How To Guide: 6 In-Stadium Led Display Activations Strategy to Maximize Fan Engagement

Helpful Summary

Overview: This article explores the impact of in-stadium LED display activations on fan engagement and introduces a few popular activations to consider.
Why Trust Us: Cortex’s Cast Playout Software is trusted by over 180 stadiums and venues worldwide, including: Wembley Stadium, Sydney Showground, and Accor Arena.
Why It Matters: In-stadium LED display activations help keep fans engaged throughout live events and encourage them to interact with sponsors and brands.
Action Points: Consider the LED display activation ideas below, and think carefully about the playout solution you’ll need to make them a reality.
Further Research: Check out the Cortex blog for more insights into sports marketing strategies and fan engagement.

How Can LED Displays Transform the Stadium Experience?

LED screens have become an expected part of the stadium experience.

They’re important tools for keeping fans engaged and informed, and they give venues a range of monetization opportunities. But LED displays must be used creatively to reap the full extent of these benefits.

This article explores six innovative LED display activation strategies that can transform casual observers into passionate supporters. It also offers some advice about choosing a playout software that’s able to support these strategies.

Why Listen?

Cortex Cast is a trusted playout software solution with customers ranging from Wembley stadium to the Johan Cruyff Arena. We know how important in-stadium LED displays are to venues and how powerful they can be when used effectively.

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6+ In-Stadium Led Display Activation Strategies

1. Social Media Activations

Live sports events are hotspots for social media content. Fans are constantly checking their feeds and posting updates during the game—and that’s a valuable opportunity to connect with them. Adding social content to your in-stadium LED displays can create an interactive and engaging experience for fans.

Here are some ideas:

Hashtag Promotion

Encourage fans to use a specific event hashtag when posting about the game on social media.

Choose the most engaging and relevant posts—moments of excitement, disappointment, or humour—and showcase them live on the big screen. This allows fans to see their content shared in real-time, creating a stronger connection to the event.

Fan Selfies

Invite fans to submit photos or videos using a designated hashtag for a chance to see themselves on the big screen. During breaks in the game, display a montage of these fan photos or videos to showcase the energy that people look for at live sports events.

Moderation is a challenge here. Cortex’s Cast Playout software integrates with Seyu to moderate UGC as it’s submitted. That means by the time it reaches the playout software, it’s already been deemed appropriate and safe for display.

Interactive Polls

Capture your audience's attention with interactive real-time polls and voting on LED screens. For example, during a football game, you can engage fans by running a live poll on the LED screen prompting them to predict the next goal scorer or to choose the player of the match.

Cortex’s Cast Playout software supports live voting to enable these kinds of interactive in-stadium activations.

2. Dynamic Game-Dependant Activations

Game-dependent activations are a tried-and-tested way to amp up fans' emotions at key moments during a game.

Goals, runs, touchdowns and other game-changing plays can trigger a variety of activations, including in-stadium light shows, confetti cannons, and, relevant here—LED animations. Venues all around the world have come up with some creative and exciting game-dependent activations, such as:

Blackouts: LEDs and lights go dark briefly before illuminating the winning team's colors.
Dynamic animations: Customized animations celebrating a goal or highlight play.
Fan cams: Live footage of fans celebrating big moments.

3. Live Viewing Activations

Sometimes, simply broadcasting that game is enough for fans. This is most relevant outside of venues (e.g., in fan areas) and inside the venue but away from the action (e.g., in concourses and restrooms).

Venues can set up viewing areas with large screens and comfortable seating for fans to gather and watch the game together. This creates a sense of community among fans and allows them to catch important moments they may have missed while getting food or using the restroom.

Choose a playout software like Cortex’s that supports live game feeds.

4. Sponsor Activations

Creating sponsor-driven activations that go beyond traditional advertising is a win-win. Fans engage with the brand uniquely, and sponsors get more exposure and positive associations with the team or event.

There are tons of possibilities here, including:

Sponsored contests or promotions
Sponsored highlights and replays
Sponsored charity initiatives

5. Highlight Fan Participation & Celebrations

During breaks or halftime, use LED screens to highlight fans in the stadium. Showcasing fans dancing or cheering to the game creates a sense of community and encourages others to get involved.

You can also feature fan celebrations or “Fan of the Game” segments, in which the most enthusiastic supporter gets a special mention. This strategy spotlights the fans, making them feel like an integral part of the event.

Fans who see themselves or their friends on the LED screens will likely share these moments on social media, extending the event's reach beyond the stadium and generating further excitement and engagement.

6. Real-Time Data and Analytics Displays

Displaying real-time data and analytics on LED screens caters to fans interested in going deeper than just watching the game.

These displays can include:

Player profiles
Speed readings (for shots, pitches, sprints, etc.)
Team statistics (e.g., possession, shots on goal)
Live scores and updates from other games
Stadium stats (e.g., attendance, temperature

Maximise Fan Engagement With Cast Playout Software

Effectively managing LED screens in stadiums and large venues requires specialised software to ensure seamless operation. Cortex’s Cast Playout Software is designed to do just that, offering robust management of LED displays and integrated AV outputs.

Cast enhances fan engagement during live events with real-time playlist updates, customizable content zones, and support for various LED configurations. The UEFA-compliant software includes automatic sizing, tiling, and crossfade effects to deliver dynamic, immersive content.

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