Stadium Innovation

Stadium innovation is crucial in professional soccer as it enhances the fan experience, improves player performance through advanced facilities, and boosts operational efficiency. Innovations such as improved seating, advanced lighting, and technology integration contribute to creating a more engaging and comfortable environment for spectators and athletes alike.

Objectives

Students will use the engineering design process to create or improve a current innovation at Shell Energy Stadium to enhance the fan experience.

Materials

Worksheet

Academic Standards

Grade 6
Science 6.1.B The student is expected to use scientific practices to plan and conduct descriptive, comparative, and experimental investigations and use engineering practices to design solutions to problems.

Science 6.2.D The student is expected to evaluate experimental and engineering designs.

Science 6.5.A The student is expected to identify and apply patterns to understand and connect scientific phenomena or to design solutions.
Grade 7
Science 7.1.B The student is expected to use scientific practices to plan and conduct descriptive, comparative, and experimental investigations and use engineering practices to design solutions to problems.

Science 7.2.D The student is expected to evaluate experimental and engineering designs.

Science 7.5.A The student is expected to identify and apply patterns to understand and connect scientific phenomena or to design solutions.
Grade 8
Science 8.1.B The student is expected to use scientific practices to plan and conduct descriptive, comparative, and experimental investigations and use engineering practices to design solutions to problems.

Science 8.2.D The student is expected to evaluate experimental and engineering designs.

Science 8.5.A The student is expected to identify and apply patterns to understand and connect scientific phenomena or to design solutions."

Discussion Questions

Why do you think stadium innovation is important in MLS soccer? How does enhancing the fan experience contribute to the success and sustainability of MLS teams?
Can you identify specific examples of stadium innovations that MLS teams implement? How do these innovations enhance the overall game-day experience for fans?
How might stadium innovations differ between different MLS teams and cities? What factors might influence the types of enhancements made to each team's stadium?

Reflection Questions

Reflect on your experiences attending sporting events or other live entertainment. How do amenities and features such as comfortable seating, interactive displays, and food options impact your enjoyment of the experience?
Think about the role of technology in modern entertainment venues. How can integrating technology into stadium environments enhance the fan experience and create memorable moments for spectators?
Consider the future of stadium innovation in MLS soccer. What new advancements or features would you like implemented in the stadium to enhance the fan experience further?

Answer Key

Responses will vary. Encourage students to provide thoughtful explanations that demonstrate creativity, logical design reasoning and understanding stadium development.

Setup

In this activity, students will work in small groups (or individually, depending on your class) to innovate the Shell Energy Stadium.
- This activity may need multiple days to complete depending on how in-depth you want your students to get with their projects.
Introduce the concept of innovating a stadium: Students will need to understand the role of engineers, architects and designers.

Vocabulary

Innovation: A new method, idea or product.

Engineering design process: A series of steps that engineers follow to come up with a solution to a problem.

Activity

In this activity, students will work in small groups (or individually, depending on your class) to design their stadium.
- This activity may need multiple days to complete depending on how in-depth you want your students to get with their projects.
Start the lesson by engaging students in a short discussion using the discussion questions above or develop your own questions.
- Ask students if they have ever been to a MLS game and noticed the unique features and amenities of the stadium. MLS teams are constantly innovating to create unforgettable experiences for fans.
Discuss the various elements of stadium innovation before having students work through the engineering design process to create their own stadium innovation.
- Stadium Innovation
  - Stadium innovation refers to the continuous improvement and development of facilities, amenities, and technologies within MLS stadiums.
  - Teams invest in stadium innovation to enhance the fan experience, making games more enjoyable, immersive, and memorable for spectators.
- Enhancements in Fan Amenities
  - stadium innovation often involves the addition of new amenities and features designed to improve comfort, convenience, and entertainment for fans.
  - Examples of fan amenities include upgraded seating options, premium hospitality areas, interactive fan zones, and enhanced food and beverage offerings.
  - These amenities create a more immersive and enjoyable experience for fans, encouraging them to return to the stadium and support their team.
- Integration of Technology
  - Technology plays a significant role in stadium innovation, with teams leveraging digital advancements to enhance the fan experience.
  - Features such as high-definition video displays, interactive mobile apps, and in-seat ordering systems provide fans with real-time information, entertainment, and convenience during games.
  - By integrating technology into the stadium environment, teams can create more engaging and interactive experiences for fans inside and outside the stadium.
Using the worksheet as a guide, students will use the engineering design process to create or improve a current innovation at the
Shell Energy Stadium to enhance the fan experience.
- Ask: What do we need to make and what can we use?
- Research: Investigate the problem
- Imagine: Think up many ideas.
- Plan: Choose the best idea and make a plan.
- Create: Make your idea real.
- Test: Experiment to see what happens.
- Improve: Make improvements as needed
Students need to answer the questions on the worksheet as well.
Allow students to share their prototypes with the class at the end.
Lead students in a short discussion using the reflection questions provided or your own.

Additional Activity

Have students create a 3-D or digital model of their prototype.
Students can be challenged only to use recycled materials (science conservation connection) to create their model.
Have students present their prototype Shark Tank-style to get funding.