Beyond the Threshold Podcast | Ep 3 | Beyond the Game or Event: Elevating the Fan Experience in Sports & Entertainment Venues

In this episode of Beyond the Threshold™, hosted by Evolv’s co-founder Anil Chitkara, John Baier, head of sports and entertainment at Evolv, shares insights on how technology is transforming the fan experience in sports and entertainment venues. Drawing from his years of experience, including time with the New York Islanders and Brooklyn Nets, John highlights the evolution of venues to meet modern fan expectations, focusing on safety, convenience, and engagement. The conversation explores how innovations like frictionless screening, mobile ticketing, and biometric solutions are reshaping the "street-to-seat" journey, offering fans a seamless, tech-enhanced experience. Additionally, John discusses the growing trend of multi-use sports complexes, emphasizing the need for consistent safety measures across expanded entertainment campuses.

Looking ahead, John envisions sports venues as destinations, blending technology with physical design to create vibrant environments that keep visitors engaged beyond the game. From reducing entry-line anxiety with advanced screening technology to offering personalized fan experiences via apps, teams and operators are embracing innovation to stay competitive against at-home viewing options. With a focus on the future, John underscores how evolving technologies and campus-style developments will set a new standard for fan expectations in sports and entertainment.

Key Takeaways

• Technology Enhances Fan Experience: Frictionless security screening, mobile ticketing, and biometric solutions streamline the "street-to-seat" journey, creating a safer, more convenient, and engaging experience for fans.
• Multi-Use Complexes Are the Future: Sports venues are evolving into expansive campuses that include retail, dining, and entertainment options, turning game day into a full-day experience and requiring consistent security across the complex.
• Competition with At-Home Viewing: To compete with advanced at-home viewing experiences, venues must focus on everything beyond the game itself, including personalized fan experiences, seamless access, and flexible ticketing options.