Stadiums Look to Pro AV To Fill Seats

As broadcast and television technology continues to improve, football teams are having a harder time attracting fans to their stadiums. With the home experience becoming more and more convincing, fans are not as enticed to travel to remotely located stadiums to pay for tickets, food, parking and merchandise. Traditionally packed stadiums like FedEx Field in Maryland, home of the Washington Redskins, saw record-low attendance numbers in week two of the NFL season, and poor on-field performance is not the only reason.

Sports stadiums have always grappled with the problem of getting fans away from their homes and restaurants. New audio/video solutions being implemented are helping improve the fan experience across stadiums nationwide.

It has become a race between stadium entertainment systems and TV broadcasts to see who will provide the most stimulating in-game experience. Teams including the San Francisco 49ers are partnering with augmented reality companies to enhance the stadium entertainment experience.

Another way AV technology is being used at stadiums to help fans see more of the game is through digital wayfinding to cutdown on lines. Many stadium proprietors understand how frustrating long lines at concession stands can be, and how costly it can be for them.

According to a study by software giant Oracle, 45 percent of sports fans surveyed have abandoned a concession line at least once due to wait-times, and with an estimated $28 billion in revenue concessions generated, teams have to get creative with streamlining wait times.

At American Airlines Arena in Miami, artificial intelligence powered sensor mapping from WaitTime uses sophisticated technology to show fans up-to-the-minute information on the length of individual lines.

Stadium proprietors are also thinking about the fan experience, especially when it comes to not missing a moment of play.

Installing screens throughout the back-ways and concession areas of a stadium, saving any fan the regret of missing a touchdown while waiting in line for a plate of nachos is also another way teams and AV companies are partnering to enhance the stadium experience. Giving fans opportunities to stay plugged into the game while not in their seat can blend the best of the home and stadium environments.

There is a long list of reasons why attendance fluctuates at football stadiums, but a lack of the same amenities fans can now find at home is certainly not helping organizations fill their stands.