College athletics had unprecedented investments in their athletic facilities in 2024.To attract and retain top talent, athletic programs have invested millions in state-of-the-art facilities, including locker rooms, practice fields, meeting spaces, weight rooms, and nutrition and recovery centers. To complement these player amenities, stadiums must also offer top-tier experiences for fans.
Universities are racing to modernize their outdated stadiums, driven by the demands of today’s discerning student populations, alumni, and fans. These stakeholders seek a more comfortable, diverse, and amenity-rich experience. Students, accustomed to seamless experiences across campus, expect the same frictionless journey at sporting events. Athletic programs must rise to the challenge, delivering the kind of seamless experience that has become the new standard.
New cutting-edge fan-facing technologies are revolutionizing the college game-day experience. Mobile and facial ticketing, high-definition video boards, in-seat ordering, frictionless concessions, augmented reality, personalized content, interactive polls, real-time stats, cashless payments, wayfinding apps, high-speed Wi-Fi, and immersive sound systems allow fans to access information, engage with the game, and order food and beverages efficiently. These innovations create a frictionless journey, mirroring the high-tech convenience students expect.
These technologies enhance the fan experience in several ways: Increased engagement allows fans to actively participate in the game by accessing real-time data and interacting with the action. Convenience features such as easy access to information, express ticketing lanes like those powered by Wicket facial authentication, facial payments, and grab-and-go concessions streamline the fan experience. Personalized experiences, including tailored content and fan loyalty programs based on individual preferences, create a more fan-focused approach. Enhanced accessibility features, like wayfinding and express access lanes, assist fans in navigating the stadium and expedite entry.
With a proven track record in professional sports, Wicket is now revolutionizing the college sports fan experience by transforming traditional ticketing and concessions into seamless, frictionless experiences. This streamlined approach not only enhances fan loyalty but also drives revenue by preventing fans from missing crucial game moments. Wicket simplifies operations for stadiums of all sizes, enabling seamless access to services for fans, students, employees, and premium guests through facial authentication technology. By delighting guests and optimizing operations, Wicket empowers college athletic programs to deliver exceptional game day experiences.
To learn more about the how colleges and universities can enhance the game day experience and bolster revenue here.
