Doha: The sports industry has always been at the forefront of innovation; players, athletes and the teams around them are constantly finding new ways to be faster, stronger and fitter than those that have come before.
But the advent of new technologies such as cloud, 5G and virtual reality (VR) has meant that the experience for fans has also digitally transformed. And, according to recent research from Oracle, this is a welcome change, with 64% of fans wanting to engage with their beloved sports teams in the metaverse, and 42% wanting to use their fingerprint, rather than a ticket, to enter a stadium or a sports arena.
So what should you look out for at your next match? Here’s four ways that tech is powering your favourite sports today:
1. Virtual experiences
Several sports are taking advantage of augmented reality (AR) and VR technology to enable fans to join in with the action on the field, track or court. In 2019, Qatar hosted the first-ever live 5G and 360-broadcast to take place in the region at the Arabian Gulf Cup. Wearing a VR headset means you can experience lifelike immersive experiences whilst sitting in the comfort of your own home; whether that’s a 360-degree view from the penalty box or standing next to a holographic presenter doing live interviews on the pitch.
2. Next-gen stadiums
Stadiums are now so high-tech that they fit right into the smart cities many of us are living in today. Investing in 5G connectivity in stadiums ensures more reliable communications for fans — no more losing mobile signal when you enter the ground. For organisers, enhanced network connectivity has automated many stadium operations, and improved crowd safety management through connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as CCTV cameras, security robotics and sensors placed around the building.
3. Smart decision-making
One of the most controversial developments in recent years has been the deployment of sensors and other monitoring equipment to aid refereeing, with this use of technology dividing fans worldwide. But for referees and umpires, this tech unlocks a whole range of new data for decision making purposes, that they previously would not have had access to. For instance, the likes of goal-line technology and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has, for some, made football pitches a fairer place for all – but do you agree?!
4. Streamlining broadcasting
With data usage skyrocketing in stadiums, 5G technology can open up a world of real-time broadcasting with ultra-low latency and high bandwidth. With 5G, sports clubs are able to stream their events like never before, such as live streaming from referee cameras during the game, live drone views, and content in other formats, such as 3D or 360 video. This means that even if you can’t make it to the game, you can still enjoy the action as soon as it happens.
