Our 2013 NFL Tech Series provides a quick hit of tech insight on all 32 NFL teams up until kickoff of Week 1 of the regular season. Each feature includes the latest tech advances implemented by the organization in the effort to advance the team’s success… in a wide variety of venues.
Stadium experience, fan engagement, mobile technologies, player performance and health, statistical data gathering and analysis… any and all aspects of the organization’s procedures in the effort to find success in the NFL is on the table. We’re uncovering those efforts, investigating those innovations and pondering the benefit they might provide, for the team, players and fans alike… today and looking forward.
Today’s focus is on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they renovate Raymond James Stadium as well look to beef up the capabilities of their stadium Wi-Fi and team app.
The Buccaneer’s management has turned their focus this year to their fans. After a 7-9 season last year—a marked improvement from the previous 4-12 record in 2011—Tampa Bay hopes that their team’s steady progress on the field will be matched with a similar growth in their fan base. To achieve this end, the Buccaneers took time during this off-season to improve and upgrade the sports environment at Raymond James Stadium.
Social Engagement
Along with the introduction of free Wi-Fi to their stadium last season, the Bucs have since developed yet another way for their fans to plug into the game: The 
Official Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mobile App. Available for free download, the Bucs’ app comes equipped with a full-range list of features, including:
-News: Real-time breaking news on players, match ups, and post-game interviews
-Photos: In-game photos and player galleries
-Video: On-demand clips of press conferences and player interviews
-Stats: Real-time statistics, including scores, player stats, box scores, and out-of-town scores around the league
-Standings: Division and conference standings
-Fantasy scores and statistics
-Depth charts for offense, defense, and special teams
-Social media: One-click tweet of all Buccaneer media items, and one-click posting to Facebook of all Buccaneer media items
-Schedule: Upcoming games and previous game statistics
-Mobile ticket purchase for upcoming games
The Bucs’ app can be downloaded to any smartphone, and is a handy addition to fans who want to further engage in the Buccaneer experience. The most convenient feature of the app is the ability to buy tickets on the go, enabling fans to easily purchase and use e-tickets to enter games. And once inside, Bucs’ fans can continue to exploit the app to get instant updates on player stats and more, thanks to the free stadium Wi-Fi.
For the 2013 season, Tampa Bay is offering increased rewards for using the app, hoping to attract greater fan support. The bulk of the new rewards will stem from the Buccaneers’ renewal of their partnership with Southern Florida Ford, who will offer sales initiatives, on-site activities, and even fly-away game giveaways. www.buccaneers.com
Renovations to Raymond James Stadium
Along with increased fan rewards, Tampa Bay has struck a new, 5-year contract with Aramark to renovate stadium food and beverage sales, as well as all retail merchandising. Aramark currently manages concessions for over 400 professional sports teams, including teams in the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NFL. The new partnership will consolidate all sales under Aramark, and aims to improve customer service.
The refurbished concession stands will offer new menus, and will incorporate better technology to improve payment systems and food delivery to customers. Furthermore, the 195 luxury suites in the Bucs’ stadium have been equipped with full-size refrigerators, new cabinets, and new hot-plates. As a final redesign, Aramark has proposed the installation of a brand new, 13-000 square foot team store that will stand two stories tall.
In addition to the overhaul of retail and concession, the Buccaneers have also sought a new, high-definition scoreboard estimated at about $9 million dollars. The full plan is expected to be completed by 2014.
New Contracts
Aside from the new deals with Aramark and Sothern Florida Ford, Tampa Bay has similarly struck new partnerships for other areas of their team.
The Bucs have officially partnered with the Florida Orthopedic Institute, Florida’s largest orthopedic group. The institute will handle all of the Buccaneers’ sports medicine, including orthopedic surgeons and sports physicians.
For game coverage, the Buccaneers have signed a new 5-year agreement with WFLA-TV/ News Channel 8, who will broadcast the Bucs’ games to the local areas. The Bucs have also re-signed the Tampa Tribune as their official sports newspaper.
Conclusion
Overall, the deals Tampa has struck with the above companies represents a renewed effort to involve local companies into the Bucs’ franchise, in hopes to increase regional coverage and fan support. The Buccaneers total food and beverage sales amounted to just $17.21 million last year, lowest in the league. Likewise, total net retail sales for the past 2 years was below an average of $2 million, as compared to the league average between$3 and $5 million.
The good news, however, is that this under-performance in 2012 has translated into stadium upgrades for 2013. With the influx of new technology, the stadium now boasts a redesigned, fan-centric environment that will keep fans plugged in, well-fed, and up to speed on anything Bucs related.