With many covid-19 restrictions in the rear-view mirror in the u.s., stadiums are once again filled with the sounds of cheering fans. However, the hiatus from in-person interaction has had an impact on both fans and stadium operators. For fans, irritations like long lines at the gates, ticket counters and concession stands can more easily diminish their enthusiasm for the live experience, especially when it can be easier to just plop down in front of the large-screen tv at home. For stadium operators, staffing shortages are making it harder to deliver the high degree of customer service fans expect. Maintaining a safe environment despite a smaller security force and preserving network cybersecurity despite thousands of fans tapping into wifi to post their selfies are just some of the other worries keeping management awake at night.
While integrating more technology into the operation isn’t the panacea for every stadium challenge, it can help leaner operations run more efficiently and sustain the fun atmosphere that keeps fans coming back.