SMT to boost fan engagement at Super Bowl LII 

The NFL’s popular Next Gen Stats data feed is getting a boost with real-time data delivery and graphics solutions firm SportsMEDIA Technology (SMT) for Super Bowl LII at the U.S. Bank Stadium.

For the championship game this Sunday in Minneapolis, SMT is providing a new version of the NFL’s Next Gen Stats data feed unique to the game, offering fans real-time content not available on broadcasts.

SMT’s in-stadium production combines in-game stats that are displayed on the stadium’s two massive video boards, as well as 2,000 in-concourse HD video displays.

U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings, boasts 31,000 square feet of video boards, including the west end zone display at 120- by-68 feet high, and the east end zone display at 88- by 51-feet high.

The 65,000 fans at Super Bowl LII will be presented with real-time team and player data, ranging from positional information (Who’s on the field?) to game leaders (Who’s the fastest on the field today? Who’s had the longest plays today?) and quarterback passing grids (How has this QB fared in these zones today?).

“As an organisation, the Minnesota Vikings constantly look for innovative strategies that provide the best fan experience possible, and SMT’s in-stadium solution is the perfect complement to our new video boards,” said Allen Wertheimer, senior manager of production for the Vikings.

“For years, we’ve heard from fans that they want the same innovative technology in-stadium that they get at home. Now, with SMT’s presentation of the virtual 1st and Ten system and the NFL’s Next Gen Stats on the video boards, we can offer them in-game stats they wouldn’t get watching from home.”

We're making @SuperBowl history @usbankstadium! https://t.co/le7zOOtPmO #YellowFirstDownLine #NextGenStats #SuperBowl #sportstech 🏈 pic.twitter.com/W0IBPhMBWV

— SMT (@SMTlive) January 31, 2018

Ben Grafchik, SMT’s business development manager, said: “In anticipation of creating the ultimate Game Day experience for Super Bowl fans at U.S. Bank Stadium, we have worked diligently all season with the Vikings and the NFL to provide in-stadium 1st & Ten graphics and NFL’s Next Gen Stats, giving fans the real-time data they’re hungry for, such as positional information, game leaders, and quarterback passing.

“We are confident that our execution will provide quantifiable and unique data points that truly highlight the skills inherent in elite NFL athletes.”