By Anurag Rao in Future NFL Stadiums — Jun 2, 2023

Future NFL Stadiums

In this blog post, we will explore the emerging technologies in football stadiums, the most technologically advanced and futuristic stadiums, and the changing fan experience in stadiums. We will even take a look at some upcoming stadium projects and future investments in pro sports venues.

Overview of NFL Stadiums Today

NFL stadiums have significantly changed over the last two decades to maximize revenue. This has led to the addition of larger corporate suites, clubs, and general admission seating. But now, the focus is shifting towards creating unique fan experiences, not just driving up the total number of people in a building. With the advent of advanced technologies, stadiums are becoming more hyperconnected, multipurpose venues that can host football matches, music concerts, and other events.

Emerging Technologies in Stadium Design

Innovative technologies such as 5G connectivity, the Cloud, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) offer football clubs everything they need to improve and extend their relationship with their fans, attract new audiences and increase the number of spectators in their stadiums. Future stadiums will be comparable to Transformers, with removable pitches and seats, retractable roofs, and artificial surfaces for different events. Technology is cheaper and more ubiquitous, making it possible for fans to dictate what kind of experience they want in the stadium.

New and Upcoming Stadium Projects

Buffalo Bills' New Venue

The NFL's Buffalo Bills owner Pegula Sports and Entertainment is expected to split the cost of a new venue with the state. Engineering firm AECOM released a report estimating a $1.35 billion price tag for a new venue near the existing Highmark Stadium. It projected a minimum of $300 million more for a downtown stadium. The team aims to operate in a new 60,000-seat field by 2027.

The new stadium will be a hyperconnected, multipurpose venue that can host football matches, music concerts, and other events. It will have a removable pitch and seat, a retractable roof, and artificial surfaces for different events. The Bills' lease at Highmark expires in July 2023, and the team looks forward to providing fans with unique experiences in the new stadium.

Building a new stadium is expensive, but teams are willing to invest in creating a first-class experience for their fans. Barrett projected to invest up to $15 billion in new pro sports venues over the next 15 years. That estimate increases to $20 billion when calculating renovation projects. Both Barrett and Mulvihill suggest more teams will remodel than start new. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers are among the NFL teams looking to remodel.

Tennessee Titans' New Venue

The Tennessee Titans are planning to build a new stadium in Nashville, which is expected to cost around $1 billion. The new stadium will be a hyperconnected, multipurpose venue with advanced technologies to enhance the fan experience. It is expected to open in 2029.

The new stadium will have a retractable roof, a removable pitch and seat, and artificial surfaces for different events. The Titans' current lease at Nissan Stadium expires in 2028, and they are looking forward to creating a modern and innovative stadium for their fans.

Building a new stadium is expensive, but teams are willing to invest in creating a first-class experience for their fans. The Titans are expected to finance the new stadium through private funding, public funding, and revenue generated from the stadium.

Other Stadium Renovations and Upgrades

Many NFL teams want to renovate their stadiums instead of investing in new ones. The Green Bay Packers raised money by issuing $90 million of public stock to help fund a $250 million renovation project to Lambeau Field. Other teams, like the Jacksonville Jaguars, are also looking to remodel their stadiums to keep up with the changing demands of fans and technology.

Innovative Stadium Design

SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, is the most technologically advanced football venue ever built. Home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, this stadium is a shining example of innovative design and cutting-edge technology. One of its most celebrated elements is the Infinity Screen by Samsung - the screen that makes all the rest look small. This massive, double-sided video board provides fans an unparalleled viewing experience during games and events.

Diverse Stadium Venues

Today's stadiums are used for much more than just football, as using them only twice a month for home games is not cost-effective. Take Tottenham Hotspur's stadium in London, for example, which has signed a 10-year deal to host at least two NFL games per season. The stadium features dedicated NFL facilities and a retractable football pitch with an artificial surface underneath for NFL games, concerts, and other events. This multipurpose approach to stadium design allows teams to maximize revenue and provide fans with diverse experiences.

Incorporating Evolving Technology

Rather than seeing technology as the enemy, teams make it work for them by keeping the tech at the forefront of their minds when designing new stadiums. Used correctly, the same conveniences we enjoy at home can encourage people to come to the stadium. From personalized experiences to advanced connectivity options, technology is crucial in enhancing the fan experience and providing unique opportunities for teams to engage with their audience.

Reaching Beyond the Stadium Audience

The fan experience is no longer limited to those physically present at the stadium. With advanced technology, fans can engage with their favorite teams through social media, live streaming, and interactive digital platforms. This expanded reach allows teams to connect with their audience on a deeper level, gain valuable insights into their preferences, and create tailored experiences that cater to each fan.

Stadiums are evolving to become more social spaces for fans, focusing on creating unique experiences that cater to various interests. This includes incorporating lounge areas, bars, and restaurants within the stadium and providing premium seating options that offer a more high-end experience. By offering diverse amenities and experiences, stadiums can attract a wider audience, including those who may not be diehard fans but are interested in a memorable and engaging event.

Future Investments in Stadiums

As mentioned previously, Dan Barrett of CAA Icon projects up to $15 billion will be invested in new pro sports venues over the next 15 years. This estimate increases to $20 billion when taking into account renovation projects. These investments will help teams create state-of-the-art stadiums that provide fans with a first-class experience while maximizing revenue potential.

Potential Remodels and Renovations

Many teams opt to remodel or renovate their current stadiums rather than build entirely new ones. This approach allows them to update their venues with the latest technology and design elements while saving on costs. In addition to the Green Bay Packers and Jacksonville Jaguars, other NFL teams may consider remodeling or renovating their stadiums in the future to keep up with the changing demands of fans and technology.

Final Thoughts on the Future of NFL Stadiums

The future of NFL stadiums is bright, with new and innovative technologies being incorporated into stadium design to enhance the fan experience. As teams invest in state-of-the-art venues and remodel existing stadiums to keep up with evolving technology, fans can enjoy a more immersive, personalized, and engaging experience when attending games and events. With a focus on creating diverse and multipurpose venues, future stadiums will be able to cater to a wide range of interests and preferences, attracting new audiences while maintaining the loyalty of diehard fans. Ultimately, the future of NFL stadiums promises to be an exciting blend of cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and memorable experiences that continue to bring fans together to celebrate the game they love.