The United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland will host the 2028 European Championship, bringing major technological and economic opportunities to the nations.
Euro 2028 will provide companies with a solid platform for showcasing technological advancements and driving innovation across various domains. Read on as take a closer look.
Mobile & Betting Innovations Will be a Big Part of Euro 2028
Hosting such a high-profile international event will bring major technological and economic opportunities to the UK and Ireland.
Euro 2028 will be a showcase of cutting-edge mobile technology. Fans will be able to enjoy immersive second-screen experiences and other interactive innovations.
Mobile platforms will deliver high-quality live streaming, instant updates, player statistics and other features that allow fans to experience the tournament in all its glory.
Betting apps are another technological innovation which will boom during Euro 2028. The UK and Ireland is a hotbed for gambling and fans will be eager to wager on the tournament.
That point is particularly pertinent in Ireland, where they have been starved of seeing their international teams perform on the big stage. The growth potential for betting apps in Ireland is immense, especially considering the popularity of football on the Emerald Isle.
This can be evidenced by the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which garnered a 13 percent increase in betting activity compared to the 2018 tournament.
That trend continued into this year’s Euros. Identification specialists IDnow reported a 750% increase in demand for verification services as people looked to set up new online betting accounts.
Developing sophisticated and secure betting apps will be a crucial focus for technology companies in the build-up to Euro 2028.
Data & AI Can Improve Fan Engagement
Organisers will be able to analyse vast amounts of data from various resources such as social media, ticket sales and in-stadium sensors to gain insights into fan preferences and behaviours.
This information will help to tailor and optimise marketing campaigns, improve stadium services and more. For example, data-driven insights will lead to better crowd management and improved logistics, ensuring a smoother experience for attendees.
Euro 2024 was a perfect example for technology companies looking to build meaningful products.
Germany’s train network was a hassle for fans, with many of them taken aback by the outdated and unreliable system. Technology companies can play a vital role in improving the match-going experience at Euro 2028.
Integrating smart technology in stadiums will transform the matchday scene. Fans connecting to high-speed Wi-fi and making mobile payments will be massive for the experience.
Organisers can also use technology to support advanced security measures and crowd management solutions that keep fans safe.
IoT (Internet of Things) sensors will monitor everything from air quality to seat occupancy, providing real-time feedback and encouraging proactive management of stadium operations.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is another technology element which will be used to significantly improve the Euro 2028 experience for fans.
AI-powered chatbots will help fans with basic recommendations such as food vendors and local football merchandise retailers.
The tech will also be used to improve security in and around the stadiums. It can analyse security footage, identify threats and improve crowd control.
Pundits, fans and teams will utilise AI to study player performance data. AI provides a different insight that even the most experienced eyes can miss.
Long-term impact & Technological Legacy
Beyond the immediate excitement of Euro 2028, the long-term impact of the event will hinge on how technology is leveraged to create a lasting legacy.
Successful implementation of technology during the tournament will serve as a blueprint for future events and contribute to the region’s reputation as a global leader in sports and technology.
Investing in technology infrastructure for Euro 2028 should bring long-term benefits. Even after the tournament, the upgraded stadiums, improved public transport systems and digital platforms will continue to serve communities.
These advancements will drive more investment and innovation in the UK and Ireland. The tournament will also stimulate education and skill development in the technology sectors.
It could result in collaborations between technology companies, education institutions and organisers to create programs focused on digital skills, coding and sports tech.
This educational push will cultivate a fresh batch of tech professionals who will innovate. Tech workshops and community events can also help integrate technology into everyday life.
Engaging with local communities through technology will ensure they feel the benefits of the tournament. Euro 2028 should leave a lasting legacy on local communities by making technology accessible and engaging.
