Live events are fully back, bigger and better than ever

And while live events offer unique and memorable experiences, fans’ expectations have evolved exponentially. They want a great show, but also to post about it - a lot. They expect to queue but want to know how to beat the line with smarter wayfinding or live notifications. They are hungry for better food and drinks – if delivered directly to their seats. They want ridesharing to be easily accessible. For merch stores to be ‘just walk out’. And most importantly, they are looking to call or message friends and family without worrying about the network. At Boldyn Networks, we’re passionate about connectivity and the fan experience. We commissioned a survey of thousands of fans in the UK and the US to understand what people really want from live events and how connectivity can enable it. What we found provided data to back up what we’ve known intuitively for some time - today’s fan experience is highly reliant on mobile devices, and fans expect the highest levels of connectivity. Venues with robust wireless networks provide a much better fan experience. Easy ticketing. Easy transactions. More immersive experiences. More convenient amenities and easier navigation. These are the attributes of a great venue. The kind of venue that encourages bigger artists to perform there. Attracts more sponsors. Brings fans back again and again. And entices them to stay longer and spend more on experiences they just can’t get anywhere else. While the benefits are clear, the commercial models and economics of in-venue connectivity are evolving quickly. Direct investment from wireless carriers in sports and entertainment spaces isn’t guaranteed, even in the largest ‘major league’ venues. This means to stay competitive, stadiums, arenas and theaters need to partner with a neutral host like Boldyn Networks who deliver state-of-the-art cellular and Wi-Fi in a cost-effective model. All while ensuring the venue’s schedule and quality requirements are adhered to. Live events are back with a vengeance and forward-thinking venue owners and operators are stepping up their game, harnessing the power of connectivity to truly understand and elevate the fan experience. We’re passionate about partnering with these venues to turn fan expectations into thrilling realities. Dive into our survey for insights on how connectivity is reshaping the future of live entertainment – I look forward to discussing how we can supercharge your venue’s connectivity journey, together.