In today’s fast-paced world, the expectation for a seamless and immersive fan experience at major sporting and entertainment events has never been higher.
Connectivity is pivotal in transforming these experiences, making them memorable and engaging.
The challenge of connectivity
Mobile connectivity is now mandatory for venues to power the services that deliver revenues and enable an amazing fan experience both inside and outside the venue.
Recent experiences in many Australian venues have proven the shortfalls of poor connectivity, including the inability to download and process digital tickets, the inability to upload and transact on social media, and the inability to get any data capacity at all.
Our research1 indicates that fans want an experience facilitated by great connectivity throughout the journey to, at and from the venue.
Arriving |
Security |
Wayfinding |
 |
 |
 |
| Tickets are scanned on entry, eliminating extended wait times. 77% of eventgoers use digital tickets. |
Smart cameras scan crowd movement and behaviour. #1 Security is a top priority for fans. |
As fans enter a digital app directs them to their seat. 74% of eventgoers would download an app that directs them to their seat. |
In-seat ordering |
Maintaining cleanliness |
Leaving |
 |
 |
 |
| Fans use their phones to buy snacks, which are delivered to their seats. 57% of eventgoers would spend more on food with in-seat ordering. |
Connected sensors let custodial staff know when attention is needed. 44% rank cleanliness as a top 3 element to enjoying an event. |
App to guide them to the best exit for their transport options. 69% of eventgoers use their phones to check commuting options. |
Today’s fans crave more than just watching a game—they want an immersive, interactive experience. From live betting and instant replays to in-seat services and social media integration, fans expect to have everything at their fingertips.
Is your stadium or arena connectivity ready for growth? Data usage at large events has grown exponentially, with 67% increase year on year.
- The 2023 Super Bowl recorded the highest average data usage per connected device in history at 633MB per fan.2
- Fans attending at Taylor Swift’s Eras tour concerts In Melbourne consumed over 35TB of carrier data across the three shows at the MCG in February.3
These trends underscore the growing demand for reliable and high-capacity connectivity solutions.
Why connectivity defines the future of stadiums
- Deliver excellent fan experience: Fans should enjoy seamless connectivity for live updates, social media sharing, and interactive features during events.
- Drive revenue and brand growth: Leveraging connectivity allows venues to monetise through in-seat services (food delivery, merchandise orders), targeted advertising, gaming apps, and promotional campaigns.
- Meet ESG targets: Implementing efficient and sustainable practices aligns with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Connectivity enables smart energy management, waste reduction, and eco-friendly initiatives.
Enhancing the fan experience
Enhancing the fan experience involves supporting the entire journey, from pre-event communications to post-event feedback. Key services include dynamic ticket upgrades, augmented reality (AR) experiences, live event information, social media integration, and mobile ordering. These services not only engage fans but also streamline their experience, making it more enjoyable and interactive.
Importance of connectivity
In the ecosystem of connected stadiums and venues, multiple layers work together to enhance the overall fan experience. Successful implementation of these services requires robust and integrated connectivity solutions.
At BAI Communications, we provide the robust connectivity infrastructure needed to support the entire ecosystem of connected stadiums and venues. We offer a comprehensive end-to-end solution to deliver a superior connectivity experience at your venue, from initial assessments and design to deployment and ongoing operations. Our approach simplifies the management of multiple carriers, providing improved coverage and capacity and ensuring your venue’s connectivity solution is tailored to your specific needs, enhancing the overall fan experience.
Expertise in connectivity solutions
BAI Communications is a global leader in providing connectivity solutions to major sports and entertainment venues through our sister company Boldyn Networks (formerly BAI Communications in the northern hemisphere). Our extensive experience over more than 60 major stadiums and venues makes us a valuable partner for your stadium and venue to meet growing fan expectations and operational demands.
This year ASM selected Boldyn Networks as its global partner4, building on the venues completed to date, such as Crypto.com and LA Live in LA.
Enhancing fan experiences through connectivity is not just a luxury but a necessity in today’s digital age. By addressing connectivity challenges and implementing innovative solutions, stadiums and venues can deliver exceptional experiences that keep fans engaged and satisfied.
References
1Sports, Gaming, and Rock & Roll: Connectivity and the Fan Experience (end 2023), Boldyn Networks Sports, Gaming and Rock & Roll: Connectivity and the fan experience (boldyn.com)
2Quintero, 2024, February 24 Extreme Networks re: How NFL Fans Used Wi-Fi at Super Bowl LVII and Why It Matters How NFL Fans Used Wi-Fi at Super Bowl LVII and Why It Matters | Extreme Networks
3 Lavoipierre, A. (2024, February 23) ABC News Taylor Swift’s Melbourne gig literally broke the Internet. Why is connectivity so bad at bug events? Taylor Swift’s Melbourne gig literally broke the internet. Why is connectivity so bad at big events? – ABC News
4Boldyn Networks, 2024,March 27. News. ASM Global and Boldyn Networks. ASM Global selects Boldyn Networks as Wireless Partner of Choice to…
