B.J. Vander Linden, chief information officer at Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment, which oversees properties such as the Utah Jazz NBA basketball team and Vivint Smart Home Arena, has predicted that augmented reality will be commonplace in sports arenas in the coming years.
Vivint Smart Home Arena is the home of the Jazz and is currently undergoing a $125m (£98.6m/€111.7m) renovation project.
Upgrades to the arena will include the installation of an array of solar panels and digital technology enhancements such as high-speed internet and cloud-based technology.
Another future feature at the venue could be augmented reality, with Vander Linden viewing such technology as a means to significantly enhance the in-arena fan experience.
Connected platform
In an interview with the SportTechie website, Vander Linden said: “Augmented reality within a connected platform will be the norm (over the next 20 years).
“People will watch the game from their seat in the arena with multiple screen overlays on the game and off to the side showing everything from body movement measurements to statistical details to projected movement patterns.
“Fans will be able to see different camera angles from their single seat, and will have things activate as they look at them.”
He added: “Twelve months might be a bit early, but those out front will begin to deploy it in sales, marketing, and potentially arena operations roles.
“Teams will begin looking at ways to bring new experiences to the fans, and AR is the best way to provide those capabilities without significant facility investments.”
Image: Leonard Low
