A stadium is a massive structure,
meant to seat thousands of screaming fans while athletes, performers, and the
like give those fans something to scream about. The question is when designing
a stadium, and more specifically, when designing a network for a stadium, how
do we take each fan and make them feel like they are having a valuable
experience tailored to them while still making them feel like they, and all the
other fans, are a member of their own community? There are a few things to
consider to make the fans filling up the seats continue to do so and keep them
coming back. In other words, how does one balance comfort with convenience in a
stadium of thousands, specifically network wise. The answer, keep everyone
connected.
While looking through Cisco’s network system for stadiums, a lot of ideas arise. First and foremost, there
are essentials. Any stadium needs to be modernized and have Wi-Fi set up so
fans can stay connected to social media, e-mail, and any other social tool they
may use. I personally think a great stadium network should include the parking
lots, rewarding tailgaters and people in line for the entry. With that being
said, lets take a look at some unique twists that would make a stadium a more
exciting and unique experience for any fan.
A stadium wide app would be a great idea for
fans and the organization alike. For both Apple and Droid users, the app would
release interactive features and convenient tools for every fan to use. The
first tool, although limited to certain smart phones, would be a virtual
reality feature, utilizing the fan’s camera to help them learn of the stadium’s
structure. The tool would allow the fan to scope the camera lens over any seats
of the stadium, revealing digital information on each seat, including the section,
seat number, average price of ticket, and closest food/beverage/restroom
facility. Another tool provided by the app would be the pregame stadium
scavenger hunt. For the early birds who come to the game early to beat the
crowd and find their seats among a sea of empty ones, a scavenger hunt will
take place, putting fans in a less busy side of the stadium where they will
search for QR codes placed on the walls next to various sports gear. When the
QR codes are scanned, the fans will receive a random fact about the related
sports gear. The fans will then meet with the scavenger hunt representative on
hand. This representative will say one of the random facts about the gear, and
the fans will then have to guess which piece of gear he/she is talking about.
The rewards can be varied each game, including free food or drink vouchers, or
a free piece of memorabilia. The last tool I will discuss is the use of GPS in
the stadium. If a fan wishes to, they may use the app to order any foods or
drinks they want during the game without ever leaving their seats. They can
either choose to order the food and then pick it up, or for an extra fixed sum,
they may use the GPS on their phone so their seat location is revealed. This
would allow stadium workers to personally deliver their food, allowing them to
stay seated and into the game.
In theory, a stadium is a massive
living room, where you watch in comfort, the sport or event of your choice. Having
the same or at least similar privileges than the ones you would have watching
at home can transcend further the joy and excitement of attending a live event.
It is one of the reasons why convenience is so important for fans attending a
game, because watching at home is where you are at your most convenient state.
With these network options, as well as few other tweaks, a stadium could be
even better for the housing of thousands and great show on the field.
Thank you for reading!
Joe
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