[An interview with Henry Kim, a senior at Walnut Grove Secondary. Photo Credit: Hayden You]

The LA Clippers have invested $2 billion into a new halo-shaped dome, leveraging AI technology to elevate fan engagement and the overall experience.

The NBA club’s new dome has AI-powered biometric concessions which streamline purchases and reduce waiting times. Additionally, the arena’s 270-degree Halo board provides an immersive viewing experience from every seat.

This groundbreaking use of technology marks a new era in sports where technology, fan engagement, and entertainment come together to form the best experience for the fans.

Sports teams across various disciplines are now aiming to incorporate new technologies into their sporting experiences for the fans to engage better with their team.

The sports market in North America is booming, with forecasts projecting growth to $71.5 billion by 2018, up from $67 billion in 2016.

Despite this, fan loyalty is more crucial than ever, as audiences today have a wide array of entertainment options at their fingertips.

This means that teams can’t rely solely on winning games to attract and keep fans.

To maximize their return on investment (ROI), sports organizations must expand their audience and personalize the fan experience.

One key way they can do this is through technology, especially by utilizing big data to analyze fan behavior.

Teams can gather information from ticket sales, TV viewership, and even data that fans willingly provide through apps.

A recent notable example of this was in Formula 1, as they gave fans access to detailed statistics through their app, which appeals to fans who love analyzing performance metrics.

Another significant trend in sports is the rise of over-the-top (OTT) streaming services; as many fans are shifting away from traditional TV, OTT services have allowed fans to watch games on their devices whenever and wherever they want.

In response, sports broadcasters are launching their own OTT platforms–a recent example is the partnership between the NFL and Twitter, which allows fans to stream games on their smartphones, tablets, and TVs.

Second-screen apps, using multiple devices simultaneously while watching games to look up information, have also become very popular with fans, allowing them to place bets and share their thoughts online, which all-in-all improves engagement with their team.

In an interview with Henry Kim, an avid sports fan, he discusses how the sports industry is evolving.

He states, “The key to engagement in sports is understanding what fans want.”

“Sports organizations can continue to grow their fan base in today’s fast-paced entertainment world if they embrace technology in a way that allows fans to stay engaged.”

Henry Kim also provides insight into his role as a fan engagement expert, “I explore how sports fans globally are engaging with their favorite events, particularly in the context of technological advancements.”

One IBM study showed that younger fans, particularly those aged 18-29, are leaning heavily toward mobile and digital platforms for their sports content, which Henry has taken notice of recently.

He further adds, “Younger fans are more likely to prioritize AI-enhanced features and expect a more personalized experience. In contrast, older fans, especially those over 45, still prefer traditional methods like linear broadcasting.”

It seems that younger demographics are more interested in real-time updates and personalized content, while older audiences are typically used to a low level of engagement and personalization.

To add to this, Henry Kim has found that fans are gravitating towards shorter, more digestible content; “Over half of the respondents use social media for additional sports content, with a strong preference for highlight videos and summaries. It's all about getting the best moments quickly and efficiently.”

Furthermore, engagement in sports comes from all angles, as younger fans will often use multiple devices to watch games.

Kim states, “Using multiple devices allows young fans to enhance their viewing experience, whether it’s by finding more information or following multiple games simultaneously.”

Finally, Henry Kim looks towards the future of technology and engagement in sports.

He mentions, “As younger fans continue to dominate the sports landscape, broadcasters and partners will need to adapt by offering innovative, tech-driven solutions that meet their expectations for personalization and engagement.”

“We will see a rise in sports teams focusing on integrating technology into their offerings, which will likely include real-time updates, personalized content, and leveraging data analytics.”

It seems that AI technology has firmly embedded itself across many industries, with sports being no exception.

As younger generations demand more–more data, more content, and more personalization, it is up to sports teams and brands worldwide to rise to the challenge and meet these newfound demands.