Blog

Beyond the Game: Fan Engagement in Sports

Written by Facility Ally | August 30, 2023

This blog delves into the strategies and insights shared by industry experts at Dimensional Innovations, shedding light on how they're shaping the future of customer engagement within facilities through fan experiences. For more thoughts on prioritizing the customer's experience, check out our episode on Scheels Soccer Complex.

Customer Experience

In an era where customer experience is what draws people in, the world of facility design and management has evolved significantly. From sports arenas to healthcare spaces, the focus is shifting towards creating immersive and personalized experiences for visitors. 

Covered in This Episode:

  • Creating Postable Fan Moments
  • Engagement Through Personalized Experiences
  • Elevating Guest Experiences by Challenges
  • Tech-Driven Experiences

Highlights and Key Moments:

  • "The ability to have exactly what you need for your experience to be awesome is what's becoming more and more important."
  • "Storytelling is at the root of it. Be authentic and resonate with your community."
  • "Don't shy away from the hard stuff. Embrace challenges; they make you stronger and better at your job." - Ryan Holiday's philosophy applied to facility management.
  • "Technology provides us the opportunity to stay fresh with content, give positive distractions, and offer diverse experiences." 

Creating Postable Fan Moments

The trend of integrating attention-grabbing elements within facilities is becoming increasingly popular. These features not only serve as wayfinding landmarks but also create memorable and shareable moments for visitors. One remarkable example is the 12-foot-tall functional electric guitar developed by Dimensional Innovations. This colossal guitar stands as a focal point at events, offering not only visual appeal but also interactive engagement as visitors can actually play it.

The concept of creating iconic features goes beyond aesthetics; it contributes to a facility's identity. These elements often become a conversation starter, a backdrop for photos, and a unique experience that visitors associate with the facility. From the Raiders' torch at Allegiant Stadium to the Chicago Blackhawks' striking installations, these features reflect the creative approach facilities are taking to stand out in a competitive landscape.

Engagement Through Personalized Experiences

The healthcare sector is embracing a paradigm shift by integrating positive distractions and personalization to improve patient experiences. Dimensional Innovations' project involving virtual avatars for kids undergoing dialysis treatments exemplifies this trend. By providing young patients with the opportunity to create avatars and immerse themselves in a virtual world, the facility provides a distraction from a potentially stressful situation.

Elevating Guest Experiences by Challenges

The philosophy of embracing challenges as opportunities for innovation is a driving force in the facility management industry. Concepts such as "The Obstacle Is the Way," popularized by author Ryan Holiday, resonate deeply. Facility managers are recognizing that obstacles can serve as catalysts for creativity and growth. When approached with a proactive mindset, challenges lead to the development of unique solutions that elevate visitor experiences. By identifying pain points and areas of improvement, facility managers can ensure that every obstacle becomes a stepping stone toward creating more engaging and comfortable spaces.

Tech-Driven Experiences

The integration of technology has revolutionized the way visitors interact with facilities. Interactive displays, personalized apps, and immersive installations are transforming traditional spaces into dynamic environments. These tech-driven experiences cater to diverse preferences, creating a more engaging and customizable journey for visitors.

From augmented reality apps that offer virtual tours to interactive touchscreens that provide real-time information, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing customer engagement. Moreover, tech-driven elements extend beyond practicality; they contribute to the "wow factor" that visitors seek. Dimensional Innovations' projects, such as creating immersive environments for sports fans and integrating interactive exhibits in museums, showcase the potential of technology to shape memorable experiences.

 

Subscribe to the Facility Playbook Podcast

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Facility Playbook! We hope the knowledge shared serves as a valuable resource for facility owners and managers seeking to thrive in the ever-evolving sports industry. Stay tuned for our next episode on Scheels Sports Complex, where we will continue to bring you expert tips to help you navigate the dynamic world of facility management

As the landscape of facility management continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: customer experience is the driving force behind innovation. By crafting spaces that offer personalized engagement, embrace challenges, and incorporate cutting-edge technology, industry leaders are shaping the way visitors interact with sports venues, entertainment spaces, and healthcare facilities.

 

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