FSM
Features
wows Football Fans Throughout Europe
By Brad Grimes, AVIXA
Across Europe, stadia are adding audiovisual (AV) technologies to create exciting and meaningful in-person experiences that help drive ticket sales in an era when most fans have large, ultra-high-definition televisions. According to Dave Manica, President of Manica Architectures, which specializes in sports and entertainment venues, the fan experience has become a core component of designing a new stadium’s architecture and technology systems. “The fans are now at the top of the list
when it comes to considerations during the design phase of a new stadium,” Manica says. “The fan experience is driving many design decisions, such as their view of the game, the ways they can interact with the experience, and what they could be doing when they’re not watching the game. We’re thinking about how to make the overall stadium experience
as personal and as engaging as possible.” Manica has observed the stadium
industry’s shift toward integrating more AV technologies over the past 24 years, while working on projects including Inter Milan and San Paolo Stadiums in Italy and the redesign of famed Wembley Stadium in London. He notes that modern society offers more entertainment options than ever before, and stadium owners recognize they must provide more value than simply providing a place to view a sporting event. “Fans have lots of competing options today
for their time and money, and making a trip out to see a sporting event can be an all-day affair,” Manica explains. “That’s fine, but when you consider what fans are spending in terms of time and money, the game itself often isn’t enough of a return. AV technologies are now a core component of the plans we discuss with stadium owners, because such installations add a new level of excitement to the fan experience, which encourages repeat visits and ticket sales.”
Prepping AV for Euro 2020
At Glasgow’s Hampden Park, Scotland’s national football stadium and home of the Scottish Football Association (FA), the team installed what it proudly claims are the largest in-stadium LED displays in the country. The installation of the two 5.5-metre-
by-19.8-metre, 13mm pixel-pitch displays is part of the organisation’s plan to improve the stadium infrastructure and enhance the spectator experience in the runup to
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its part in hosting the UEFA EURO 2020. “The screens are simply awesome, but
also an integral part of making the Hampden match day a more interactive experience for fans,” says Scottish FA Chief Executive Stewart Regan. “They also create new advertisement and engagement opportunities for participating clubs, the Scottish FA itself and our sponsors and partners.” The displays are located at opposite ends
of the stadium and either display a single content feed or they’re split into multiple “windows” that display separate feeds. Currently, programmed content includes 3D animated graphics, social media feeds, a variety of live video feeds, instant replays, up-to-the-minute statistics and sponsorship messages. According to Hampden Park Ltd. Managing
Director Peter Dallas, “The displays really enhance spectator experience as they add terrific color and vibrancy to the stadium. With more display space, we’re able to share more digital content than before to bring our brands to life and provide more information for spectators. Providing new player introductions and animated graphics helps to enhance key moments of the game, giving those moments more of an impact for our spectators.”
Flipping the Script With A Rotating Display
At Carrow Road stadium, home of Norwich City Football, a new 45-square-metre high- resolution display is wowing football fans
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