For all registered participants: Arrive early, grab your badge, and make the most of the morning networking over breakfast before the master classes kick off!

The transformation of Saudi Arabia's stadium landscape: Perspectives and opportunities

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious stadium transformation program is reshaping the country’s sporting and entertainment landscape. Moving beyond the headlines, bid book announcements, and spectacular designs, this keynote takes a deeper look at the facts and figures that define the real nature of this sweeping development.

The presentation will highlight key opportunities within the transformation program, while also examining the dependencies that could impact their success. It will explore how challenges can be effectively addressed through thoughtful design, strategic commercial moves, financial planning, and informed policy decisions.

At a time when the Kingdom is preparing to introduce the largest increase in stadium capacity it has ever seen, this keynote aims to answer the tough questions and offer valuable insights into the future of Saudi Arabia’s stadium infrastructure.

Commercialization of Stadiums & Arenas

This masterclass focuses on the commercialization of sports facilities, exploring the diverse strategies venues employ to generate revenue. It provides an in-depth analysis of various income streams, including:

• Ticket Sales: Revenue from games, concerts, and other hosted events.
• Concessions and Merchandise: Sales of food, beverages, and merchandise during events.
• Premium Seating: Income from Tunnel Club memberships, luxury suites, club seats, and VIP experiences.
• Parking Fees: Additional revenue from event-day parking.
• Non-Matchday Utilization: Hosting weddings, corporate functions, and community events.
• Corporate Sponsorships: Partnerships for naming rights, advertising, and promotional opportunities.
• Media Rights: Revenue from television and radio broadcast deals for games and events.

The masterclass also highlights innovative approaches to maximizing revenue, such as roof walks, skywalk platforms, and repurposing stadiums for unique experiences like glamping sites and golf event venues. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of sports facility commercialization.

The Coliseum partner for this masterclass are:

Masterclass 2

Digitalization of Stadiums & Arenas

This session provides a comprehensive analysis of how sports stadiums and arena are leveraging digitalization to enhance fan engagement and optimize operational efficiency. Key innovations include:

• Wi-Fi Connectivity and DAS Networks: Ensuring fast, reliable internet access for both fans and staff, enabling seamless communication and interaction.
• Advanced Operations Software: Streamlining venue management, enhancing security, and improving overall operational workflows.
• Mobile Applications: Offering features that elevate the fan experience, including seat navigation, mobile food and beverage ordering, real-time updates, and event notifications. These apps also facilitate crowd management, parking optimization, and security protocols.
• Digital Signage: Assisting with wayfinding, interactive maps, and promoting merchandise options, contributing to a more intuitive and engaging stadium environment.
• Augmented Reality (AR): Enriching the live event experience by overlaying real-time statistics and interactive content, providing fans with deeper insights.
• AI Chatbots: Delivering personalized assistance by addressing inquiries, offering recommendations, and enhancing the overall fan journey.

Through these digital advancements, stadiums are redefining the fan experience while simultaneously driving operational excellence.

Brought to you by:

The Coliseum partner for this masterclass are:

Masterclass 3

Financial and Environmental Sustainability of Stadiums & Arenas

True sustainability should be pursued with authenticity and integrity, encompassing both environmental and financial dimensions. A critical aspect is financial sustainability, which requires well-structured policies to prevent unchecked debt accumulation. This segment will also address the growing concern of ‘greenwashing,’ where organizations engage in misleading ‘Green PR’ to create the illusion of environmentally responsible practices.

In this masterclass, we will explore how sports venues can achieve long-term financial sustainability by focusing on:

• Revenue Generation: Diversifying income streams through events, sponsorships, and innovative venue uses.
• Cost Management and Operational Efficiency: Implementing advanced systems to optimize resource allocation and reduce waste.
• Long-Term Maintenance and Upgrades: Strategic planning to ensure infrastructure longevity and minimize costly overhauls.
• Strategic Investments: Allocating resources to initiatives that drive sustainable growth and community impact.

With a strong financial foundation, venues can reinvest in genuine green initiatives that benefit both the environment and the community. These include:

• Water Conservation: Implementing wastewater management, rainwater harvesting systems, and low-flow fixtures.
• Energy Efficiency: Utilizing photovoltaic panels and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption.
• Waste Management: Promoting composting, donating leftover food to food banks and shelters, and using eco-friendly, recycled materials in renovations.
• Sustainable Transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation, bicycles, and electric vehicles to reduce the venue’s carbon footprint.

By aligning financial stability with authentic environmental responsibility, venues can become true leaders in sustainability and positively influence their communities.

Brought to you by:

The Coliseum partner for this masterclass are:

For all registered participants: Arrive early, grab your badge, and make the most of the morning networking over breakfast before the master classes kick off!

Commercialization of Stadiums & Arenas

This masterclass focuses on the commercialization of sports facilities, exploring the diverse strategies venues employ to generate revenue. It provides an in-depth analysis of various income streams, including:

• Ticket Sales: Revenue from games, concerts, and other hosted events.
• Concessions and Merchandise: Sales of food, beverages, and merchandise during events.
• Premium Seating: Income from Tunnel Club memberships, luxury suites, club seats, and VIP experiences.
• Parking Fees: Additional revenue from event-day parking.
• Non-Matchday Utilization: Hosting weddings, corporate functions, and community events.
• Corporate Sponsorships: Partnerships for naming rights, advertising, and promotional opportunities.
• Media Rights: Revenue from television and radio broadcast deals for games and events.

The masterclass also highlights innovative approaches to maximizing revenue, such as roof walks, skywalk platforms, and repurposing stadiums for unique experiences like glamping sites and golf event venues. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of sports facility commercialization.

Masterclass 2

Digitalization of Stadiums & Arenas

This session provides a comprehensive analysis of how sports stadiums and arena are leveraging digitalization to enhance fan engagement and optimize operational efficiency. Key innovations include:

• Wi-Fi Connectivity and DAS Networks: Ensuring fast, reliable internet access for both fans and staff, enabling seamless communication and interaction.
• Advanced Operations Software: Streamlining venue management, enhancing security, and improving overall operational workflows.
• Mobile Applications: Offering features that elevate the fan experience, including seat navigation, mobile food and beverage ordering, real-time updates, and event notifications. These apps also facilitate crowd management, parking optimization, and security protocols.
• Digital Signage: Assisting with wayfinding, interactive maps, and promoting merchandise options, contributing to a more intuitive and engaging stadium environment.
• Augmented Reality (AR): Enriching the live event experience by overlaying real-time statistics and interactive content, providing fans with deeper insights.
• AI Chatbots: Delivering personalized assistance by addressing inquiries, offering recommendations, and enhancing the overall fan journey.

Through these digital advancements, stadiums are redefining the fan experience while simultaneously driving operational excellence.

Brought to you by:

Masterclass 3

Financial and Environmental Sustainability of Stadiums & Arenas

True sustainability should be pursued with authenticity and integrity, encompassing both environmental and financial dimensions. A critical aspect is financial sustainability, which requires well-structured policies to prevent unchecked debt accumulation. This segment will also address the growing concern of ‘greenwashing,’ where organizations engage in misleading ‘Green PR’ to create the illusion of environmentally responsible practices.

In this masterclass, we will explore how sports venues can achieve long-term financial sustainability by focusing on:

• Revenue Generation: Diversifying income streams through events, sponsorships, and innovative venue uses.
• Cost Management and Operational Efficiency: Implementing advanced systems to optimize resource allocation and reduce waste.
• Long-Term Maintenance and Upgrades: Strategic planning to ensure infrastructure longevity and minimize costly overhauls.
• Strategic Investments: Allocating resources to initiatives that drive sustainable growth and community impact.

With a strong financial foundation, venues can reinvest in genuine green initiatives that benefit both the environment and the community. These include:

• Water Conservation: Implementing wastewater management, rainwater harvesting systems, and low-flow fixtures.
• Energy Efficiency: Utilizing photovoltaic panels and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption.
• Waste Management: Promoting composting, donating leftover food to food banks and shelters, and using eco-friendly, recycled materials in renovations.
• Sustainable Transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation, bicycles, and electric vehicles to reduce the venue’s carbon footprint.

By aligning financial stability with authentic environmental responsibility, venues can become true leaders in sustainability and positively influence their communities.

The Coliseum partner for this masterclass is: