Super Bowl Spotlight: Inside Levi's Stadium
The new stadium is the ultimate in high-tech sports innovation. It should be no surprise that a brand-new sports venue in the heart of Silicon Valley would be all about advanced technology. One of the main companies that contributed to this high-tech bonanza was Sony, in fact, there are over 2,000 Sony TVs spread throughout the stadium, and the venue acts as the perfect showcase for the company’s 4K products and technology. Those flatscreens get put to good use at the Fantasy Football Lounge, a fantasy diehard’s happy place. Sponsored by Yahoo (obviously), the massive lounge features every game, up-to-the-minute stat boards, and WiFi to make sure you’re locked in on those last minute lineup changes.
Speaking of WiFi, one of the most amazing technological flourishes is Wi-Fi access in every single seat. You can use this tech to find your seats through the stadium’s app or, more importantly, to watch instant replays and check stats. Basically, the tech will let attendees experience the game in person without missing the benefits of watching at home. Also, obviously this allows all spectators at the game to be able to post to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other form of social media with ease. But Wi-Fi won’t just help fans watch highlights and share posts, but will also allow them to order food from the comfort of their seats. You don’t even have to miss a play to enjoy all the food the venue has to offer. If you’ve never ordered a beer and a brat by WiFi, then you don’t know what you’ve been missing.
On that front, the stadium offers hot dogs and hamburgers, of course. Would a sports venue be able to call itself a sports venue if it didn’t? But the food options don’t stop with the standard stadium fair. Over 180 different food items are available, so even the pickiest of eaters can partake in some chowing down. From curry to tortas to barbecue, paninis, and more, it’s a global-influenced foodie heaven. For our money though, there’s nothing that says Levis Stadium more than a mound of fries topped with a massive handful of roasted garlic. These salty, spicy sticks of the gods make a game complete. There’s even a high-end dining experience with NorCal celebrity chef Michael Mina offering prime cuts at his stylish Bourbon Steak steakhouse. It’s not just a food paradise either, hop heads and Belgian freaks can rejoice as well, the stadium offers 42 draft beers in a variety of settings and locations. Sure, there’s top shelf booze available too, but there’s something a bit sacrilegious about coming to a game and not downing a cold-ass beer.
Not only is the tech top quality and the food top notch, but the stadium is also one of the most eco-friendly in the biz with an LEED Certification. It has an irrigation system that repurposes recycled water, solar panels that soak in the sun’s rays enough to power every home game, woodwork made of sustainable bamboo, and a living roof. Who would have thought that one of the most eco-friendly buildings in California would be an NFL stadium?
If the eco-friendly bit isn’t enough to make you feel good about this stadium hosting Superbowl 50, there’s also the great news that the host committee will be donating 25% of every dollar raised to various Bay Area charities, initiatives, and non-profits. Now that’s something to be proud of.
Given it’s tech innovations, amazing food and drink, modern, open-air design and exceptional amenities, it’s no wonder Sports Business Journal named Levi’s Stadium the “Stadium of the Year” in 2015. What better place to celebrate the Golden Anniversary Superbowl (50 years!) than at the new stadium with a team named after those who sought gold in the rush of ’49. Modern goldrushers (aka start up founders) and NFL fans alike need to look no further than this sports venue for the epitome of the modern sports stadium experience. Now let’s play some football.