Each year, major sporting events present an opportunity to showcase new technology and the innovative uses of digital tools. As modern stadiums are built with smart technology in mind and existing venues incorporate it to meet fan expectations and streamline operations, the sports stadium experience is evolving.
In recent years, stadiums have been outfitted with 5G to increase network capacity during big games for an impressive fan experience, ultimately impacting data centers due to the high computing power this technology requires. As stadiums across the globe work to meet data demands, it is important that solutions are provided to facilitate data flow. The fact is, modern digital experiences in physical venues require increased network capacity and power resources, no matter the industry.
Today, the digital infrastructure of stadiums can benefit from edge computing to meet new network demands. With the addition of this and other data technologies, the smart stadium of the future will have fully integrated systems and enhanced data flow to provide operational efficiency and the ultimate experience for fans.
Increasing data demands
Fan expectations have skyrocketed in recent years as venues add new features to the fan experience at stadiums. Between applications embedded with virtual or augmented reality (AR/VR) to get fans closer to the action, or player analytics providing stats within seconds of something happening, the fan experience has transitioned beyond simply buying a pretzel and hoping to catch a baseball.
However, with these high-tech implementations come new challenges. AR/VR apps, real-time analytics, and HD video streaming all use massive amounts of data and require immense computing power. In addition to applications designed for a digitized audience experience, current technologies for managing crowds and the stadium itself use a significant amount of network resources. Certain venues, including Tottenham Stadium, have implemented technologies like this to monitor customer capacity throughout the stadium, allowing operations to send more staff to crowded areas and plan for the amount of food and beer that might be needed for the next event.
In light of these changes and the rapidly advancing pace of innovation, many stadiums have had to make several renovations to keep up with the digital infrastructure required to offer these experiences. State Farm Stadium has undergone two major network upgrades since it opened in 2006 to generate stronger connectivity, enhance network security, and increase operations visibility into network performance.
Managing the network infrastructure required to process the dozens of petabytes of data — a single petabyte being equivalent to 500 billion pages of text — that these new technologies use will continue to be an uphill battle for many venues. One way that some are addressing this issue is through the addition of edge computing.
Edge computing for real-time information and growth
Deploying modern technology improves a stadium’s overall operations and enhances the visitor experience, but this type of digital transformation is not always easy. Processing data at the edge with solutions like micro data centers, rather than through the cloud, can remedy this, facilitating the integration of technologies that require high-performance infrastructure to operate smoothly within the stadium.
Specifically, edge computing can support the deployment of new tech by introducing low latency and higher network capacities. These benefits come with a perk that has become increasingly attractive lately: real-time information. By eliminating the latency that occurs when data must travel through the core data center, applications can have instant access to data as it is created. This is particularly useful for providing a truly immersive experience for those outside of the stadium, giving fans the ability to receive information through their devices in real-time while at home on the couch.
Edge computing also offers the benefit of growth potential — venues that process data at the edge can conserve network resources and improve efficiency, meaning that there is room for the addition of more digital features down the road. Some stadiums are planning to combine 5G, edge computing, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to support new innovations such as video streaming in 8K or VR headsets within the venue.
As smart stadiums require more energy and demand more data, they will need to be backed by powerful technologies like edge computing. With the rate at which technology is advancing, data processed at the edge is a must-have to provide the crucial infrastructure modern technology depends on.
Upgrading stadium infrastructure to meet new demands
Along with stadiums, concert arenas and other large event venues are expected to become edge computing sites as this IT trend grows in popularity and the technology becomes more refined to this unique purpose.
Stadiums built with a resilient technological backbone can provide fans with the experience they expect today, but more importantly, can continue to add to the audience experience as new applications and technologies emerge in the years to come.
