The Detroit Lions have teamed up with Trace3, a technology consultancy with offices in Troy, to update the Lion’s “Analytics War Room,” and transform operations strategy and enhance fan engagement.
The collaboration was done to bring Lions’ fan experience to new levels and help maintain Detroit’s status as the best NFL city, a title recently bestowed upon it by fans and confirmed by a CBS report.
To showcase this endeavor, a media tour event is scheduled on Nov. 14, for media, Detroit dignitaries, community, and business leaders, including key educators in STEM in Detroit with student representatives and fan representatives.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions wide receiver, along with the Detroit Lions’ and Trace3’s data analytics vice presidents, who built the war room, will be there to showcase the facility, give simulated demonstrations, and show how the technology will benefit the entire Detroit community.
The facility uses technology that should have a positive economic impact on the Motor City by enhancing fan engagement, attracting tourists, creating job opportunities, fostering partnerships, and empowering local communities through educational initiatives. The goal is to make Detroit a thriving, forward-thinking hub, boosting local businesses and brand image.
The story began in 2022 when the Detroit Lions identified a persistent challenge: fan congestion at Ford Field, particularly at Gate A, where 50 percent of fans historically entered.
The Lions, determined to deliver greater fan experiences, pioneered the first iteration of the Analytics War Room, supported by Trace3, and integrated data from various sources. The results were significant, with Gate A entrances reduced by over 2,000-3,000 people per game.
By analyzing fan demographics, wi-fi data, and fan satisfaction surveys, they created a better fan experience. The Trace3-Built Analytics War Room, at its core, is a dedicated space within Ford Field focused on using data analytics to make informed decisions.
An analytics war room typically focuses on key functions such as data collection, statistical analysis, performance evaluation, game strategy, injury prevention, scouting, data visualization, and real-time analysis.
The Detroit Lions are weaving these functions into the broader purpose of enhancing fan experience. The war room is also focused on revolutionizing the in-stadium experience, by employing data analysis and technology to streamline fan engagement and concession enhancements.
They’re working to reduce waiting lines, forecast attendance, introduce mobile apps and cashless transactions, actively seeking fan feedback, and optimizing staff training.
The war room should create jobs, boost tourism, and stimulate local revenues.
It may also foster business growth and play a vital role in inspiring creativity in STEM programs in Detroit schools, enhancing the city’s future workforce readiness and technological innovation. While a precise dollar value remains difficult to determine, the advanced analytics war room promises substantial economic impact and community development across Detroit.
The next Lions game will be played Sun day at 4 p.m. against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in suburban L.A.
To learn more about the Lion’s 2023 season, read this DBusiness article here.
