Football Ground Map
Football Ground Map
The sophistication of home media electronics is increasingly making it attractive for sports fans to enjoy games and other events at the comfort of their couches. However, stadiums are fighting back by investing in technologies that enhance and streamline the fan experience, enticing them to get out of their living room and into the stands.
Between now and 2030, sports teams are expected to invest over $10 billion in developing modern stadiums featuring different innovations. In the NBA, the LA Clippers are building their $1.2 billion stadia, while NFL's Buffalo Bills are looking to develop a new stadium for $1.3 billion. The Chicago Bears are also spending $197 million to buy land that will eventually host their home stadium.
With major sports leagues having secured global media revenue, teams are looking to increase their revenue in other areas. Revamped and new stadiums are a great way to achieve that as they can attract more fans to watch games, get sponsorship deals and lucrative naming rights. There's also the potential of real estate play, with sports franchises like the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Braves using their new arenas to anchor massive real-estate projects.
In the last two decades, the sports industry has grown tremendously in different ways. For a start, there are a good number of online bookies like Betway mobile sportsbook, where punters can wager on all their favorite sports. Teams have also found ways to maximize their arena revenue using larger corporate suites and general admission seating.
Sports industry experts predict that clubs will invest in smaller venues, with areas for TV viewers and in-arena spectators. The idea behind that is to offer fans some unique experiences like those offered on Betway, and not only drive the total number of fans in the stands.
To entice fans to attend games, major sports teams are continually leveraging seating experiences such as the NFL's field-level suites. For instance, the Texas Rangers gave put in new seating options in the $1.2 billion ballpark, including two field-level lounges and on-field suites.
According to the owner of the New York Islanders Jon Ledecky, sports franchises are competing with 80-inch TVs in living rooms. That's why all new arenas must give fans a reason to get into a car and go watch events. However, fans will only visit stadiums if they can get a first-class experience at the sports events.
To understand what future experiences for sports fans will look like, check out the Madison Square Garden and the New York Knicks' project in Las Vegas. The Madison Square Garden Sphere is a $1.8 billion entertainment center that will feature various innovations to allow the spectators to hear the concerts in various languages and a vibrating floor.
Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena is another impressive project, hosting NHL's Kraken franchise. Sports executives have praised the franchise's new home, noting that the arena is carbon neutral and is significantly powered by solar. As such, you can expect to see more commitment towards sanitization and carbon-neutral efforts going forward.
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