking views surely made for an incredible
experience; it is surely a moment I will never forget, so much so that I will
now be rooting for CDUC from 5,000 plus miles away.
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Panoramic
of Estadio San Carlos de Apoquindo
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