Fans expect more from athletics competitions now than ever before. Thanks to on-demand entertainment at our fingertips, athletics fans are no longer satisfied with just a handful of events and competitions per year. Audiences are hungry for more of their favourite athletes, and the athletics competition industry needs to capitalise on this desire for more – it is the key to sustained growth within the sporting world.
The Limits of Traditional Athletics Competitions
In traditional athletics competitions, more attention is typically paid to the athletes themselves – which athletes have achieved records and notable rivalries between athletes. Fans often take a sideline seat in the scheme of things. Of course, it is natural that the athletes be the star of the show – they are who fans have come to see, after all – but traditional models often limit access and engagement for fans. This is particularly noticeable when we compare athletics to other sports such as football or tennis, where there are year-round opportunities for fans to engage and enjoy their favourite sports.
The Rising Popularity of Fan-Centred Events
As fans increasingly have more options available to them, competition organisers have to find ways to keep them engaged. Particularly as we become more connected via the internet, fans are keen for fully immersive experiences – they want to feel connected to the sport and athletes, not merely spectators.
Many competitions worldwide have seen success in this by engaging with fans on social media and providing more interactive experiences both online and in person. Meet and greets, Q & A sessions and fan competitions can all be excellent ways to turn the fan experience into something special.
Strategies to Build Immersive Fan Experiences
For in-person events, organisers need to think beyond the athletics alone. Consider how the food and drink offerings and general décor and atmosphere can add to an event. Some sporting events aim for an almost festival-like experience for attendees, with diverse food choices and side events to keep fans entertained throughout the day.
For streamed events, sound infrastructure is a must – fans must be able to enjoy high-quality video and audio to help replicate the experience of attending in person. The addition of AR or VR can make attendance even more exciting and immersive, giving attendees the chance to see what their favourite athletes experience when they compete. Showing stats and other analytics are also essential to make remote viewers truly feel part of the action.
Emerging technologies can help immensely when building immersive fan experiences. The goal of any event is to bring out the best in the athletes – they are the ultimate focus at the end of the day. Finding technology that allows athletes to perform at their best while enriching the fan experience? That is the ultimate goal when finding quality technology for a fan-focused athletic competition. Feldspar has changed the game with its smart running track, showcasing exactly what athletic technology should be aiming for. Their sensor-enabled running track records and displays athletes’ stats as the competition progresses, allowing coaches and fans access to unprecedented insights during races and other performances.