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One of the major benefits of building a new stadium versus simply renovating an already existing structure, I think, is the ability to customize everything in terms of technology and fan needs. In that area, among others, Baylor's new $266-million McLane Stadium should be one of the premier facilities in the country, stuffed to the gills with amenities to make the fan experience at a Baylor football game even more enjoyable than it's already been. We already knew about the food, and today we got a deeper look at the technology that will make McLane Stadium great.
The Baylor In-Game App
I don't think we can overstate how awesome the new Baylor In-Game app, available now on iTunes and in the Android store, will be. Fans will have the opportunity to see live stats and highlights, as well as video for those who are actually in the Stadium. That last part is important: you won't be able to use the live video features unless you are in McLane Stadium and connected to the WiFi network itself, which we'll talk about below. A few tidbits about the app from the Twitterverse:
McLane Stadium Wi-Fi, In-Game App Will Boost Fan Experience: http://t.co/Slqw1dlFOG #FootballOnTheBrazos pic.twitter.com/vT2TE6rE39
— Baylor Football (@BUFootball) August 18, 2014
We talked a bit in the DBR thread today about whether you might be able to see replays if you're not in the stadium. This makes it sound like you will not. I'll try to get clarification on that.
#BaylorInGame app could be a game-changer for the fan experience. Fans turn phones into personalized video boards. pic.twitter.com/3Txlm0rnpP
— John Elizondo (@john_elizondo) August 18, 2014
Sample of the #BaylorInGame video and parking pages. pic.twitter.com/mJqiNlEdAs
— Baylor Football (@BUFootball) August 18, 2014
See screenshots, video & get details on all @McLaneStadium's technology: http://t.co/MHHwtPB1Tt #McLaneKickoff pic.twitter.com/wTtbK2vE5R
— Baylor University (@Baylor) August 18, 2014
It's worth noting that McLane Stadium will be the first CFB venue in the country to have this kind of technology. If it becomes more widespread in years to come, remember that it started here. Baylor has spent a ton of money making this the best CFB stadium in the country, and this is just one example.
In-Stadium WiFi
Someone less-heralded but no less important, the new WiFi service offered at McLane Stadium will make everything work. Instead of entering a dead zone completely void of telephonic or internet signals, every fan at McLane Stadium will have the opportunity to log in to a WiFi network to unlock some of the features above, surf the internet on their phones, or make calls. It's yet to be seen how the system will work when/if 40,000 people try to stream video at the same time, so we'll all get to experience that little adventure together.
The @McLaneStadium Wi-Fi system from @ExtremeNetworks is designed for high density needs, including streaming video: http://t.co/MHHwtPB1Tt
— Baylor University (@Baylor) August 18, 2014
The more I find out about this stadium and how it was built, the more I love it. Baylor has obviously stressed the importance of creating a phenomenal game experience for those in attendance, and these technological innovations are just a couple of examples. I can't wait the thirteen days before we play SMU!