How Technology is Changing the Entertainment Side of Soccer

Soccer is the world’s most entertaining sport.

Currently, it has an estimated fan base of 4 billion people. Due to its popularity, soccer has always been celebrated for its ability to bring people together, create emotion, and provide lasting entertainment memories.

And with the emergence of new technologies, it can only get better. The way fans can experience their favourite sport is changing, from the live matches on the pitch to other expressions.

So we’ve decided to hint you at all the ways technological innovations have enhanced and will yet enhance your level of entertainment derived from soccer.

1. Streaming Services & Accessibility

Advancements in technology have birthed many streaming services and platforms. Platforms like ESPN+, DAZN, or NBC Sports, have fundamentally altered how fans can access soccer content. With these platforms fans can easily access soccer content live or on-demand from anywhere in the world, thereby increasing their fan base to newer regions. All over the world, soccer fans can now engage with their favourite leagues and clubs without geographical hindrances, thus, significantly expanding the reach of soccer.

Streaming football offers soccer fans a more realistic experience of the game as these platforms come with features, like multi-camera views and instant replays all in one place which add another layer of interactivity to the viewer’s experience. This is similar to the services offered by online casino in Malaysia which curates in one place the best reputed and legal casinos which offer secured games, attractive bonuses and other numerous features for players to enjoy and stand a good chance of winning games.

2. Enhanced Broadcast Experience

In line with streaming, technology is also revolutionizing the broadcast experience through the introduction of 4K resolution, new graphic overlays, and other alternatives to traditional viewing angles. This high-definition video is much clearer, allowing fans to better evaluate every angle of play. Additionally, technology such as RefCam, and similar ideas that place cameras on referees, brings the fan perspective in the unique shape of experiencing an officiating point of view of the match while viewing the broadcast.

Recently, there has also been a rise in the use of augmented reality (AR) graphics to provide special info like player statistics, heat maps, and formations during matches. This AR feature provides fans with additional information and further drives engagement in the broadcast. Together with social media, viewers can add to the experience by discussing and sharing plays, particularly memorable moments or highlights, and engaging/interacting with others who share a passion for the game and the various teams. 

3. Fantasy Leagues and Gamification 

Recently, there has been an explosive interest in fantasy soccer leagues among fans all over the world. This tech innovation gives soccer fans the chance to create and manage their fantasy teams all over the world based on real-world player performance and stats. For instance, the Fantasy Premier League provides fans a gamified experience of the actual league, thereby, increasing their interest in following the players throughout the season. Fantasy soccer league players typically keep up with their selected players to see if they produce points.

To add to the excitement technology has brought to soccer entertainment, many soccer clubs have also built mobile apps that help their fans with various data and analytics while outplaying fantasy leagues. The app provides live scores, players’ statistics, and other important features like barcode scanning for purchasing tickets all in one place.

4 Social Media and Connectivity

Social media has strengthened the relationships clubs, players, and fans have with each other. Teams use social media to provide real-time updates, and behind-the-scenes footage and directly engage with supporters. Fans have unprecedented access to player interactions and personalities on social media to feel connected to their athletic heroes off the pitch and in the public eye. 

Clubs like FC Barcelona and Liverpool each have millions of followers on their social media handles, where they share highlights, polls, and fan-generated content. This interactivity helps create a community feel between fans who can share their thoughts, comments, and reactions via Twitter and Instagram, exchanging ideas while the match is live. 

However, this has been abused by some fans,  hence, Ange Postecoglou has advised his Tottenham players to take social media with a pinch of salt after a difficult week for Ryan Sessegnon. Sessegnon, 23, has endured a torrid time with injuries and faced plenty of abuse on Twitter and Instagram over his fitness woes.

5. Immersive Experience with Virtual Reality (VR) for Fans

Virtual reality technology is gradually permeating the soccer space as it already has gained ground in other forms of entertainment. With VR, soccer fans can now virtually enjoy a more immersed game experience regardless of their physical location. They can be placed “on the pitch” or given “behind the scenes” experiences virtually. To add to the excitement, clubs are now offering VR experiences for fans to join training sessions virtually with their favourite players, and have a closer fan perspective from where they sit in the stadium along with various match day activities from the comfort of their own homes!  

Clubs like Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have invested in VR innovations to enhance fan engagement by creating their team’s simulated experiences. City and Spurs fans can tour their respective team’s stadium, take part in pre-game rituals, as well as interact with players in a virtual environment. This degree of immersion allows fans to become active participants and not simply stadium spectators.

6. Augmented Reality and Holograms

Like VR, AR is transforming how soccer fan are entertained, especially during marketing campaigns. AR Tech lets soccer fans digitally attend matches behind closed doors. Clubs also use AR in their mobile apps and match-day promotions, allowing fans to scan a match ticket or merchandise to unlock digital gamified content. For example, fans can use their mobile device to scan merchandise, providing them the opportunity to see 3D holograms of the clubs’ trophies or replay highlight reels. 

Additionally, AR can create excitement around the stadium on the day of a live match. Clubs can create interactive displays around the stadium that fans can interact with through their smartphones.