The priceless moments of being featured on the big screen during a ballgame is one fans do not forget easily.
The rush of excitement that erupts on-screen after realizing the camera crew made their pick creates a thrilling experience for fans — a reality that can’t be replicated from the comfort of home.
Digital signage, video walls, and display technology deliver unique and engaging experiences for sports fans, music lovers, and event-goers of all kinds.
This technology can add value in other ways too.
The ability to change content quickly grants venue staff more flexibility with messaging, branding, and advertising. This creates opportunities where it wouldn’t have been possible before with static alternatives.
Facilities managers charged with outfitting live event venues will see the value and convenience (and likely the ROI) of digital display technology before too long — most likely before next season when they have to rip down static signage and replace it.
In this blog post, learn the ways facilities managers for sports stadiums, concert halls, and other live event venues can integrate display technology to enhance customer experiences.
Display Technology Creates Experiences Fans Don’t Want to Miss
Adding to the list of competition of live event venues is the customer’s couch — a soft, comfortable place to stream content directly to a personal (albeit small) display.
The endless digital libraries of content online make it easy enough to stay in for the evening, instead of venturing out.
Facilities staff running live events must strive to make fans regret that decision by creating experiences that a smartphone cannot do justice.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., became one of the most advanced venues of its kind by incorporating more than 83,500 square feet of LED displays and other technology.
From top to bottom, the venue can show striking imagery to hype up fans, add value to sponsors and advertisers, and create the memorable experiences customers leave their couches for.
AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Fla., achieved a similar goal by revitalizing underutilized space in its venue. Management transformed an unused concrete plaza into an area fans flock too.
It’s now equipped with cylindrical LED displays built specifically for the space and an AV system that caters to hired DJs for a club atmosphere. The tech created an ambiance for the space that attracts fans and generates revenue.
Leave Static Signage Behind for Scalable Solutions
One of the most immediate ways digital display technology adds value to arenas is simply because it’s dynamic — not static. It allows for content to change frequently, without added cost. This type of flexibility empowers venue marketing and advertising staff to flex their creative muscles to develop deeper relationships with not only event sponsors, but with customers as well.
Event venues should consider digital signage for these applications:
Wayfinding — Help visitors navigate the building quickly.
Menu Boards — Deliver a better customer experience by reflecting the most accurate concessions.
Large Scoreboards — Create those memorable experiences for fans in between innings or during concerts by showing crowd reactions.
VIP Displays — Club suites and exclusive areas deserve experiences to match. Displays can showcase unique and tailored content to add value for visitors.
Virtual Reception or Kiosks — Fans today are used to transacting via their smartphones. Kiosks become a more natural way to access information at the venue.
Facilities staff must understand the needs of their customers to determine where and how to incorporate display technology that will add value to their experiences.
Among the best ways to understand the customer is to collect feedback and data to learn their preferences, use cases and expectations for the venue.
Do they want more interactive experiences? Do they struggle to navigate the facility? Are some concession lines consistently longer than others? Are they active on social media?
Collect data, pay attention to trends, and leverage this information to design a system that will best suit the needs of the venue and its customers.
Discontinue Stale Content, Your Fans Will Thank You
Famous venues create experiences for fans that nowhere else can. They facilitate the future memories and positive experiences that leave people longing to come back time and time again, whether it’s for another concert, game or show.
The venues succeeding in these areas have listened to their customers and deliver on expectation, including through modern means like display technology.
Even Chicago Cub’s home, Wrigley Field, which is over 100 years old, now features LED video walls. The venue management recognized it was time to deliver more engaging content to add value to fans’ experiences.
It’s important to discontinue stale content, and instead find ways to create experiences people will want to hold onto. Working with a partner like CommLink Integration, live event venue professionals can explore their options for introducing technical solutions to their stadiums, concert venues or convention centers.
Serving the Boston area, CommLink Integration specializes in display technology for venues of all kinds. Learn more about our services online today.
**Image courtesy of Daktronics