5 tips for shaping a technology-first stadium of the future

As sports evolve with the integration of technology, so too can the venues that house them. With today’s fans expecting much more from a live event, outdated stadiums with slow entry, crowded concourses, long lines at concessions and rudimentary scoreboards need a new playbook.

The stadium of the future must offer more than just a seat at the game. It needs to be a seamless experience that can attract audiences away from the competition of home cinema setups and the comfort of the couch. With the help of technology, venues can be transformed into a high-tech havens — smart stadiums — designed to enhance the fan experience that cannot be found at home.

This investment in technology can return immersive environments filled with cutting-edge digital displays, dynamic audio systems and state-of-the-art management platforms to streamline operations.

The shift to a tech-first stadium will elevate the event experience and also help attract bigger crowds, more revenue and better talent. Ultimately, it creates a home that can truly support winning performances on and off the field.

1. Design the fan journey

The fan experience begins the moment they arrive at the venue. A well-considered, seamless journey can be streamlined with the right technology.

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Digital signage plays a crucial role. Samsung’s digital LED displays used by operators for wayfinding systems can direct fans to nearby parking lots, show available spaces with electric vehicle charging points, then helpfully guide the thousands of visitors to entry gates with the shortest lines.

At security gates, Samsung Kiosks enable fans to scan their digital tickets via their mobile devices, offering a contactless and streamlined entry process. Clear wayfinding directions combined with faster entry reduce overcrowding caused by bottlenecks and improve safety, ensuring fans spend less time queuing and more time enjoying the event.

Inside the stadium, operators can use digital wayfinding screens to guide fans to their seats, concessions and fan zones, ensuring smooth crowd flow throughout the venue.

Concessions and stores themselves have also evolved. Using Samsung Kiosks, they redefine how fans order food and merchandise. The touchscreen displays present the full menu and let fans order and pay quickly and conveniently. This not only reduces wait times but increases turnover as more customers can be served in less time. For stadium operators, this creates a more efficient staffing model and a higher rate of customer throughput.

The magic doesn’t stop at concessions. Within the bowl of the stadium, the next generation of digital scoreboards, center-hung systems, ribbon boards and video screens create an immersive viewing experience. The high-resolution 4K displays present pin-sharp replays, live action and stats prominently displayed so that fans never miss a second of the action. Modern venues are pushing design boundaries with innovative products like giant videoboards, curved displays, and even world-first, dual-sided technology, as seen at SoFi. These innovations ensure that fans never miss a moment of the action, no matter where they are seated.

When it’s time to leave, Samsung’s high-nit, 4K resolution Pro TV panels guide fans safely to the exits. In the event of an emergency, these displays provide clear instructions, ensuring fans can exit quickly and safely.

2. Deploy a trusted content management system

Managing a stadium-wide digital ecosystem may sound daunting, but with the right content management system (CMS), it’s easier than ever. Samsung’s MagicINFO provides operators with an all-in-one platform to control everything from menu boards to the main scoreboard. This system allows operators to create, schedule, and publish content across multiple displays with just a few clicks.

Beyond just managing what fans see, MagicINFO helps operators make data-driven decisions. For example, smart sensors placed throughout the stadium can gather data on crowdflow, hotspots and foot traffic, or provide valuable insights into fan behavior. Using this, operators can strategically place partner activations where the most people will see it or position concessions in high-demand areas. MagicINFO helps maximize revenue generation opportunities while improving the overall efficiency of the venue.

The centralized solution connects the stadium’s IPTV technology and teams, making it easier to monitor performance and automate routine tasks, saving time and resources.

3. Leverage sponsorships to offset cost of investment

The benefits of investing in a digital upgrade far outweigh the costs. Modern, tech-driven stadiums open the door to a variety of sponsorship opportunities that can offset initial outlay. With more display real estate than ever, stadiums can offer brands a wealth of advertising packages, from small spots on scoreboards to activations on video walls or even full-scale stadium takeovers.

A maxed-out stadium experience also encourages fans to arrive early and stay longer. As fans spend more time inside the venue, the opportunities for revenue generation increase at bars, concessions or merchandise stores.

VIP hospitality is also a big business, with modern venues upping offerings of premium seating and lounges. Samsung’s LED display technology can elevate these spaces, offering the most discerning guests a high-end experience that matches their expectations and helping drive sales.

The return on investment of an advanced ecosystem of technology not only is a game-changer for the fan experience, but also the possibilities are excitingly endless for advertising activity.

4. Enhance physical experiences through digital tech

Fans don’t just want to watch a game — they want to be part of it. Technology can create interactive, digital experiences that connect fans to the event in new ways. For example, social media integration allows fans to post messages or photos that are then displayed on massive screens during game breaks. This level of engagement makes fans feel like they are part of the action, creating memorable moments that can only be experienced at the stadium.

Stadiums can also use digital technology to streamline in-seat ordering, allowing fans to order food or merchandise directly from their mobile devices and have it delivered to their seats. This convenience keeps fans engaged in the game and reduces time spent away from the action.

Augmented and virtual reality are also becoming game-changers in stadium technology. With AR, fans can access player stats or even see alternate camera angles of the game by using their mobile devices. This type of immersive experience is another reason for fans to choose live events over watching at home.

5. Find the right technology partner

From the moment fans arrive to the second they leave, technology can make a gameday something truly special. Thanks to the advancement in state-of-the-art technologies, the stadium of the future is here.

With Samsung’s full suite of digital solutions, stadium owners can provide seamless, immersive environments where fans can engage with both the sport and the technology in unique ways. This digital transformation levels up the fan experience but has further benefits of boosting revenue, streamlining operations and future-proofing the stadium for long-term success.

Find out how you can revamp or build new venues to ensure you maximize your investment for years to come in this free guide. And discover Samsung’s full lineup of innovative venue displays designed to enhance live events and sports.