NFL has gained more global success compared to the NHL. Sports technology is already an intrinsic part of the league. NFL is one of the leagues that’s adopting the latest technology at a fast rate in the world. Players, coaches, front desk personnel, officials and even fans are leveraging technology.
The trends in sports technology are evolving and improving games just like every other sector. It’s changing how teams engage with fans and vice versa. The wireless stadium is no longer a strange concept as nearly every stadium has joined the bandwagon.
The latest trend is smart stadiums which are emerging in developed countries. This stadium of the future will be powered by AI and IoT. They are bound to feature self-driving cars apart from the new tech manufacturers incorporate in the latest cars.
How Technology is Transforming the NFL
1. Assisting referees
NFL referees handle daunting tasks. Technology solutions are helping the league to make things easier. For instance, Microsoft Surface tablets are used to view replays. This assist referees to get their calls right.
2. Leveraging and analyzing data in real-time
NFL officials have been taking advantage of big data since the mid-1960s. The former Dallas Cowboys GM, Tex Schramm, and Gil Brandt relied on computers during their tenure. Technology can help to evaluate the players’ performance.
Online betting requires in-game information. Fans can place NFL odds at 888 NJ via mobile apps. Given this, it’s imperative to provide fans with data in real-time.
3. Promoting better teams
Every successful team in the NFL depends on data to a large extent. With the latest technology advancements, teams can scout players, design a succinct catalog of plays and break down offenses and defenses. More so, the teams can come up with superb strategies.
The latest innovations like VR and fitness trackers often come in handy to keep players fit. The pre and post-game recovery processes are faster with treatment methods like acupressure and soft tissue massage.
The NFL is concerned about the players’ safety. This led to the introduction of sophisticated helmets in 2017. Players have unrestricted access to tablets for improving their strategies after analyzing data.
4. Providing an immersive and personalized fan experience
Many teams keep investing their time and resources to build a better relationship with fans. Chatbots and voice technology assist fans to get solutions to problems instantly.
The latest sports tech trends are not meant for just the league and players alone. The benefits have extended to their ever-growing fan base all over the world. This is not surprising because a significant percentage of fans are up-to-date with the latest technological trends.
They can enjoy an exciting experience whether they are at home at the stadium. For instance, Levi’s Stadium provides fan-friendly functions for discovering short restroom lines. Besides, fans have the opportunity to order food without leaving their seats.
Another way that technology is improving the experience of NBA fans is through relevant and personalized content. Fans have an insatiable hunger for fresh content and teams continue to roll them out on their websites and mobile apps.
AR and VR are placing millions of fans inside a near-real experience of games where they can interact with the 3D realm.
Despite all these developments, the NFL is yet to embrace some technology like goal-line tech and it still uses chains for measuring yardage. There are speculations that it’s only a matter of time before the league employs these trends.
There are untapped potentials when it comes to technology in the sports landscape. As time goes on, the NFL will use sensors to determine first downs and embed pressure sensors in gloves. Teams that collaborate with experts will make a huge difference in the long run.
