Signal 2: Smart Venues: Using Internet of Things Technology to Operate Stadiums Better
Nowadays, for fans of sports games or pop stars, stadiums are becoming less attractive compared to other online platforms though smart TVs or smartphones. This is because fans will face diverse problems, including traffic congestion on the way to stadium, parking difficulties, getting through security with paper tickets, ordering concessions, and getting out of stadium in the end. Instead, sitting at home and watching concerts or sports games through mobile terminals are more comfortable and enjoyable experiences.
Fortunately, AT&T, Nokia and IBM are all working on Internet of Things technology to achieve Smart Venues, in order to make fans’ stadium experiences less troublesome and more engaging. The following picture clearly shows how future Smart Venues work and what benefits they will bring. Through high speed Internet, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), Smart Venues can provide fans with engaging digital interactive experiences. Customers’ safety is maximized by video analytics. In addition, better queue line designs and e-tickets reduce waiting time, improving parking and concession efficiencies.
Thus, Smart Venues can bring old fans back and attract new fans to stadiums. More customers mean more revenues for event organizers. More importantly, innovations in Smart Venues can benefit Smart Cities to a larger scale. However, when focusing on smart venues and cities development, people should pay attention to cybersecurity due to prevalent cyberattacks.
Source: Teale, C., & Gibbons, S. (2018, September 10). Sustainable, Connected and Livable Cities | Smart Cities Dive. How smart venues make smarter cities | Smart Cities Dive. Retrieved September 23, 2018, from http://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/smart-venues-make-smarter-cities/531243/
