Attending a sporting event has traditionally been a very exciting activity for millions of fans around the country. But lately the combination of increasing ticket prices and rapidly improving television technology has led many fans to re-evaluate their weekend plans and stay at home to watch their favorite teams.
This ‘stay at home movement’ has caused many franchises to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to renovate their existing stadium or in some cases completely relocate and build an entirely new stadium (See the 49ers). Stadiums, arenas and ballparks are becoming more user friendly than ever before in an attempt to woo fans back in to the stands. Strong WiFi connections, enormous video display boards, and engaging social media interactions have become the new standard for sports venues.
Below is a list of ten sports facilities who have used tech to upgrade the fan experience in an attempt to fight back against the dreaded ticket-sales-stealing couch.
Gillette Stadium
Team: New England Patriots
If you don’t have wifi at the stadium it’s very frustrating to try and tweet or upload a picture to Facebook using the overloaded 3G or 4G networks. Luckily for Patriots fans, last year Enterasys became the network provider of Gillette Stadium. Now every fan has access to free high-speed Internet that is high-density. This allows a sold-out stadium of 70,000 fans to log online without delay.
To connect so many fans to the Web, Enterasys network has in place approximately 360 access points as well as that many antennas throughout Gillette Stadium. This is crucial for allowing fans to use the Patriots popular game-day app.
One of the best features of the app allows fans to watch replays and see various replay angles during the game by using cameras installed throughout the stadium ( this successfully mimics the at-home experience for fans). Now fans can see the live action from their seats and enjoy the replays that are usually only provided when watching from home or a sports bar.
Marlins Park
Team: Florida Marlins
Whether it’s a beautiful sunny day in Miami or a rare rainy one, the Marlins can play no matter what thanks to the retractable roof. The roof only takes 15 minutes to close, so fans won’t be disappointed when they see rain clouds hovering above.
However, many stadiums have retractable roofs. But the Marlins roof is eco-friendly. It is Gold Certified by Leadership in Energy Environmental Design, and it is considered the most sustainable MLB ballpark.
There is also a batting tunnel for players that is specifically designed to help them study for the upcoming pitching opponent or take a look at how they’re mechanics have been at the plate. Four HD computer monitors are used to help players watch tape to breakdown their swings and opposing pitchers. With tech and traditional hitting cages combined players can work on mechanics by taking some swings in the tunnel and then receive instant feedback, helping them train smarter.
In addition to the high-tech features, there are many unique must-see attractions at the park that fans cannot find at home. There are two 450-gallon fish tanks behind home plate with hurricane-proof glass windows (important in Florida). And when fans are not watching the game, they can check out the beach-themed bar with a swimming pool or the Bobblehead Museum.
AT&T Stadium
Team: Dallas Cowboys
This $1.2 billion stadium hosted the Super Bowl in 2011, partly thanks to its impressive technology. More than 100,000 people can fit in this behemoth and rain or shine fans will stay dry or enjoy the warm weather with the retractable roof overhead.
The most impressive feature? One of the world’s largest HDTVs hangs over the field. Two 2,100-inch 1080p LED displays, priced at $40 million to build, show live play, game statistics and replays throughout the game.
A few statistics about the screen:
- The structure holding the TVs weighs 600 tons.
- In total, this structure spans 60 yards.
- During one game, the displays use more energy than the average American does in four months.
With 212 concession stands and 665 point of sale terminals, fans can order a cold brew or a bag of cotton candy from just about anywhere. They simply use their phone to order and pay and never have to leave their seats. Kind of like being at home.
Quicken Loans Arena
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers, along with every other team in the NBA, are now using technology that is similar to Israeli optical missile-tracking technology called SportVU. This system of motion tracking cameras is able to track a player’s speed, shot arc, number of dribbles and other many other statistics. But what’s unique about the Cavs is that this season they will be the first team to display this data on the center scoreboard. Thus, only allowing fans at the game to see these stats.
In the future the Cavaliers could allow the TV networks to display the information, but for now, fans must purchase a ticket to take advantage of this technology.
Quicken Loans Arena also has 92 luxury suites with SmartTouch technology. This allows patrons to order food, buy merchandise and purchase tickets for future games from a provided iPad.
Everbank Field
Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
This stadium offers a fantasy football lounge for 200 to 300 fans to enjoy. Inside are 20 HDTVs to check up on other NFL games and the NFL Red Zone channel. Wi-Fi is accessible in the lounge so that everyone can check in on their fantasy football team. And if it’s not enough to watch the games, you can also enjoy the Xbox gaming consoles and other amenities offered in the lounge.
And coming soon to the field – $63 million worth of enhancements. This will include the world’s largest end zone video scoreboards and a new entertainment area in the north end zone with swimming pools, and food and beverage cabanas. Additionally, the giant new end zone video displays will be accompanied by a scoreboard control room equipped with state-of-the-art software that allows the Jaguars to specifically control the messages on each board making them ideal for engaging fans.
Sporting Park
Team: Sporting Kansas City
This MLS team has installed high-density Wi-Fi in its stadium with more than 200 miles of fiber-optic cables. Now, fans can use Uphoria, a smartphone app similar to the DVR. With this app, ticket holders can stream the game live on their phone or tablet and rewind whenever they want to see a replay. The stadium offers seven different camera angles so a shot or pass is never missed.
The app is more than a way to attract fans – it is a way to track data. It can track ticket sales, the purchase of merchandise and concessions, and more. The app will detect your phone’s serial number, IP addresses and other information so that your information will be provided for those who run the stadium. This information will help the Sporting KC front office to better understand their fans and learn their behaviors during games. With this tech it’s not hard to picture every season ticket holder arriving at their seat and seeing their favorite food, beverage and piece of merchandise waiting for them before the game starts.
Georgia Dome 2.0
Team: Atlanta Falcons
Plans for this stadium were announced this past June, so don’t expect to step foot in it for a few years. While nothing is finalized, this stadium (still located in downtown Atlanta) plans to offer unique technology.
The seats are rumored to be set up to vibrate when a big hit happens during the play so fans can both see and feel the game. In addition to a potential high-tech fantasy football lounge, there will also be a man cave where people can watch the game on sofas.
High-density Wi-Fi will likely be offered and seats will have outlets and chargers for phones and tablets. The stadium will hold up to 80,000 people – unfortunately it won’t be ready until the 2017 season.
Perhaps the best part of this stadium that fans cannot get at home is the 100 yard-long bar. What better way to take in a Falcons game then to drink your beverage at a bar as long as the sideline?
CONSOL Energy Center
Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
In addition to the 800 HDTVs in the arena and the LED ring that circles the fans’ seats, the Penguins offer even more technology. Four 25-foot tall electric HD screens hang at center ice to display the score, show replays and live play.
If you want to see how other hockey teams are doing while you’re at the game, check out the many 22-inch touchscreen TVs that live stream other hockey games, give player and team statistics, and can replay the most recent shots, goals and hits. There are also robotic cameras that can follow every movement on the ice. Fans can then pick a favorite player and watch their replays on demand.
Additionally, a virtual 3D Stanley Cup is displayed so that fans and players alike can dream about winning the championship.
University of Phoenix Stadium
Team: Arizona Cardinals
With fewer than 20 games played per season, this NFL team needed a stadium that could be used for more than just football games. In order to care for the grass, the 2.1-acre field can be retracted out of the stadium when the game is over. Underneath the 9,300 ton moving grass is an AirField Systems drainage system. Once the grass is moved, a concrete surface is exposed so that concerts, marching band competitions, wrestling matches and other events can be held for thousands of fans.
In addition to the retractable grass, there is also a retractable roof. These technologies plus the installation of the LED video and 360 degree displays cost more than $450 million but look to be a good investment to bring fans to University of Phoenix Stadium.
Barclays Center
Team: Brooklyn Nets
This billion-dollar arena opened last season, and is impressive enough to convert Knicks fans to Nets fans. A full crowd can access free high-density Wi-Fi, LTE and 3G service. Fans can also stay seated and order concessions from their seat to avoid inevitably long lines.
The three-story tall 1080p scoreboard that hangs above the middle of the court is so large that it can be seen by pedestrians walking by outside. Throughout the arena, there is 8,000 square feet of LED signage. If you have enough money for a ticket to sit in a suite, you can access every NBA game on a provided iPad. Other ticket holders can check the score on their phones thanks to Cisco’s free Wi-Fi that has 275 access points.