Popular Tech Trends That are Major Catalysts for Innovation in the Sports Industry
Thanks to 21st-century technology, our society is continually changing all around us. After all, can you think of a single industry, sector, or company that has not been affected by the traction gained from digital advancements? Read to learn more about popular tech trends that are major catalysts for innovation in the sports industry.
For quite some time now, sports fans, stadiums, athletes, and businesses have been front-row witnesses to these innovations as each area continues to evolve in light of breakthrough technology.
Chances are you have already heard of one or more of these trends, but below we will look at how they specifically relate to happenings in the world of sports and how they continue to transform the overall landscape of the industry for the better.
Popular Tech Trends That are Major Catalysts for Innovation in the Sports Industry
Barcelona FC’s famous home field, Camp Nou, was Europe’s first ever football stadium with dedicated 5G coverage
5G Technology
One of the most exciting tech progressions of the past decade is undoubtedly 5G technology. Nowadays it is an extremely lucrative business that is improving the fan experience in various stadiums across the globe.
Lightning-quick data speeds have made it possible for supporters to share live content to their socials, chat with friends via messenger, or even follow along with other faceoffs right from their seat with no connection issue whatsoever.
Sports facilities that support this are called “5G Connected Stadiums” and are exploding in popularity as of late. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a major stadium that is not racing to install the technology within their infrastructure. However, in-stadium connectivity is not the only effect of 5G on sports. Other experiences are also heightened, such as at-home broadcasting or streaming, and mobile navigation.
Popular Tech Trends That are Major Catalysts for Innovation in the Sports Industry
Data analytics serve the sports industry in a multitude of ways for both players and their supporters
Big Data
Access to large amounts of data is considered to be an invaluable resource today, especially in the sports industry. These analytics continue to aid in the recruitment and scouting processes of new athletic talent across leagues and have also been proven to improve live sports commentary, making game coverage even more compelling and entertaining.
Additionally, sports betting platforms have benefited from big data as online operators are better able to provide quick, accurate in-game and post-game information to their fans. As legal wagering sites continue to expand throughout different U.S. regions. In Arizona, for example, you can find a big offer of legal sport betting free bets available on desktop and mobile device. So now, more sports enthusiasts are given access to expert data that covers a wide range of professional sports. These outcomes are made more reliable thanks to analytics, placing the technology at the forefront of the industry’s future.
Big Data is also a major cornerstone that the Esports industry depends on for its functioning. After all, these unconventional sports competitions between professional video gamers rely on a complex infrastructure in order to run properly.
Virtual Reality
Next-generation VR headsets have been present on the scene for over ten years but, as with any technology, this trend has continued to develop rapidly, affecting the lives of fans and also professional athletes in big ways.
No longer do sports supporters need to worry about their games selling out or not being able to afford an in-stadium seat. Last August, the NBA announced a major partnership with top-selling VR brand Oculus so that their matchups can be featured in VR across a range of platforms, such as on PlayStation. This means that fans can watch Kevin Durant dunk in real-time without even having to get out of bed.
Fans of sports video games can adapt their favorite titles to VR as well so that they can play inside a more immersive setting rather than with the typical console platform. Even less popular sports games such as boxing, bowling and fishing are compatible with the technology.
However, these realistic courtside experiences and improved gameplay features are just the beginning. Another huge way in which VR is changing the sports environment is through athletic training. From baseball to football, basketball, tennis, and beyond, players are experiencing the benefits of the next-generation technology when it comes to improving their game.
For example, several notable franchises in the NFL and in college programs such as the Dallas Cowboys, Auburn University, New England Patriots, and University of Arkansas have utilized VR to practice throwing, run through defensive and offensive schemes, and better respond to opponents overall. Although it is not a substitute for real-life sessions, the addition of a simulated VR training experience is coming in handy, especially when it comes to strategies and playmaking.
Streaming Technology
The ability to watch games around-the-clock is also an invaluable aspect of fandom, and now that streaming technology has largely become mainstream, sports channels are realizing they may be the future. The fact is many supporters prefer free streaming services where they can view playoffs or regular-season games straight from their mobile or desktop rather than tuning in to traditional television broadcasters.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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