The hi-tech super stadiums of the NFL

GIANT televisions, state-of-the-art sound systems and swimming pools. Just some of the insane features of Gridiron’s multi-billion dollar venues that make them the most impressive in sport.

The hi-tech super stadiums of the NFL

AMERICA’S NFL has always been a sport where bigger is better. But now, bragging rights isn’t just about their fridge-sized players, and the huge half-time snacks. It’s all about the technology found in their canyon-like stadiums.

Teams and fans compete to be the loudest, most colourful and over-the-top. Now this one-upmanship has a new outlet in the form of hi-tech super stadiums with owners puffing out their chests in owning the most advanced venues in the league.

Billions of dollars are pumped into developing world-leading stadiums with technology playing a starring role — something that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has publicly stated is key to the game’s future growth.

San Francisco 49ers

The latest smart stadium has just cut its ribbon and sits in none other than the home of technology — Silicon Valley. The San Francisco 49ers opened Levi’s Stadium, a 68,500-seater (with the potential to seat 75,000) that packs more tech than Tony Stark’s lab, all in an award-winning eco-friendly design.

It’s so tech friendly it comes with its own smartphone application so fans can download and have food delivered to any seat. It’ll also let fans check on scores, replays, fantasy football stats as well as waiting lines for food and bathrooms.

If you do nip off to grab a beer you won’t have to worry about missing a play because there are screens plastered all over the place or simply watch the game live streamed to your smartphone or tablet — a league first. And to buy that beer you won’t even need your wallet as it’s a cashless stadium — just make sure you keep your phone on you.

While ticking the tech box, Levi’s Stadium also meets green credentials. It uses solar panels for power, a water-conservation plumbing system, and has a roof covered with 2.5 acres of greenery that’s harvested for herbs for on-site food preparation.

And there’s also the obligatory jumbotron TV screen — a 13,000sq ft HD display filling the sky above the fans.

But in comparison to some teams’ TVs this is a tiddler.

Jacksonville Jaguars

They might not have an overflowing trophy cabinet but when it comes to the title of biggest TV in the NFL, the Jags are undisputed champs. In fact, there’s no other TV in the world bigger than the 2000sq m beasts towering over each end zone. Made by Daktronics, the two HD displays measure 18m high and 110m wide — that’s longer than a soccer pitch.

The LED screen will be big enough to show not only live action but also replays, stats and other video side-by-side.

If a giant TV wasn’t enough, fans can also watch the game from a poolside cabana. At one end of EverBank Field is not your everyday sports stadium sight: two swimming pools, 16 cabanas and lounge furniture.

Prior to Jacksonville unveiling their behemoth TV screens, the Houston Texans boasted the largest screen in the league at 84m in length. Before that, another Texan team, the Dallas Cowboys, had the world largest displays which measured in at 48 metres.

The screens are suspended above the pitch in the $1.38 billion AT&T Stadium and are so big they have been hit twice by punts.

Arizona Cardinals

The University of Phoenix stadium may well be situated next to the desert but the tech seen here is no mirage. The pitch actually moves. The field rolls out of the stadium to bask in the sun to nourish the grass and air out before each game.

It sits on an 8.5 million kilogram movable tray on rollers to transport the pitch at a speed of 3.5 metres-per-minute. It won’t be worried about any speeding tickets but the fact it can move at all is mighty impressive.

This also allows the stadium to become multifunctional and to host other events without risk of damaging the hallowed turf.

Green Bay Packers

The green and gold are known for being loud and proud, and at Lambeau Field this is even more the case thanks to a new state-of-the-art sound system installed around the stadium.

Over 120 weatherproof loudspeakers allow fans to get the clearest sound experience in the NFL. The positioning of the speakers eliminates reverberation so announcements and music can be heard, even over the howling wind that often whips through.

Seattle Seahawks

The current NFL champions may have their stadium design to thank for their success. CenturyLink Field holds the world record for the loudest stadium at 137.6 decibels — a raucous crowd that can inspire the home team and have visitors slightly intimidated.

Why this stadium is so loud (so loud in fact that one game made a notch on a nearby seismic counter) is down to architecture trickery. The stands of fans are packed in relatively tight to the pitch and the roof arching over them is made of metal so it reflects sound back down.

Extreme wi-fi

Delivering fans super charged wi-fi is becoming a top priority for NFL officials. The likes of the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Tennessee Titans all offer better wireless broadband than you’ll find in some countries.

The Titans, for example, has a stadium that boasts more than 1,500 wireless access points and is able to support 68,500 tech-thirsty fans logging on at once. It’s intended to enhance the game day experience and rev up the social side of things. Fans can get real-time replays, stats and video on their devices as well as an outlet to share their opinion on the rivals no doubt.

This is the revolution of tech within the NFL that’s just found off the field, in the multi-billion, mega stadiums. On the field, the athletes, the kit they wear and entertainment coverage are also rapidly evolving to take the game to the next level.