As sports and entertainment venues across Europe prepare for a new era of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), IP video technologies, and sustainability initiatives are poised to redefine fan experiences, operational efficiency, and long-term profitability.

The return of live sports -- including the 2021 Summer Olympics -- as we hopefully approach a post-pandemic era is encouraging sports fans around the world to gather and view major events in stadiums, bars, restaurants -- and homes. The challenge before broadcasters rests on delivering consistent, high quality, high dynamic range (HDR) and ultra-high definition (UHD) content while addressing unpredictable environments of outdoor events.

The market for professional loudspeakers posted global revenues of nearly $3 billion in 2019, an increase of almost 7%, according to the latest professional loudspeaker industry report from Futuresource Consulting. One of the key themes of the report this year was the impact of COVID-19 and its significant effects on forecasts moving forwards. The segment most affected by these restrictions is Live and Touring.

As sports and entertainment venues explore their options for engaging with today’s hyper-connected consumers, strategic planners in the industry are exploring the impact that the trend toward “all things digital” is having on fan expectations for live events.