Location-Based Stadium Notifications: The Future of Fan Engagement

Undoubtedly, fans flock to modern-day stadium events not only because of their love of a particular game, entertainer, or speaker. People are also drawn to stadiums in search of adventure and the excitement live events provide. This is particularly true for younger audiences who prioritize the overall experiential value stadiums offer. 

In recent years, technology has played a central role in keeping event attendees engaged and looking forward to returning again and again. In addition to high-tech stadium mainstays such as digital scoreboards and massive video screens that amplify the visual appeal of the experience, more and more stadiums are choosing to use location-based technology which allows attendees to download an app for a seamless blue-dot navigation experience taking them from the parking lot to their seats, and anywhere else in the stadium they would like to go. These technologies empower attendees to feel engaged and focused on the event they traveled to see. 

These transformative location-based technologies – such as the innovative hardware-free platform by Mapsted – offer so much more to stadium attendees than just navigation, however.  Location-based tech can also offer real-time and even contextualized intelligent notifications directly to their smartphones. Intelligent notifications are distinctly different from ordinary pop-up messages, as the latter can be more invasive. However, by utilizing contextual rules, ordinary notifications can deliver a better fan experience at an individual level.

An intelligent notification system is capable of identifying fans’ whereabouts, and sensing when they reach a critical decision point. The keyword to this approach is ‘context’, as contextualized notifications offer several benefits, including:

• Tailored messaging
• Enhanced retention
• Real-time data collection
• Improved conversion rates

How Do Location-Based Stadium Notifications Enhance The Stadium Experience?

Geographically targeted alerts and information have become immensely popular at international sporting venues. This technology is helping people stay informed and connected to their surroundings, more than ever. 

Here are three key points that demonstrate how location-based notifications are pivotal to bringing back the stadium craze:

1. Safety and Security

Imagine visitors being in a packed stadium during an emergency – it can be chaotic and overwhelming. However, with the use of location-based notifications, fans can be promptly alerted to any potential dangers and given precise instructions on how to stay out of harm’s way and find the nearest exits. By leveraging this technology, stadiums can greatly enhance their safety measures and ensure that every attendee feels secure and protected while enjoying their stadium experience.

2. Personalization

Location-based notifications allow stadiums to tailor their communications and engage with fans in humanized ways. With visitor data, notification messages are easier to customize around specific interests and preferences. Fans can receive updates on upcoming event schedules, gameplay stats, and other relevant information, creating a truly holistic experience that fosters a deeper connection with the stadium.

3. Convenience

Imagine fans being able to know exactly how long the line is at the concession stand or whether the restroom is available, without having to physically check or waste their precious time. Location-based notifications make it possible to receive real-time updates and information that are tailored to fans, helping them stay in the know at all times.

Benefits for Operators

Location-based notifications in stadiums are not only to visitors, but also serve as a cutting-edge marketing tool for stadium operators to increase ticket sales, generate revenue from concessions, and customize the experience to bridge any existing gaps. Notifications can:

Mitigate Crowd Management Risks

Stadium management can send real-time alerts to people in overcrowded areas to optimize space use and prevent potential disasters. By doing so, visitors can stay informed about the stadium’s activity and follow safety instructions accurately, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Increase Revenue

Businesses and venues that adopt location-based notifications can unlock significant revenue potential through targeted promotions, special offers, and merchandise sales. With the power of contextually relevant notifications, stadiums can improve their sales and marketing efforts and create personalized experiences that sometimes go beyond the stadium walls.

Offer Data-Driven Insights

Analytics data from location-based notifications can be used to analyze the behavior and preferences of visitors, providing valuable insights for stadium operators. These insights can then be leveraged to develop new strategies for improving accessibility, safety, engagement, and operation. 

Lessen Promotional Costs and Ecological Footprint

By using location-based notifications, stadium operators can slash their marketing costs dramatically, eliminating the need for excessive printed materials and improving their bottom line. This cutting-edge approach to fan engagement also elevates the overall stadium experience.

Overcoming Challenges and Considering Implications

While location-based notifications can offer many benefits for stadium operators, there are also several potential barriers and considerations to keep in mind:

Training and staffing

To ace the game of location-based notifications, stadium operators need to ensure that their staff is well-trained in using these systems effectively. After all, a well-trained team is a key to a winning strategy. Additionally, stadium operators must be ready to provide top-notch support to fans who may have concerns or run into technical issues. By doing so, they can make sure that fans have a seamless and hassle-free experience from start to finish. With a solid game plan in place, stadium operators can hit the ball out of the park and deliver a stadium experience that fans will never forget.

Privacy concerns

As stadium operators gear up to make use of location data to enhance the fan experience, it’s important to remember that collecting such data could raise eyebrows over privacy concerns. The last thing fans want is to find out that their location data is being shared with third-party vendors or advertisers without their knowledge or consent. To avoid a fumble, stadium operators must be transparent about their data collection practices and ensure that fans give their consent before collecting and utilizing their valuable data.

Integration with existing systems

Getting location-based notifications up and running may take a bit of elbow grease. Stadium operators need to be prepared to integrate these notifications with existing stadium systems, such as ticketing and concession sales. This means working closely with vendors and suppliers to make sure that everything is compatible and can communicate seamlessly with one another. While it may be a challenge to get all the pieces to fit together, stadium operators who take the time to do it right can expect a winning strategy that delivers an unparalleled fan experience.

Balancing notifications

While notifications can be a new spin to enhancing the fan experience, stadium operators need to be mindful not to overdo it. Bombarding fans with too many notifications can leave them feeling frustrated and detract from their overall experience. To avoid a penalty, stadium operators should be strategic about when and how often they send notifications. They must ensure that notifications are relevant, timely, and useful to fans. By doing so, they can score big points with fans and deliver an unforgettable stadium experience.

Technical limitations

Winning the game of location-based notifications in large stadiums can be quite a challenge. Poor connectivity and unreliable location data can easily put stadium operators in a tight spot. To make sure they don’t drop the ball, stadium operators may need to equip themselves with robust location technology to guarantee that location data is accurate and up-to-date. It may be a steep investment, but it’s a small price to pay for a winning strategy that delivers an exceptional fan experience.

The Mapsted Advantage

Are you feeling intimidated by the challenges of implementing location-based notifications in your stadium? Don’t worry, there’s help! Canada’s very own location technology expert, Mapsted, can help you take the field with confidence. With our cutting-edge location-based solution, you can facilitate real-time notifications for both fans and operational staff. Our solution is tried-and-true, secure, and easy to integrate, making it the perfect investment for stadiums looking to level up their game. So, why not let Mapsted help you hit a home run with your stadium experience?

Unlike all new technologies that present some challenges, Mapsted allows seamless integration and agile deployment without hardware or network. Our technology is the perfect alternative in all contexts:

1. QR codes: QR codes offer a powerful tool for enabling location-based alerts. By scanning QR codes located at specific sites, stadium goers can activate targeted notifications that have been precisely linked to the code.
2. Infrared sensors: With the widespread use of infrared sensors, it’s possible to detect the presence of stadium users by picking up on their body heat or movement. Once they come within range of an infrared sensor, location-based notifications can be automatically triggered to create a highly personalized and responsive experience.
3. Magnetic fields: Unlocking a user’s location can also be accomplished through the use of magnetic fields. Placing magnetic sensors at targeted locations enables the detection of a user’s proximity to that point, activating location-based notifications whenever they are within the sensor’s range.

Mapsted‘s dynamic platform is more than just an intelligent solution – it’s a technological masterpiece that allows you to invest in a vision for the future. With endless possibilities at your fingertips, Mapsted’s innovation is a smart choice that keeps you fully engaged in the evolution of location-based technology. 

If you enjoyed learning about location-based notifications and how Mapsted can help high-tech stadiums flourish, you may enjoy this short video, as well as another blog on elevating the fan experience.