The sports industry has rapidly become a shining example of how next-generation technologies can reinvent the way that both fans engage in sport games and sports organisations deliver exceptional and fully immersive experiences. For fans all over the world, technology is radically transforming and enhancing in-person and traditional entertainment experiences. These technologies have also become crucial in a post-pandemic world, in order to keep us connected to and interacting with our favourite sports, either from home or any other socially distanced setting.
CapGemini’s Emerging Tech in Sports report found that 70% of fans feel emerging technologies (such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT)), have improved their overall viewing experiences, which means that 56% would physically attend more matches while 92% would spend more on online subscriptions.
The digitisation of the sports industry can have a positive impact on fan engagement and brand value, as well as provide a way to holistically streamline much of events-based operations, including planning and implementation. Events can also be run more efficiently by using technology like 5G or the IoT; referees are able to make quicker decisions based on real-time data, broadcasters can increase the quality of their services and events managers can keep a tighter control on logistics or venues via connected devices.
Over the last few years, leading telecom providers around the world have introduced pioneering technologies and innovative solutions that are now being successfully used in a sporting context. These investments have paid off given the drastic changes the industry has had to make over the past year, and with technologies like 5G, IoT and VR now at our fingertips, the benefits are clear for athletes, event hosts and sport fans alike.
For instance, IoT is revolutionising the way sports professionals manage player development, player safety, game strategy and analyse potential injuries by providing a stream of data from multiple connected devices, underpinned by a super-fast 5G network for real-time analysis, for insight-led decision-making that transforms the player’s performance while keeping them injury risk free.
In a wider setting in the sports industry, digital transformation within the industry positively impacts key services such as transport, crowd safety and stadium operations, as well as providing fans with a wealth of entertaining and interactive content. Creating experiences that fans will remember is a big part of the reputation that Qatar is building as a destination for hosting global sports events, along with excellent event management, and Vodafone is playing a crucial role in making this happen.
In 2019, Vodafone Qatar digitally transformed fan engagement with latest emerging technologies by giving thousands of football fans customised VR and AR-enabled gaming experiences in their high-tech ‘Fan Zone’ at the Arabian Gulf Cup. This was the first-ever live 5G and 360-broadcast to take place in the region, and Qatar’s football enthusiasts were able to see just why these technologies are a game-changer for live events.
So, what technology should we look out for at the sports events we attend in the future?
Vodafone Qatar is committed to building a state-of-the-art communications infrastructure that serves Qatar’s digital requirements and leads digital innovation in the sports industry. As the sector recovers from the effects of the pandemic and with a big couple of years ahead, including the Olympics and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, we look forward to seeing what a connected future brings for sports fans and professionals everywhere.
CapGemini’s Emerging Tech in Sports report found that 70% of fans feel emerging technologies (such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT)), have improved their overall viewing experiences, which means that 56% would physically attend more matches while 92% would spend more on online subscriptions.
The digitisation of the sports industry can have a positive impact on fan engagement and brand value, as well as provide a way to holistically streamline much of events-based operations, including planning and implementation. Events can also be run more efficiently by using technology like 5G or the IoT; referees are able to make quicker decisions based on real-time data, broadcasters can increase the quality of their services and events managers can keep a tighter control on logistics or venues via connected devices.
Over the last few years, leading telecom providers around the world have introduced pioneering technologies and innovative solutions that are now being successfully used in a sporting context. These investments have paid off given the drastic changes the industry has had to make over the past year, and with technologies like 5G, IoT and VR now at our fingertips, the benefits are clear for athletes, event hosts and sport fans alike.
For instance, IoT is revolutionising the way sports professionals manage player development, player safety, game strategy and analyse potential injuries by providing a stream of data from multiple connected devices, underpinned by a super-fast 5G network for real-time analysis, for insight-led decision-making that transforms the player’s performance while keeping them injury risk free.
In a wider setting in the sports industry, digital transformation within the industry positively impacts key services such as transport, crowd safety and stadium operations, as well as providing fans with a wealth of entertaining and interactive content. Creating experiences that fans will remember is a big part of the reputation that Qatar is building as a destination for hosting global sports events, along with excellent event management, and Vodafone is playing a crucial role in making this happen.
In 2019, Vodafone Qatar digitally transformed fan engagement with latest emerging technologies by giving thousands of football fans customised VR and AR-enabled gaming experiences in their high-tech ‘Fan Zone’ at the Arabian Gulf Cup. This was the first-ever live 5G and 360-broadcast to take place in the region, and Qatar’s football enthusiasts were able to see just why these technologies are a game-changer for live events.
So, what technology should we look out for at the sports events we attend in the future?
- Smart stadiums: we’ve all experienced entering a stadium and trying to call a friend to let them know we’ve arrived, but the network is so congested and weak that we are unable to reach them! Investing in 5G connectivity in stadiums can ensure more reliable communications for both fans and organisers, along with automated stadium operations, and improved crowd safety management through connected IoT devices such as CCTV cameras.
More innovative technologies can now be connected via Vodafone’s 5G network, such as automated fan bus transportation, security robotics, hologram screens, amongst others. We have already seen signs of digital transformation inside Qatar’s stadiums and sports complexes, with Vodafone connecting stadiums in Ahmad Bin Ali, Al Janoub and Education City to its advanced GigaNet network.
- VR and AR experiences: Several sports are taking advantage of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) capabilities to enable fans to join in with the action on the field. Wearing a VR headset means you can enjoy lifelike immersive experiences whilst sitting on your couch at home; whether that’s a 360-degree view from the position of the penalty taker or standing next to a holographic presenter doing live interviews on the pitch!
- Seamless streaming: Access to a 5G or fibre network can create live streaming experiences which get fans much closer to the game, wherever they are. For ultra-high-definition (UHD) video streaming, 5G networks can send large video files at high speed with no delays and no reduction in quality, meaning that you won’t have to rely on playback because you missed out on the action. A reliable 5G network will also benefit media broadcasters who can distribute quality footage and a higher volume of data than by other means.
Vodafone Qatar is committed to building a state-of-the-art communications infrastructure that serves Qatar’s digital requirements and leads digital innovation in the sports industry. As the sector recovers from the effects of the pandemic and with a big couple of years ahead, including the Olympics and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, we look forward to seeing what a connected future brings for sports fans and professionals everywhere.
ENDS