As 2020’s Super Bowl approaches, there’s more than just snacks and pigskin on our minds. Consider how much technology is involved in putting on the Super Bowl, and you’ll begin to contemplate the role of IT in such a massive, national event.
While the jury is out on how expensive it is to host the Super Bowl, there’s no doubt that IT counts for an enormous chunk of that expense. And IT is not just about keeping the WiFi going in the stadium or making sure security personnel’s devices stay on. It extends nationwide with providers of all shapes and sizes ensuring their networks are up for the U.S.’s most popular game day.
In honor of the 54th Super Bowl, we’ve put together a list of 54 ways IT is involved with the production and theatrics of the game. Let us know if you can think of any others!
- NFL headquarters network security
- Security cameras transmissions
- Up-to-date phone systems
- Disaster recovery plan such as network and service restoration
- Broadcasting and transmission via disaster recovery plan execution
- Power outage backup plan
- Data security in case of potential downtime
- Multiple device connectivity (phone, to computer, to monitor)
- Clock controller tech to manage and control the scoreboard clock, all the digital media that’s running the game, and the broadcast clock
- Camera connectivity between instant replay software and NFL headquarters in New York
- Exhaustive wiring for connectivity
- Firewalls, switching, and network racks
- Stadium router efficiency
- Stadium security protocol compliance
- IP network security
- Fan’s printers printing tickets
- Broadcasting – Nationwide providers maintain their networks so viewers can access the game
- Connectivity to the replay monitor hood
- The Hard Rock stadium’s 5G wireless network
- Stadium lighting control
- Mobile network accessibility for parking and navigation to stadium
- Barcode scanners
- Mobile POS systems
- POS systems uptime for purchases
- Employee communication via radio
- Capture of fan updates via social media using the hashtag #superbowl
- Real time tweets from players around league
- 0% downtime with reporter and commentator broadcasting
- “Kiss Cam”, camera to monitor connection
- Operation of action cameras on drones
- Operation of drones for dropping gifts and merchandise
- High-end cameras – Technology that captures game action in a format that enables rendering of 3D instant replays
- RFID tracking systems to track player’s movements
- Player tracking systems for viewing positions and plays
- Technology that enables instant replay for referees
- Phone systems for speedy and clear communication between head official referee in the NFL offices
- NFL central command center’s 90 monitors, connecting to the stadium
- Phone systems for clear connection between coaches, owners, and referees
- Microphone to sound system functionality
- Half-time show lighting system
- Half-time show’s sound system
- Half-time show’s stage motion graphics
- Pyrotechnic works
- Stage crew communication
- Communication between coaches and
- Headsets connectivity
- Referees’ wireless push-to-talk headsets with radio connectivity
- Scoreboard uptime
- Stadium TV screens connectivity
- Fan experience – quick wi-fi
- Working automatic doors
- Real time updates of stats, info and interactions.
- Commercial schedule
- Live streams at home
Let us know if you can think of any others!
