7 Ways Emerging Technologies Power Super Bowl LIX7 Ways Emerging Technologies Power Super Bowl LIX

This year’s Super Bowl matchup pits the Philadelphia Eagles against the Kansas City Chiefs and once again IoT and the intersection of emerging technologies are coming together to power the big event.

Super Bowl LIX is chock-full of technologies powering the game on and off the field from robotics and augmented reality to increased connectivity and wearable technology and everything in between, here’s a look:  

Robotics, Augmented Reality Powered Broadcast

The Super Bowl is being broadcast on Fox. The network will have 149 cameras covering the game including 27 super slow-motion cameras, 24 robotic cameras, 23 high-resolution cameras, 14 cameras on the Tubi Red Carpet, 12 wireless cameras, 10 Cosm panamorphic cameras and seven augmented reality cameras.

The broadcast will also, for the first time, introduce its Super Slowmo/4K SkyCam for sweeping views of all the on-field action.

Increased Connectivity

Verizon has boosted its coverage from not only Caesars Superdome, but also from areas where fans will be gathering including Bourbon Street, the Convention Center, Louis Armstrong Airport, Smoothie King Arena and other area hotspots. 

Verizon also teamed with local agencies to keep first responders connected throughout the event.

Verizon also rebuilt the system from the ground up, with more than 200 new small cells and hidden antennas that are there to stay. 

Related:Super Bowl Taps Tech for Security; AI, Facial Recognition, No Drones

The Superdome alone got some major upgrades including 509 5G Ultra-Wideband and 155 C-Band radios covering every seat, suite and concourse, mmWave technology for fast, smooth connections and real-time network adjustments with vRAN for peak performance.

Enhanced Fan Experience 

Last August the New Orleans Saints unveiled the final updates to the Caesars Superdome $560 million transformation, which was aimed at enhancing the fan experience.

The fully transformed facility received several upgrades including new fan amenities and technology improvements including wireless and cellular upgrades, vertical transportation upgrades and enhanced accessibility for disabled fans and guests with sensory issues.

Drone Free Zone

Aside from drone views from television cameras, no one should even think about flying a drone near the Super Bowl. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has designated the Superdome a “no drone zone” for Super Bowl Sunday. Drones are also prohibited from the downtown area in the days leading up to the game. 

Drone operators entering restricted areas could face confiscation, fines up to $75,000 and criminal prosecution. 

Related:Super Bowl Ball Spotting Waits for New Technology

Wearable Safety Tech

As in past years, some players will be sporting the Q-Collar under their helmets for added protection on the field, including Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill. 

Designed to safeguard the brain by limiting its movement during injury, the wearable has become popular among elite athletes looking for extra protection.

High-Tech Helmets

Players also will be sporting safer helmets this year. Every season, NFL players can choose from better-performing helmets as the league continues to drive innovation in helmet safety. 

The 2024 season’s lineup of helmets included the five safest helmets ever tested, the NFL said, including “a record 12 new models and eight new position-specific helmets designed to provide players with the best protection for their position – evidence of the rapid rate of helmet innovation made possible by the league's investments and collaboration with manufacturers, medical and engineering experts and club staff.”

Sony’s AI, Ultra-HD Camera Tracking Technology

Sony’s Hawk-Eye optical tracking technology, which uses AI and ultra-HD cameras to track the movement of the football, ran in the background during the regular season and will be there again at Super Bowl LIX.

Offering “real-world data,” the Hawk-Eye includes virtual line-to-gain measurements for first downs and standardized boundary-line cameras for replay and a system that tracks players’ body and limb movements on the field in real time. 

While they will not be replacing the traditional “chain gang” that makes line-to-gain measurements for first downs, the league still plans more testing before the technology is used in a regular-season game.