Connected Lighting Systems Enhance Data-Driven Stadium Operations and Experience

The way fans experience sports in stadiums has changed significantly in recent years and will change even more quickly in the next decade. Meanwhile, stadium lighting industry has been evolving rapidly since the proliferation of LED technology. A simple LED upgrade will increase energy efficiency and lighting controls can improve operational efficiency. The next step is to pursue a connected lighting system. Connected lighting refers to light points linked to an intelligent system that can deliver value beyond illumination.

In a stadium, connected lighting systems enable a range of dynamic lighting effects. Such systems help stadium stakeholders create a multipurpose venue, collect real-time data on lighting system status, and optimize performance through remote control. The connected lighting system’s communications network also enables interaction with fans via mobile devices and integration with other systems to improve operations. Understanding fans’ changing needs and requirements is critical to maximizing fan engagement to compete against the comfort of watching games from home or on mobile devices and generating more revenue for stakeholders.

This Navigant Research report examines the momentum that is building for connected lighting systems in stadiums that enhance energy efficiency, sustainability, operations, and fan experience. The report explores stadium owner priorities and the potential capabilities of connected stadiums, including those that go beyond LED upgrades and lighting controls to improve profitability and entertainment. It covers industry associations and awards that push for further innovations in stadiums and describes successful data-driven use cases and common applications of connected lighting systems around the world. The study also provides recommendations on how to build specific value propositions related to connected lighting for each stadium stakeholder.