How AI enhances fan experience
AI has revolutionized the sports industry and one of the main reasons is because it has improved the fan experience and how spectators not only watch a game but also feel inside of it. AI is capable of transforming fans from spectators and consumers to active participants of the show, and this is very important because it brings a lot of value and helps clubs to generate more revenue and benefit from it.
One of the best improvements AI has brought is the smart stadiums, designed to maximize fans' experience and feel an immersive scenario. Some features that we can find in stadiums that use AI and IoT (Internet of Things) are facial recognition, which facilitates access to the stadium and enhances the safety measures. Some stadiums in the US already include this feature and have made a great difference. People upload a portrait picture of them and the barcode of the ticket some days before the game so when accessing the stadium AI automatically recognises them and makes the entrance faster.
Another feature that smart stadiums include is AI-Assistance, based on chatbots that guide people with their doubts such as ticket information and game-day updates. These chatbots are programmed to provide the best assistance to the fans. A good example of it is Arsenal’s chatbot, called Robert Pirès (a nod to a former legend of the football team). The fans are able to talk to it through Telegram, Facebook, Skype, and they can ask anything about next matches, statistics of players and previous games and more. This helps the club to increase fan engagement and improves the fan experience.
AI also has impacted how fans watch content, based on their preferences. AI uses Machine Learning (ML) to track what people watch, what sports they like and even how they watch them (full game, highlights…). Therefore, online streaming platforms are able to offer tailored content to their customers based on their preferences, like specific highlights of a game or a player the customer likes, different camera angles or even certain duration (short/long format) videos depending on customer preferences.
Amazon Prime is an example of how AWS uses AI to offer personalized football content for the Thursday Night Football Broadcast. Based on previous games watched and past viewing history, AI is able to create highlight reels to each viewer. AI adjusts content in real-time to keep the customer engaged with the content on streaming.
Another real case of AI application is what Fox News does with NFL broadcasts. They use AR (Augmented Reality) to show extra information during the game such as players stats, win probability, fun facts about the game, weather updates, among others. This feature is used to increase the viewer engagement with the game.
AI is improving fan experience in all ways, making real experiences safer and more enjoyable but also for those fans who are at home watching the game online streaming platforms. AI is able to provide information in real-time but also to gather data to later offer tailored experiences to the customer. AI is definitely a game-changer for those who want to provide the best experience and increase fan engagement. And now, what do you think about these innovative features AI has brought to the sports industry?
Written by: Joel Santamaria
References:
Mons, J. K. (2021, 17 march). 8 Great Ways How AI Will Impact Fan Engagement – Sport Tomorrow. Sport Tomorrow. https://sporttomorrow.com/8-ways-how-ai-will-greatly-impact-fan-engagement/
There are many ways that the development of AI will affect different parts of society, but of course it will also affect sports. I think it is positive to bring in AI when the purpose is to enhance the viewers' experience. It shows that the sports industry is also keeping up with the development of new technology.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment! It is interesting indeed how AI has revolutionized so much the industry.
Delete(Joel Tejeda)
ReplyDeleteGreat Article!
What do you believe are the next significant advancements in AI that could further enhance the fan experience in sports, and how might these innovations change the way fans engage with their favorite teams and events?
Thanks for your question, I think the next step with AI is related to feeling the game ever closer and more inside of it. When we are at home we are often checking social media with the game on the screen but also on the stadium the game can get boring. I think AI is going to make us more focused on the game all time and enhance our concentration on it.
DeleteGreat post! AI is really transforming the fan experience, making it more interactive and personal. From smart stadiums with facial recognition to chatbots like Arsenal’s Robert Pirès, fans feel more connected to the game. Also, tailored content based on viewing habits adds an extra touch. Do you think these AI-driven features will soon be a standard in all sports?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, yes AI drives features are going to be expanded to other sports but the time of adoption of these features depends on the money ability of each sport and how famous is that sport. The biggest sports are going to adapt it sooner than the underdogs.
DeleteGreat article! I think AI is really changing how we experience sports, both in the stadium and at home. The idea of smart stadiums with things like facial recognition and chatbots makes everything easier and more exciting for fans. I love how platforms like Amazon Prime and Fox use AI to give personalized content, however, do you think AI will keep improving the fan experience, or is there a limit to how much technology can enhance sports?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, this just has started and AI is the future of fan experience, we cannot imagine the new features that will be adapted into the game and it will happen sooner that we can even think of.
DeleteGood article! I had not knowledge there were that much of AI services already functioning on sports. As you said in the article the main goal is to improve the fans experience, but with all the technology implemented on TV or internet platforms to watch the games with all the analysis. Which do you think is more fan engaging, seeing the game through TV with all the new innovative AI analysis support implemented or going to the stadium to feel the game?
ReplyDeleteThank you, really good question, I think being in the stadium is the best experience one can have and nothing ever will change that. However, not everyone that is watching a game can fit in the stadium or cannot afford it, that is why they watch the game through TV and AI features will still be improving fan experience inside and outside the stadium.
DeleteVioleta Pons- AI is making sports more engaging and accessible. However, it's important to ensure that these advancements are used ethically and responsibly to maintain the integrity of the sport. In our blog we also have a blog explaining the technology revolution in terms of sports managment!!! Check it!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, yes ethics related to AI have arisen some concerns and this has to be further discussed to ensure that we use the best part of AI and avoid future problems.
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