Fans aren’t just attending events anymore – they’re expecting an experience that rivals (or beats) what they get at home. That idea drove the conversation during “The Business of Entertainment”, a panel discussion at Bluewater’s Tech Expo in October.
Moderated by Art Rautenberg, VP of Operations Integration at Bluewater, the panel featured:
- Tyrone Garrison – VP of Facilities, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Stan Fracker – Operational Director, Broadcast & AV Systems, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment
- Matt Wentz – Associate, Audio Visual Design, ME Engineers
Together, they explored how technology, tradition, and creativity are reshaping the live sports and entertainment experience.
Elevating the Fan Experience
Venues are investing in high-quality audio, video, and control systems to match the at-home experience.
“We’re competing with the experience people have at home. If they can see every replay instantly on their couch, we need to deliver that for 40,000 people.”
— Stan Fracker
At Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Tyrone highlighted the challenge of scale:
“Fans want different things. Some want a full show. Others just want to see a simple top-ten running order. If we change anything, we hear about it.”
— Tyrone Garrison
Matt emphasized personalization:
“People aren’t just looking at the big screen anymore. They want to choose what they see in their suite—they want their own audio feed, their own camera angles.”
— Matt Wentz
Honoring Tradition While Modernizing
Panelists stressed the importance of balancing innovation with legacy. IMS preserved historic structures while adding LED upgrades.
“We could have done a full ribbon board, but that wouldn’t honor the history. Fans have been coming for 20, 30, even 50 years—we can’t take that lightly.”
— Tyrone Garrison
At Comerica Park, tradition guides creative scoreboard design:
“Tradition is a huge part of who we are. The technology is there, but the creative still has to feel like Detroit.”
— Stan Fracker
Audio + Video: The Backbone of Fan Connection
High-resolution LED boards, cinematic cameras, synchronized graphics, and distributed audio systems bring the live story to life.
“People want full-range, concert-quality audio. They want to feel the anthem, the music, and the moment.”
— Matt Wentz
“Of everything we do, audio gets the most positive survey feedback.”
— Tyrone Garrison
Sponsorships That Enhance, Not Distract
Modern sponsorships integrate seamlessly with the fan experience.
“The fan experience comes first. Then we find partners who fit the moment—not the other way around.”
— Stan Fracker
“Sometimes a sponsor brings back LED or tech elements that were value-engineered out. It’s a double-edged sword, but it can be a huge win.”
— Matt Wentz
Innovations Driving the Future of Live Entertainment
Planning for the Future
Panelists emphasized longevity and smart design, using trusted partners to integrate new and legacy systems.
“You can have the cool immersive thing—but if the content never changes, it becomes stale. Longevity matters.”
— Matt Wentz
“Equipment evolves too fast for us to test everything. You need experts you trust to guide you.”
— Tyrone Garrison
The Fan Journey Beyond the Venue
Teams now operate like media companies, engaging fans through social content, recaps, and behind-the-scenes storytelling.
“Every team has a full content arm now. Fans connect with us through the videos, recaps, and social content just as much as the game itself.”
— Stan Fracker
Looking Ahead: Data, AI, and the Unknown
Technology and AI are set to enhance fan understanding and engagement.
“It’s going to dramatically change how fans see and understand the game in the venue.”
— Stan Fracker
“How do we show fuel strategy, tire choices, balance—all the things you can’t see from the stands? AI will help us get that story to fans faster.”
— Tyrone Garrison
“What’s coming next? I don’t know—and that’s what makes it exciting.”
— Matt Wentz
Watch the Full Panel Discussion
Catch the full conversation, including audience Q&A, on demand:
👉 Watch “The Business of Entertainment” panel
