The Super Bowl is undoubtedly one of the most-watched television events in North America. With its massive viewership and cultural significance, it’s no surprise that companies are willing to pay millions of dollars to advertise during the big game.
However, hosting the Super Bowl is a monumental task that requires careful planning, logistical coordination, and technological expertise.
In this article, we’ll delve into the details of hosting Super Bowl 51, including the selection process, the chosen city, the stadium, and the technology infrastructure required to make it all happen. We’ll also explore some of the key challenges faced by developers in creating a seamless and engaging viewing experience for millions of people around the world.
Before we dive into the specifics of hosting Super Bowl 51, let’s take a closer look at the selection process. Each year, the NFL selects a city to host the big game based on a variety of factors, including stadium size, availability, proximity to major markets, and potential for fan engagement.
The selection committee considers several key criteria when choosing a host city, including:
- Stadium capacity and quality
- Availability of the stadium during the desired timeframe
- Proximity to major markets and transportation hubs
- Fan engagement potential
- Local support for the NFL and the hosting team
After considering these factors, the selection committee announced that Atlanta, Georgia would be the host city for Super Bowl 51 in 2019. The city’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium was deemed to be an ideal venue due to its large capacity, state-of-the-art technology infrastructure, and central location.
Atlanta is a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural history and a thriving business community. The city has played host to numerous major events in the past, including the 1996 Summer Olympics and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. However, Super Bowl 51 marks the first time that Atlanta will be hosting the NFL’s biggest event.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Super Bowl 51 will be held, is a state-of-the-art sports facility that opened in 2017. The stadium features a retractable roof, allowing for year-round events and weather-proofing, as well as a variety of high-tech amenities, including a massive video screen, advanced lighting systems, and cutting-edge audio technology.
The Technology Infrastructure:
As we’ve already mentioned, hosting the Super Bowl requires a sophisticated technology infrastructure that can handle the massive amounts of data and traffic generated by millions of viewers around the world. To make it all happen, the NFL and Mercedes-Benz Stadium have partnered with several leading tech companies, including Cisco, Verizon, and Microsoft.
Cisco has provided the network and communications infrastructure for Super Bowl 51, including a high-speed fiber optic network that will deliver data and video traffic at lightning speeds. The company’s software-defined networking (SDN) technology will also be used to ensure that all devices and systems are connected seamlessly and securely.
Verizon has been tasked with providing the wireless connectivity for Super Bowl 51, including 4G and 5G networks that will allow fans to stream live video, post updates on social media, and communicate with friends and family. The company’s network optimization technology will also be used to ensure that all devices are connected at optimal speeds.
Microsoft has been providing the cloud-based infrastructure for Super Bowl 51, including Azure and other cloud services that will be used to store and process large amounts of data. The company’s AI and machine learning technologies will also be used to analyze viewer behavior and preferences, allowing for more personalized content and advertising experiences.
