5G Seamless Connectivity Delivers New Venue Experiences   

What does the future look like for a spectator? A vendor? A performer or athlete? It is seamless, engaging, and Smart. How is this possible? It is achieved by collecting real-time data and responding to insights promptly. And as more people attend events, venue management must deliver enhanced experiences for everyone. 5G seamless connectivity can make that happen.

5G technology accelerates connectivity with digital everything, mobile enterprise computing and the increased adoption of AI that drives powerful insights and experiences. With technologies like private networks, edge computing, AR, AI and ML, large-scale complexes can transform into Smart venues by adding value to fans, vendors and management. With the growing demand for personalized experiences and the increased adoption of data insights and connectivity, now is the perfect time for facilities to elevate the fan experience and 5G has the power to revolutionize the entire event value chain.

The Challenges for Many Entertainment Facilities

Demand for events is higher than ever. Larger crowds pose new challenges like crowd navigation, premise management¸ service and vending that match the increased demand. While attending events, fans want and expect the same quality of network performance and seamless experiences that have become the norm.

But despite the growing popularity of events, the fan experience at most events has remained about the same due to the limitations of existing infrastructure. Existing connectivity is a mix of ethernet, Wi-Fi and cellular networks constrained by low bandwidth support. The existing connectivity infrastructure limits the ability to modernize facility management and experiences. And while this infrastructure will continue to play a role, 5G is required to make premises more efficient, productive, and profitable.

New 5G Technology Changes the Experience for Everyone

Imagine pedestrian traffic management with real-time information on crowd flow displayed on digital signage. And access to high-definition 360-degree video coverage of the event from novel locations, all designed to enhance the fan experience. But this doesn’t end there. Vendors can promote merchandise and refreshments stores that are portable and scalable. Fans can purchase unique merchandise from their seats and pick it up at various convenient locations, increasing efficiency and sales.

These scenarios and more are all possible with 5G seamless connectivity that can make venues more efficient, productive and profitable. It can improve everything from operations management to fan experiences that keep them coming back. 5G, private networks, edge computing and new technologies like LiDar, AR, AI and ML will make this possible.

• Private networks are dedicated cellular networks that provide low latency, high throughput, and seamless connectivity for critical use cases like operations, merchandising, fan experience and security. Using private networks allows operators to provide robust coverage and manage connectivity needs from security, operations and the devices of thousands of visitors. The real-time data on private networks fed from thousands of connected IoT devices throughout the facility can streamline operations like automating heating, cooling, and lighting based on capacity and predictive maintenance alerts. Data and insights help reduce maintenance costs, drive revenue, streamline operations, and enhance the fan experience.
• Edge computing can transform the fan experience by putting real-time data at the edge, so latency dramatically improves. For example, real-time information on parking availability, bathroom and concession lines displayed on digital signage or pushed to mobile apps, reduces friction for fan navigation. Intelligent analytics can suggest merchandise and special offers based on fan purchase history with “quick click” purchases from seats and streamlined merchandise pickup. It can also improve the fan experience by allowing fans to point their device anywhere and get unique views from multiple angles. For example, at Super Bowl LVI, fans could see live action from seven camera angles.
• New technology like LiDar, AR, AI and ML collects various data and provides access to near real-time analysis for better decisions. Vendors can adjust on-the-fly by adding pop-up stores in response to fan traffic flow. Facility management can utilize real-time data and predictive analytics to automate equipment and maintenance to improve sustainability goals.

5G Connectivity Offers Improvements for Everyone

With technology getting mature and accessible, any facility can become connected and Smart. 5G technology can help facilities offer revolutionary experiences, improving everything from talent performance to operations management, creating new revenue streams and delighting fans with experiences that keep them coming back.

Digital solutions, data and 5G connectivity elevate the experience for venue operators to improve the fan experience, drive sustainability and benefit the many small businesses inside at an event. But putting it all together may require help from experts that have connected large enterprises. System Integrators bring expertise and experience in 5G private networks, IoT, edge computing and new technologies like LiDar, AR, VR, AI and ML, which are essential in Smart operations transformation. 

Lourdes Charles
Global Leader, 5G Connectivity Practice Head

Lourdes focuses on building cutting-edge solutions that enable clients across multiple industries to build a competitive edge and achieve their connectivity ambitions.

Anchal Sardana
Global Leader, Digital Solution Architect

Anchal directs engineering business development activities for CSPs, NEPs and enterprises across the globe by driving innovative and unique offerings and solutions.