Aston Villa Marks 150th Anniversary with Blockchain-Powered Digital Collectibles
Staff Writer • 2025-02-27
BIRMINGHAM - Aston Villa Football Club has partnered with blockchain provider Chiliz to launch a digital commemorative sticker album celebrating the club's 150th anniversary. This initiative, unveiled during the recent Premier League match against Liverpool, allows fans to collect digital stickers for each home game at Villa Park, enhancing fan engagement through innovative means. A Modern Twist on a Classic Collectible Historically, fans could only acquire physical stickers to commemorate matches. Now, utilizing Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP) technology, supporters can redeem digital collectibles featured in matchday programs. This digital extension has already seen over 18,000 collectibles redeemed, with each home game offering eight unique stickers compiled into a single digital collectible. By participating throughout the 2024/25 season, fans stand a chance to win exclusive rewards, including training ground visits, match tickets, and signed merchandise. Embracing Blockchain for Enhanced Fan Engagement Aston Villa's collaboration with Chiliz marks a significant step in integrating blockchain technology into sports entertainment. The club's partnership with Chiliz's fan engagement platform, Socios.com, began in 2021, introducing $AVL Fan Tokens as a primary means to connect with supporters. These tokens have facilitated over 500 unique rewards and experiences, such as playing on the Villa Park pitch, attending Champions League watch-alongs with club legends, and voting on key club decisions, including designs for fanzones and captain's armbands. A Vision for the Future This latest initiative extends beyond Fan Token holders, offering all fans an opportunity to engage with the club's storied history in a modern format. By seamlessly integrating blockchain technology into existing fan activities, Aston Villa is pioneering a new era of fan interaction, ensuring that both long-time supporters and new fans can partake in the club's rich legacy. Chris Heck, President of Business Operations at Aston Villa FC, emphasized the club's commitment to innovation, stating, "This celebration is a reflection of Aston Villa’s incredible journey over the past 150 years. From our founding days in 1874 to our recent meteoric rise as a Club, we’re proud to honour our history while creating unforgettable experiences for our fans." As Aston Villa continues to embrace technological advancements, this collaboration with Chiliz sets a precedent for other clubs aiming to enhance fan engagement through digital innovation.
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