2 min read
Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals baseball team, is more than just a stadium – it’s an experience. And, with the recent integration of NTT DATA Smart Venue technology, that experience has been elevated with smoother transactions, shorter concession lines, and ultimately, happier fans.
At the core of the partnership between the Nationals organization and NTT DATA lies a shared commitment to excellence. The deployment of Smart Venue technology aimed to ensure that Nationals fans could cheer on the team and enjoy the game without the frustration of long lines or delays. The goal was to create unforgettable moments for every fan who walks through the gates.
Data integration and unprecedented visibility
This initiative came about because the Nationals operations staff knew the stadium was dealing with issues such as long concession lines, but they lacked clear insight into why those delays were happening. For any sports and entertainment business, this is critical information. The Nationals knew they needed an IT transformation that could deliver analytics so they could determine the causes and fix the problem.
But the journey didn’t happen overnight. It began with a comprehensive assessment of the Nationals’ operational needs, followed by meticulous planning and implementation by NTT DATA, and ran as a pilot project over 33 games.
The Smart Venue solution uses software analytics to process and present data gathered from connected technologies, providing actionable insights in real-time. Leveraging computer vision cameras, point-of-sale systems, and optical sensors strategically positioned throughout the stadium, the Nationals gained unprecedented visibility into the factors influencing concession queue times. From concession type to staffing levels, attendance, inning, opponent, and even weather conditions, every variable was meticulously analyzed to optimize the fan experience.
In addition, the ability to receive real-time alerts and insights empowers Nationals staff to make informed decisions on the fly, ensuring seamless operations even amidst the dynamic environment of game day. The Nationals operations team can not only respond to issues in real-time but can predict when and where to adjust concession staffing or products.
The result is a better fan experience for more than two million guests – a quick, friendly concession stand transaction that lets them get back to their seats and watch the game.
Innovating the future for memorable fan experiences
The success of the pilot program not only validated the efficacy of Smart Venue technology for Nationals Park but also sparked the organization’s imagination for future innovations. The Nationals are now looking at all the possibilities this technology can deliver, from streamlining ticketing processes to modernizing fan interactions with the game itself. As Mike Carney, chief revenue officer for the Nationals, says, “What matters most to us is our fans going home and telling their family and friends how much fun they had at Nationals Park.”
Looking ahead, NTT DATA Smart Venue technology promises to continue shaping the future of fan experiences at Nationals Park. By harnessing the power of data analytics and IoT devices, the system will provide invaluable insights to both management personnel and guests alike, ultimately enhancing every aspect of the ballpark experience.
