We’ve all seen and heard that in this day and age where the second-screen is almost, if not more important than the game itself, that broadcasters are constantly needing to enhance programming to keep consumers engaged. This is particularly pertinent with the NHL, where watching a game is a vastly different experience on TV, but can be a completely different in person. With both of these factors putting NHL viewership at risk, the solution for the teams and the league, itself, is to create a more of an experience that takes into consideration these issues.
Here are three uses of technology that the NHL needs to promote to enhance its broadcasts.
4D Sports
We’ve all heard of 3D screenings, but what about 4D?
Recently created around the NHL experience, a system called 4D Sports transmits a signal from the SAP Center to a contraption under a fan’s couch to allow them to feel the intensity of the players crashing into the boards from the comfort of their own home. Although this system can run you upwards of $300, it would be interesting to see if viewing parties or corporate functions could take this idea and run with it.
The 4D Sports system is built around a system of motion detecting sensors, and is exploring installing its system in all NHL arenas to engage fans in the collisions. Currently, the system is up and running for the San Jose Sharks; and works when the team plays home games at the SAP Center that are broadcasted on Comcast SportsNet.
STATS’ SportVU
When people discuss “technology” around the sporting space, many times the term “analytics” comes into play.
A potential problem to watching the NHL on your TV, is that hockey is so complex, dealing with line changes, sticks swinging, and the puck going all over the ice can prove challenging to the novice NHL fan. A new league-wide system called SportVU could be put in place for the start of the 2015-16 season, using technology and analytics to track players in action; and produce an array of information, painting detailed pictures of the game and its players.
The SportVU system, compiled of six cameras and STATS’ proprietary software, has been known to record the movements of NBA stars on the court in years past. To most fans, the idea of talking about analytics may be a bit farfetched; but if broadcasters are able to produce engaging pictures of what is occurring on the ice during the game through colored lines on the ice or an easier way to track line changes, it may be an investment the NHL should fund.
GoPro
Recently, GoPro has been on the rise for professional athletes. As part of the NHL GameCenter Live streaming service, fans are able to get closer to the action on the referee’s helmet, or even tracking a single player during the game.
But what about those moments leading up to the big game or becoming part of the NHL?
One use of technology that the NHL should adopt is taking the moments outside of the streaming service to build into the broadcast. Whether that be five minutes of the technology used on TV or a free trial of the service, engaging fans without the pesky price tag could be a way to ensure fans want to watch the game on TV. Taking that one step further, the NHL should potentially invest in the moments before the game, like a player’s ritual, or even having an NHL prospect wear a live-feed camera system at the NHL draft.
Whether you miss the rumbling of the crowd, the ability to follow the line changes, or just want to be one step closer to the game, the NHL can continue to enhance its experience for the 351,000 dedicated viewers. With the NHL season smack dab in the middle of the NFL, NBA, and start of the MLB seasons, it is always important to captivate the current fans, as well as garner new ones through the process of innovation.