Super Bowl LII: SMT To Provide 1st & Ten Graphic, NFL's Next Gen Stats on In-Venue Videoboards for First Time

SMT (SportsMEDIA Technology) will be providing in-stadium solutions, including its Emmy-winning virtual 1st & Ten line system and the NFL’s new Next Gen Stats, for Super Bowl LII on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. For Super Bowl LII, SMT is providing a new version of the NFL’s Next Gen Stats data feed unique to the game, offering fans real-time content not available on broadcasts.

SMT’s in-stadium production combines in-game stats integrated into SMT-designed graphics packages that are displayed on the stadium’s two massive video boards, as well as 2,000 in-concourse HD video displays, offering fans a chance to watch highlights and stay informed no matter where they are in the stadium. U.S. Bank Stadium boasts 31,000 square feet of video boards, including the west end zone display at 120- by-68 feet high, and the east end zone display at 88- by 51-feet high.

The more than 65,000 football fans attending the Super Bowl will be treated to a variety of valuable real-time team and player data, ranging from positional information (Who’s on the field?) to game leaders (Who’s the fastest on the field today? Who’s had the longest plays today?) and quarterback passing grids (How has this QB fared in these zones today?). The production is made possible by SMT’s Dual-Channel SportsCG, a turnkey clock-and- score graphics publishing system that requires just a single operator.

“As an organization, the Minnesota Vikings constantly look for innovative strategies that provide the best fan experience possible, and SMT’s in-stadium solution is the perfect complement to our new video boards,” says Allen Wertheimer, Senior Manager of Production for the Minnesota Vikings. “For years, we’ve heard from fans that they want the same innovative technology in-stadium that they get at home. Now, with SMT’s presentation of the virtual 1st and Ten system and the NFL’s Next Gen Stats on the video boards, we can offer them in-game stats they wouldn’t get watching from home.”

“In anticipation of creating the ultimate Game Day experience for Super Bowl fans at U.S. Bank Stadium, we have worked diligently all season with the Vikings and the NFL to provide in-stadium 1st & Ten graphics and NFL’s Next Gen Stats, giving fans the real-time data they’re hungry for, such as positional information, game leaders, and quarterback passing,” says Ben Grafchik, SMT Business Development Manager. “We are confident that our execution will provide quantifiable and unique data points that truly highlight the skills inherent in elite NFL athletes.”

In addition to in-stadium solutions, SMT will provide broadcast solutions for Super Bowl LII, including the virtual 1st and Ten system, data-driven graphics and tickers, and in-game data feeds to commentator touchscreens, among other services. SMT has supported Sunday Night Football on NBC since 2006.