The Future of spectating: AI is rapidly transforming fan experiences in sports stadiums
In recent years, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in sports has expanded beyond performance analysis and player scouting to improve the overall fan experience within stadiums. One of the innovation that caught attention by Kicker magazine editor are AI powered chat bots developed by 2Mobile, one of the leading technological company specialized in conversational solutions powered by AI in the region.
Picture yourself watching a football match live in the stadium, enjoying a burger, purchasing a jersey – all without having to leave your seat. What seemed like a futuristic dream two decades ago has now become a reality, thanks to the increasing utilization of AI in sports. AI is now being employed in various facets of sports, including performance analysis, sports medicine, and scouting. It is even used to enhance the in-stadium experience.
FC Maribor, a leading football club in Slovenia, was one of the first sport clubs that harnessed the power of this new techology. The club partnered with IT company 2Mobile and financial service provider Mastercard to implement a cutting-edge AI tool to facilitate seamless communication between fans and the club, thereby enhancing the stadium experience. This AI-powered Sports Chatbot allows Maribor fans to interact directly with the club around the clock via chat. It allows them to purchase tickets or merchandise, stay updated on the latest team news and player stats, participate in surveys and contests, and even order food and beverages from their seats.
The idea for the Sport Chatbot emerged in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It initially targeted the reduction of physical contacts and promotion of cashless transactions. However, the concept has transcended its original purpose, evolving into a pivotal component of fan engagement strategies for sports clubs. Beyond NK Maribor, the success of this AI tool has extended to other sports organizations in Slovenia, including the premier football club FC Bravo Ljubljana and handball club HC Celje.
The results of using this solution after launch were exciting even in times when artificial intelligence was not yet so popular. During the initial three months following the tool's launch, each club reached an average of 1,300 fans, facilitating over 5,000 interactions and generating an average of EUR 11 per fan in purchases. While these figures may not seem staggering on a global scale, they hold significant weight considering Slovenia's modest population of just two million residents.
Conversational AI with personalized customer engagement, and increased interaction between clubs and fans powers valuable insights into fan preferences and behaviors, contributing to continuous enhancements of the AI tool. Furthermore, the chatbot opens up additional revenue streams and advertising opportunities for clubs.
However, amidst the excitement surrounding AI-driven fan engagement, concerns are emerging regarding the reliability and credibility of such chatbots and the underlying AI technology. Professor Daniel Memmert from the German Sports University in Cologne emphasizes the importance of data quality and extensive data input for optimal AI performance.
While the Slovenian model presents a compelling example of AI-driven fan communication, challenges remain, it has a huge potential for further evolution. The undeniable potential for AI to revolutionize fan experiences in sports stadiums offers a glimpse into the future of spectatorship.
As we navigate this intersection of technology and sports, the possibilities presented by AI offer not just solutions, but opportunities for innovation and evolution in fan engagement and beyond.
William Harrison
Link to article: https://www.kicker.de/kuenstliche-intelligenz-im-stadion-die-zukunft-des-zuschauens-998162/artikel
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