Newly appointed Lightning VP/Innovation & Technology Services Sean Walker has been "tapped to lead a massive overhaul of the technology infrastructure at Amalie Arena," according to Ashley Gurbal Kritzer of the TAMPA BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL. Those efforts will "touch everything from the fan experience -- ordering food via mobile app, for example -- to game-day security" to the $2B mixed-used district that Tampa Bay-based Strategic Property Partners will develop between the arena and downtown. The ultimate goal, beyond an improved fan experience, is to "boost the Bolts' bottom line." Walker will be "hiring a team to collect and analyze data on consumer behavior within the arena and fan reactions to the game presentation." The Lightning will then "tap into that information to sell everything from more food and beverage items to merchandise to sponsorship opportunities." Lightning Exec VP & Arena GM Darryl Benge said that Walker's hire "represents a new era for the Bolts and their aging venue." While the team has made strides recently -- debuting FanCap and Apple Pay at the arena last season -- Benge said that the Lightning will "invest heavily in its technology in the coming years," though he "declined to put a dollar figure on the efforts." Exclusive content "available only inside the arena -- Walker mentioned instant replays from specific camera angles as one possibility -- is another way teams are engaging with fans via mobile interface" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 8/10).
