Each year, Americans spend an average of 56 billion dollars (that’s billion with a b) on athletic events. As one of the highest-performing industries in our nation and even the world, it only makes sense that a lot of that money would be pumped back into the sports we love so much.
Technology: The Best Player on the Field
Over the last few decades, we have seen a revolution of sorts in the way we play and experience sports. Whether as an athlete or a fan, we have all seen the benefits of technological advancements in some way.
Think about it this way; just a few short years ago, if there was a controversial call on the field, there was no way of knowing who was right and who wasn’t. Fans would blow their stacks, tables would be flipped, and precious nacho dip would be lost to the fibers of the carpet.
Now, sports technology has brought us things like instant replay, which gives everyone the chance to see things for themselves. Technology will never stop advancing, and that means there’s a lot more to come.
Here are 5 key ways in which technology has already improved sports:
1. Improved Action with Instant Reply
As previously mentioned, these days, if it looks a bit fishy out on the field, you can guarantee instant replay will be reviewing the footage within seconds.
This is thanks to advanced video technology, cameras, and data storage, which allow for immediate feedback on the action. Replay tech has revolutionized the way we watch sports and games, allowing us to make more informed decisions about what’s happening out there.
2. Sensors & Trackers Make Tracking Data & Performance Easier
With these pieces of sports technology in place, athletes don’t need to go through every game manually analyzing their performance—they can simply look at the real-time data provided by sensors and trackers. This not only helps athletes optimize their performance but also allows coaches to create tailor-made strategies depending on each person’s strengths.
3. Elevated Fan Involvement
Thanks to technology, fans are now more involved than ever before in the experience of watching sports and games. For example, with social media apps, such as Twitter or Facebook, you can follow all of the action from anywhere in the world and get instant updates on how your favorite teams and players are doing.
What’s even better is that you can also join debates about controversial calls or exciting plays, meaning there has never been a more interactive way to enjoy sports.
4. Timing Systems Make Measuring Performance Easier
Time is arguably the most important aspect in any competitive sport, from running to swimming, and much more. With the help of timing systems, athletes and coaches can measure performance with a level of accuracy that was almost impossible before.
5. Safer and Better Equipment
Finally, sports technology has also played a crucial role in continually upgrading equipment for both athletes and fans alike. With new materials being used for protective clothing, such as helmets or pads, athletes are now safer than ever before out on the field.
Devices like smartwatches can monitor data, such as heart rate or temperature from afar, allowing coaches to monitor their players’ performance without needing to be there with them in person.
Take Advantage of Technology for Your Industry
Athletics isn’t the only industry that can take advantage of the power of technology. From retail to healthcare, understanding and implementing the best advancements in technology can give your business a major leg up on the competition.
That’s why ITS Group is here—to help you understand the ins and outs of technology and how it can transform your industry. Contact us today to get started!