This September, more than 170 of the NHL's top players will come together for the World Cup of Hockey 2016. This year, the best-on-best tournament will include a special fan experience for those who are looking for a new way to celebrate the international competition.
The Scotiabank World Cup of Hockey Fan Village is a 10-day fan festival taking place between September 16th and 25th in Toronto's historic Distillery District. The event will be free and open to the public so that hockey fans of all ages can enjoy the festivities. In addition to viewing parties, the festival will also include live musical performances, food offerings from each of the countries participating in the tournament and even a chance to get a close-up view of the World Cup of Hockey Trophy.
Trend Hunter recently caught up with the NHLs Executive VP of Digital Media Stephen McArdle to learn more about the NHL is improving the viewing experience for fans at the festival and at home through the use of player and puck-tracking technology. McArdle explains how infrared chips will be embedded in pucks and the back of each player's jersey to collect quantitative data about the game. The data will then be relayed via live broadcasts so that fans can get a better idea of the skill and speed of the game. As McArdle explains, the data serves as "a storytelling enhancement" for fans as they watch the game unfold.
Enhanced Hockey Broadcasts
Stephen McArdle Explains How the NHL is Improving Its Live Broadcasts
Trend Themes
1. Player and Puck-tracking Technology - Embedding infrared chips in pucks and players' jerseys to collect quantitative data for storytelling enhancements in live broadcasts.
2. Immersive Fan Experiences - Integrating live musical performances, food offerings, and interactive opportunities into sporting events for a unique and memorable fan experience.
3. Integrating Technology in Sports - Using innovative technology to create a more engaging and immersive fan experience, and to provide new opportunities for analyzing sporting events.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Broadcasting - Incorporating cutting-edge technology into live broadcasts to enhance storytelling and provide viewers with new perspectives and insights into sporting events.
2. Live Events - Integrating music, food, and interactive experiences into sporting events to create a more engaging and unique fan experience.
3. Sports Analytics - Collecting and analyzing data from players and pucks to gain insights into the game, players, and strategies, and to develop new ways to enhance the fan experience.