NC State athletics’ official website just ran a piece listing all of the new ‘game day enhancements’ for the 2018 football season. After reading through all of the updates, it’s actually pretty impressive. There is a lot of new stuff happening to sort-of modernize the fan experience. Here are some of the new features…

New Video displays in the South End Zone
As we mentioned yesterday, the basketball team is getting a new 3D projection system, and while this might not be THAT futuristic, it’s definitely a big plus. One of the revenue struggles for live sports has been the technological advancements of the in-living room game experience. Why go to the game when you can watch it at home and really see what is going on a little bit better. Tons of camera angles, super-duper slow-mo replays, and all without having to buy a ticket or fight traffic.

One way programs have kept fans in the seats is to do their best to mimic that at home experience, and give it to you in the stadium. One way they are doing this is with massive video boards for replays and videos.

The two new HD video boards have been installed are 30% bigger than the once that were previously in place since 2006.

Mobile Ticketing
Well, this one is kind of a no-brainer and we’ll have to kindly ask ‘What took you so long?’ Most of us have been using mobile ticketing for nearly 10 years now. Either way, NC State is finally joining the party. This not only makes it super convenient, it also nearly eliminates lost/stolen tickets and cuts down on scalping by giving fans the option to ‘transfer’ tickets digitally.

Complimentary Game Programs
This seems like a nice addition and probably makes for a better, more-informed fan base. Instead of selling programs, NC State is now going to give every patron a program when entering the stadium. I wonder if this means they have to print a whole lot more, or if they were always printing enough for all the fans, but just having to throw out the ones that didn’t sell.

My thought would be, save yourself the printing costs. Sure, print a thousand or so and sell them to those who want a keepsake or are just a little old school. Why not create a “Gameday App” which integrates everything. Your mobile tickets, game programs, push notifications on stats and scores, and all other stadium-related stuff like maps, concessions, etc. Heck, why not keep your credit card saved on the app and be allowed to buy your tickets, parking passes and even concession with the app. Seems like the upfront cost would be large but it would save a ton of money in the long run. (Hey, NC State if you’re interested in brainstorming this and seeing some mock-ups, give us a shout!)

KultureCity Sensory Bags
NC State partners with KultureCity to help accommodate guests who have sensory processing needs and becoming a sensory inclusive stadium. They are going to be available at guest services. You can learn more about this here. I wasn’t really aware that this was a thing, but good on you NC State for taking the initiative to do something like this.

New Game Day Cash Lot
Didn’t get a parking pass for the game? Now you can just shoot over to the new cash lot, drop a 10 spot and park your car. It’s located at 4200 Hillsborough St and is pretty easy in and out from 440.

Second Half Fireworks
As the Pack takes the field for the 2nd half, they are going to do a second round of fireworks. That’s a nice added bonus and maybe as a byproduct will equal some hot-starts by the Pack after the half.

Student-Only Fan Experiences
Yes, yes, yes. When we were students at NC State we always got a little frustrated that students weren’t really treated as good as the general fanbase was. What we mean by that is, sure, these people are paying money to you for a ticket to the game. But as students, we are out here going into life-altering debt to be a part of this and not once had one of us won the “Free groceries for a month from Harris Teeter” or the “Free jewelry giveaway from Baily’s.”

Admittedly, that has changed a lot in recent years. There are a lot more student-focused promotions, like scholarships for making a half-court shot, or free rent by winning a potato sack race. But the time had come for students to really get a few more perks.

This year all Pack students are eligible to win exclusive on-field and behind the scenes experiences (including sideline passes, chances to get a spot on a bus trip to the UNC game.)  This is awesome for the kids who really make the college sports experience what it is. Without the rowdy, wild and at time crude 18-22 year olds along the sidelines, things just wouldn’t be the same and thankfully NC State is recognizing that and giving a little back to this group.

Other new perks include…

• Celebration Buttons (free buttons for birthdays)
• More in-stadium ATMs (for those who can’t stop dealing in cash)
• Service Animals/Emotional Support Animals
• And BlockParty, a company that you pay to set up your tailgate