The Future of Fan Experience at Levi’s® Stadium: A Tech Revolution
Rooted in the innovation capital of Silicon Valley, the San Francisco 49ers and NetApp are championing a transformative approach to the sports experience, emphasizing technology and data-driven insights. As the 49ers venture into the second decade of playing at Levi’s® Stadium, they are poised to implement significant technological enhancements aimed at elevating the overall fan experience. These improvements are not just upgrades; they lay the groundwork for a more connected and seamless engagement for fans, promising a future where technology and sports intertwine seamlessly.
Intelligent Data Infrastructure: The Backbone of Change
At the heart of this transformation is an intelligent data infrastructure powered by NetApp solutions. The organization plans to leverage the NetApp Keystone storage-as-a-service offering to catalyze improvements across various aspects of the Levi’s® Stadium experience. This includes streamlining ingress and egress processes, reducing bathroom and concession wait times, and enhancing mobile app functionality. Each enhancement is designed to make the experience for fans at the stadium more efficient and enjoyable, ensuring that technology serves as a powerful ally in the live sports realm.
A Visionary Perspective from Leadership
Key figures within the 49ers organization acknowledge the impact of this partnership. Costa Kladianos, the team’s Executive Vice President and Head of Technology, highlights the historical significance of Levi’s® Stadium as a pioneering venue in technological advancement when it opened in 2014. “While we have remained diligent in making improvements year over year, NetApp will empower us to make major changes that will bring the building into the forefront of technology-focused sports and entertainment venues,” Kladianos commented. This forward-thinking vision underscores the ambition of the 49ers to not merely adapt to technological advancements but to lead the charge in creating a premier sports environment.
Strengthening Local Partnerships
The collaboration with NetApp is a significant milestone for the 49ers, as Brent Schoeb, the Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer, expresses enthusiasm about welcoming NetApp as a founding level corporate partner. “We look forward to integrating NetApp’s best-in-class, innovative technology across the 49ers and Levi’s® Stadium organization to enhance the fan experience,” said Schoeb. This partnership symbolizes the strength of local brands in Silicon Valley, showcasing how regional companies can come together to propel sports entertainment into a new era.
Comprehensive Sponsorships and Engagements
Beyond enhancing the stadium experience, NetApp is stepping further into the sporting domain by becoming the presenting sponsor of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Levi’s® Stadium Owners Club will also bear NetApp’s name in recognition of their sponsorship, further embedding NetApp into the fabric of the 49ers’ operations. Additionally, the upcoming Horizon Summit, focused on strategy, data, and analytics and returning to Levi’s® Stadium in June 2025, will be presented by NetApp. These strategic sponsorships highlight the intent to integrate technology deeply within the sports narrative, ensuring that fan engagement is fueled not just by emotion but also by cutting-edge data analytics.
Commitment to Innovation and Excellence
George Kurian, CEO of NetApp, articulates a compelling vision of their role within this partnership: “By becoming an integral part of the 49ers’ operations, NetApp is demonstrating our deep commitment to innovation, leadership, and excellence in Silicon Valley.” The emphasis on intelligent data infrastructure as critical to both the fan experience and team performance resonates with the evolving dynamics of sports. With a focus on ensuring that data becomes a significant asset, NetApp supports the 49ers’ ambitious goals of establishing Levi’s® Stadium as the benchmark for fan experiences in sports.
A Legacy of Winning and Community
The San Francisco 49ers are not just about technology; they have a legacy steeped in success. As one of the storied franchises in the NFL, the 49ers boast five Super Bowl victories and a deep-rooted history in professional sports that spans over 75 years in San Francisco. Owned by the York family and playing in the NFC West division, the 49ers have embodied both tradition and innovation through the years.
The NetApp Influence: Data Infrastructure Redefined
Positioned as a leader in intelligent data infrastructure, NetApp is reshaping how organizations harness data for strategic advantage. The company specializes in unifying data storage, integrated data services, and CloudOps solutions, allowing businesses to thrive despite disruption. With a focus on eliminating data silos and providing superior cyber resilience, governance, and agility, NetApp empowers organizations, like the 49ers, to realize their full potential through advanced technology.
Connecting Fans to the Future
In a age where data sensitivity and operational efficiency are paramount, the collaboration between the 49ers and NetApp heralds a new horizon in sports entertainment. Fans can look forward to a future where their interactions with the game, the players, and the whole stadium experience are more enriched and interconnected than ever before. This initiative not only enhances how fans engage with the San Francisco 49ers but also sets a precedent for other franchises to follow in the realm of technology in sports.
For more information on this exciting development, fans can stay updated through 49ers.com and LevisStadium.com.
