Sporting venues have the challenge to compete against people who love to watch sports at home. To get them off their couch, booking a ticket and heading out to the local sports venue to watch their favourite team, it has to provide an experience that’s as good – or better – than what they can get at home.
Here are some ideas for improving the experience for spectators at sporting venues.
Replace the Lighting with LEDs
LED lights are all the rage in sporting venues. Not only are they more energy-efficient, but they provide brighter, directional light sources to illuminate the sports field, the stands, entryways, and corridors to make them easier to see.
Better lighting is safer because spectators can watch their steps easier to avoid tripping up and find their way around the venue without getting lost. It is also better for security because nothing is left in the shadows, which is reassuring for women in groups or going to the event alone.
LED bulbs are also 90% more efficient than incandescents. Therefore, the venue can afford to have more of them installed without worrying about the energy bill.
Exclusive Mobile App Access
Venues can create a mobile app that’s exclusive to attendees which gets them into the heart of the action.
It won’t matter whether they’re high up or right at the edge of the action because the app will provide close-ups and highlights of the play. Providing exclusive interviews with the team and adding value beyond what’s publicly available to people watching at home is crucial.
Also, the mobile app can include a POS service to book refreshments and food orders before they queue up. Offering delivery services for spectators with season tickets means they won’t miss any of the action.
HD Screens at Either End of the Venue
Huge widescreen HD displays at sports venues are becoming more common now. It provides action replays and features to look at between breaks in the game. These displays are often 150-foot or wider not, so fans never have to miss a thing.
Also, include multiple smaller displays that are strategically placed around the venue. This way, a walk to the washrooms means a spectator won’t miss a thing.
Wi-Fi and Push Notifications
Spectators expect venues to be current with the latest technology. The reality is that 4G cell towers get overwhelmed at major venues due to the 10,000s of people attending on certain days. The solution is to use fibre-optic networks and then Wi-Fi technology to enable internet access throughout the venue for sports fans.
When combined with beacon technological solutions that enable push notifications to phones, it’s possible to keep spectators updated or direct them to concession stands. The venue can encourage purchases when the food & beverage outlets are less busy to reduce the queuing time too.
For sports venues needing to provide higher value for couch potatoes that usually stay home to watch sports, improving the experience is what makes it special. Half-measures just don’t cut it.
