The Connected Crowd: Tech that Powers the Game-Day Pulse
Technology is changing the way we experience live sports events.
Technology is transforming the way we experience live sports events, reshaping expectations for both fans and facility operators more than ever before. Uninterrupted connectivity throughout a stadium � once a novelty that let guests share moments on social media and instantly check stats � now serves as the baseline for today’s tech-savvy fans. This article explores why connectivity is vital for sports venues, key considerations for planning, and why starting these conversations early is essential for success.
In the early 2000s, technology installations represented just about one percent of a sports venue’s construction budget. Fast forward to today, and technology can command as much as 12 percent in leading-edge facilities, a testament to its growing importance. Fan expectations are keeping pace: no longer content with basic amenities, today’s spectators demand robust, technology-enabled experiences. These range from frictionless transactions and cashless payment methods to immersive seating with high-definition screens, personalized content delivered right to their seats, and in-venue gamification through mobile apps. The modern fan experience is curated through an ecosystem of LED displays, intelligent lighting, advanced sound systems, and real-time engagement platforms that let fans interact with stats, enter contests, and fully immerse themselves in the game.
On the operations side, venues are facing new challenges � and opportunities � like network security, energy management and advanced crowd monitoring. Future-forward facilities integrate these digital layers to support both back-of-house operations and the in-house technology used by attendees, ensuring seamless service delivery while protecting against disruptions.
Operations and venue staff benefit as well, thanks to smart building systems that handle access control, scheduling, and secure communication. Enhanced operational intelligence comes from Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, building management systems and sophisticated controls. These enable facility managers to monitor and adjust HVAC, lighting, AV, and monitor crowd flow in real time. This reduces operational costs while optimizing energy usage, staffing resources and overall venue performance � making every event more efficient, from behind the scenes to in the stands.
Critically, the best results emerge not from layering new gadgets onto old systems, but from comprehensive integration—melding legacy and emerging technologies into a cohesive ecosystem. As industry experts emphasize, investing in proper planning and integration prevents costly setbacks, delays and operational headaches.
Ultimately, sports venue owners and operators need to craft an all-inclusive, future-ready technology strategy � one that guarantees smooth day-to-day operations and positions the venue for ongoing upgrades as fan expectations continue to evolve. Supported by strategic planning and thoughtful integration, technology will keep reshaping how we play, watch and interact with the games we love.
The Fan Experience Starts Outside the Gate
A memorable fan experience begins well before entering the stadium. Reliable connectivity both inside and outside the venue is essential to creating an engaging guest experience.
“You want fans to be immersed in the excitement as soon as they approach your stadium,� says Steve Edwards, Market Executive at Mortenson specializing in technology integration. “I’ve personally experienced the frustration of going to an out-of-town stadium and not having the right ticket app downloaded. It was probably two minutes, but it felt like two hours waiting for an app to download while others breeze through.�
Serving the area outside stadium walls can be one of the biggest challenges. This space typically relies on the cellular macro network, which can become congested on a busy game day. Investing in a robust outdoor Wi-Fi network combined with dedicated DAS technology or ODAS (Outdoor DAS) ensures fans stay connected from the parking lot all the way to their seats.Ìý
“As soon as the stadium comes into sight, fans want to share their experience—posting photos and live streaming,� Steve emphasizes. “Despite my downloading issue outside the gates, once inside the stress melted away and the excitement of the game took over.�
Technology Powers the Game Day Experience
Stadium Wi-Fi and cellular networks do much more than enable social sharing � they are the backbone of nearly every operational function on game day. From processing concession payments to updating digital menus and broadcasting live feeds on venue screens, technology drives smooth, efficient service.
“Every element of service, including digital signage at concessions, depends on a reliable technology infrastructure,� explains Mike O’Rourke, Sports Facility Technology Specialist. “Vendors need real-time updates, fast payment processing, and engaging content to keep fans satisfied while they wait.�
Data usage at sports venues continues to surge dramatically.Ìý At Super Bowl LVIII in Allegiant Stadium, Verizon customers used a record-breaking 52.34 terabytes of data â€� a 9.4% increase compared to the previous year's Super Bowl. The event also saw a big jump in per-device Wi-Fi data usage, setting a new total record of 34.8 TB, according to .ÌýÌý
Start Technology Planning Early in the Design Process
Failing to address network and connectivity needs from the outset can lead to costly retrofits and design compromises. “It’s common to find last-minute equipment installed in awkward spots simply because technology requirements weren’t planned early,� warns Erik Johannes, Business Development Executive.
Steve adds, “Many assume everything is wireless, but behind the scenes lies an extensive infrastructure of cables, conduits, antennas and servers. Early planning is crucial to integrate these elements seamlessly into the venue architecture.�
To keep technology readiness at the forefront of your sports venue build:
- Involve your technology integration team from day one. They can accurately assess your connectivity needs and help weave technology into the design fluidly.
- Prioritize the fan experience first, then design technology to support it. Future-proofing the infrastructure will accommodate innovations that have yet to be imagined.
- Engage concession and vendor partners early to understand their technology requirements and ensure adequate support for their systems.
Designing and constructing a stadium is inherently complex, but prioritizing digital integration from the beginning is key to delivering smooth operations and unforgettable fan experiences. At Mortenson, our technology experts collaborate closely with owners and operators early in the process to develop stadiums equipped for the future of sports and entertainment.