The Kansas City Chiefs have partnered with ProWire to bring live play-by-play audio directly to fans’ phones. The free service debuts at Arrowhead Stadium this season.
What We Know: ProWire says their EDGE technology delivers ultra-low latency audio through cellular and Wi-Fi networks inside stadiums. Fans access it through the team apps at no additional cost. Additionally, the platform is already deployed across teams in the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and NCAA. Microsoft also spotlighted ProWire as a leading venue solution at Microsoft Ignite. The Chiefs are now the second NFL franchise to sign on with the new technology.
What They Said: Gordon Sumner, Co-Founder & CEO of ProWire: “We are pleased to debut this new in-venue listening experience and support the Kansas City Chiefs with enhanced accessibility options at G.E.H.A. Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Chiefs fans now have a selection of companion audio content and real-time captioning from their own devices.”
What Remains Unclear: With several teams already licensing the technology already on an independent basis across sports, will leagues navigate the same. As the technology has grown over the past number of years, only a handful of franchises use the technology. It is unknown in what franchises are compensating ProWire for this technology, and the term of the agreements between parties.
What It Means: ProWire’s technology is providing an added piece of the gameday experience. With FCC delays still controlling the public airwaves, it’s hard to find a direct live signal for in-stadium play-by-play. Consequently, teams across major leagues are rethinking how fans engage with live broadcasts. In turn, sports radio and audio professionals must adapt to an industry shift that presents both competition and opportunity. In-venue listening is clearly becoming a standard fan expectation.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
