10 Amazing Features Of A Smart Stadium

The New Age Smart Stadiums are leading the world in technology, using AI, 5G, biometrics and more to create a futuristic playground. From 2024 to 2030, the Smart Stadium industry is predicted to grow 20% every year, going from a $14.7 billion industry to $42.9 billion, with North America and Europe showing the most demand.

This is more than just improvement; it is a complete reformation of traditional sports stadiums.

What Exactly Is a Smart Stadium?

A smart stadium is a sports venue in which the most advanced technologies are used in every aspect of the venue. They deliver high speed connectivity, AI-powered crowd management, biometric entry, cashless payments and the most advanced technologies to create a seamless and interactive experience to punters.

What Is an Example of a Smart Stadium?

There are strong contenders around the world, such as The Santiago Bernabeu, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London. As a smart stadium exemplar, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas stands out.

Why is the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas Unique?

Inaugurated in 2020, the Las Vegas Raiders NFL team stadium cost US$ 1.9 billion. It was designed and built in three years. It has a 65,000 seat capacity and is considered the most advanced football stadium in America. It has set new standards in football stadium construction and has changed the way spectators experience stadiums.

Features of the Allegiant Stadium

It features over 2,500 Samsung screens, a mobile natural grass field that slides in and out of the venue for football over a concrete floor used for concerts and advanced technology designed for entry and concession access, broadcasting and fan engagement.

VP of Technology for the Raiders Heading to Australia Ahead of 2032 Olympics

Matt Pasco, VP of Technology for the Raiders, has led the design of the Allegiant Stadium and will be in Australia at the end of the month to speak at the inaugural Future of Sport Conference at QUT in Brisbane. This will be the first opportunity for Pasco to speak about the entire process of the stadium and how it is evolving. This topic is especially pertinent to Brisbane as it is the future home of the 2032 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and will require advanced stadium and sporting facilities.

10 Amazing Features of a Smart Stadium

From facial recognition for entry, to AI crowd management and personalised mobile apps, smart stadiums have a huge range of interesting smart features to look at:

1. Facial Recognition Entry

No Tickets, No Phone, No Problem. Facial recognition technology scans the fan’s face to identify them in mere seconds. The Cleveland Browns were the first to utilise this technology with Wicket’s Express Access System. It allows entry in two seconds and clears gates 10 minutes faster than the traditional systems which helps clubs save financially.

2. AI-assisted Crowd Management

The halftime toilet queue may be the single biggest unsolved problem in sports. Smart stadiums are finally solving this problem using artificial intelligence and real-time sensor data. They are monitoring crowd density throughout the venue and directing fans away from congested areas. IoT sensors and cameras continuously track crowd behaviour and stream data to systems which can dynamically reroute foot traffic, open new concession stands and notify staff about possible bottleneck situations.

3. Connectivity: 5G and Wi-Fi 6

Stadium Wi-Fi has always been terrible and has been a common joke, but smart stadiums are resolving that issue with the use of private 5G networks and Wi-Fi 6. This combination allows them to accommodate the high demand of internet usage to seamlessly provide stadium-goers with internet access. An example is Wembley Stadium, where Wi-Fi 6 and 5G networks were integrated so that people can use the internet without issues during major events.

4. Augmented Reality Experiences

A genuine disappointment of being in a stadium in comparison to watching at home is the absence of the broadcast layer that has the replays, stats and analysis. With augmented reality, this gap is being closed. Augmented Reality enables a fan to see overlays of real-time data via their smartphones or wearables.

5. Mobile App Technology Solutions

Smart stadium apps are no longer simply digital match day programs; the most advanced apps are becoming all-encompassing fan experiences. Mobile ticketing, seat upgrades and food ordering are all features of these apps. They facilitate the most streamlined and organised user experiences through interactive navigation and real time game updates including stats, team news and strategic loyalty reward programs.

6. AI Referee Technology 

Smart stadium features offer the first generation of AI-assisted officiating technologies that can make decisions in real-time. Data from Premier League shows that referee decision accuracy improved from 82% to 96% after the introduction of VAR; that’s a massive improvement in a sport where one decision can change everything.

During the 2022 World Cup, ball sensors provided real-time data to the video operations room to determine offsides and create limb-position 3D animations. This used to take around 70 seconds and now takes less than 30. Although this system is controversial, it is continuing to refine how sports refereeing grows.

7. Sustainability and Smart Energy Management

Large sports venues have always had a significant environmental impact and have come under increased scrutiny for it. In response, smart stadiums now aim to reduce this impact with real-time energy management systems. Using IoT and AI, smart sensors provide real-time data about energy use and waste. Smart lighting systems can automatically adjust to available natural light and the number of people in a room. Similarly, climate control systems use real-time data to maintain an optimal temperature depending on the number of people present, the conditions outside and the type of event.

8. Drone Cameras and Immersive Broadcasting Technology

An advantage of watching sports from home is that you can enjoy the broadcast experience, which includes commentary, multiple camera angles and instant replays. However, renovation of smart stadiums changes that advantage by providing the broadcast experience inside the stadium. Drone cameras were used inside the stadiums for the MLB All-Star game and some stadiums are equipping themselves with 360-degree cameras that will allow users to choose their viewing angle.

9. Blockchain Ticketing

The rise of blockchain technology offers a solution to what is perhaps the oldest problem in sports, ticketing fraud. Ticketing systems based on blockchain technology are the first to solve the problem of ticket fraud on a foundational level. Because tickets cannot be counterfeited, the resale of tickets occurs on an immutable ledger. Aside from fraud deterrence, blockchain technology paves the way for other engagements from fans, such as digital collectibles, loyalty rewards NFTs and tokens for access to exclusive experiences.

10. Improved Pricing and Smart Seating

Adaptive venues do not simply sell tickets; they sell each seat. Using algorithms, tickets are dynamically priced based on demand, opponent, weather, seat location and several other factors to maximise revenue. This practice also allows consumers the opportunity to purchase tickets at a lower price, so long as they are flexible with their seating.