SMT 2024 Q2 Top 10 Highlights

In this dynamic quarter, SMT is proud to unveil a series of innovative solutions designed to enhance the sports viewing experience. Our PPT continues to transform NHL storytelling during playoffs, while real-time data elevated driver comparisons in the wet and wild NASCAR All-Star Race. SMT sets the standard in tournament technology with the largest digital display deployment in U.S. Open history. SMT also introduced a dynamic show open and custom graphics package for NHRA, while driving the drama at the Kentucky Derby. Our top-dog tech shone at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, and our 6th Tool provided baseball teams with a competitive edge on the road to the College World Series. Season after season, SMT continues to push the boundaries of sports technology, bringing fans closer to the action they love.

LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT: NHL

1. SMT's PPT revolutionizes NHL storytelling for Stanley Cup playoffs

SMT's puck and player tracking (PPT) technology is continuing to transform the way fans experience the NHL, bringing a new level of storytelling to the sport. This season saw a suite of innovative PPT tools and features designed to provide unprecedented insights for fans. Enhancements to the OPTICS pointer system and SPRITES application, along with the first outdoor deployment of the PPT system, culminated in the first fully analytics-driven broadcast for fans. As the demand for deeper insights grows, the NHL, broadcasters, and arenas have embraced SMT's technology, resulting in record-high attendance and viewership ratings.

SPRITES: Two years ago, SMT's on-ice SPRITES application debuted, creating the ultimate watch party experience. During the 2021-2022 playoffs, SMT partnered with Tampa Bay's home arena to project puck and player tracking data onto the ice, allowing fans to enjoy an immersive watch party experience. This setup, which displayed real-time player and puck movements on the ice, became a viral sensation. Since then, SMT has collaborated with multiple teams to host similar watch parties, including the Florida Panthers whose watch parties during the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs garnered millions of views across major sports channels. 

NHL DATACAST: For the Western Conference Final, TNT Sports launched NHL DataCast, an analytics-focused broadcast designed to meet the increasing demand for SMT-generated puck and player tracking stats and graphics. This alternative broadcast featured NHL EDGE stats in graphic form, displaying metrics such as time on ice, distance traveled, and skating speed for individual players. SMT’s tools augmented the broadcast to show real-time replays of goals, how they happened, and the data surrounding them, enhancing fans' understanding and enjoyment of the game.

GRAPHICS: Popular graphic features this season included OPTICS, real-time player-pointer or disc graphics used during live game action, often during power plays. This technique, which highlights the player with the puck, has significantly improved viewer experience. Another innovative feature, the Bug HUG, extended a player's stats or note from the scorebug, triggering a disc graphic that find the player on-ice, making it easier for viewers to follow the game without distraction. 

ASL: This year's Stanley Cup Final marked another milestone, with the NHL launching special broadcasts featuring live ASL (American Sign Language) broadcasters for play-by-play and color commentary. SMT's revamped L-Bar integrated HITS scoring and real-time PPT data, providing live updates as the game progresses.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: U.S.OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 112-foot double Monsterboard, located near the 18th green, displayed leaderboards, player stats, distance info, and live tournament video. This board, along with over two dozen other LED displays, marked the largest digital display deployment in U.S. Open history.

2. SMT delivers largest digital display deployment in U.S. Open history

This year’s U.S. Open tournaments exemplified SMT’s dedication to enhancing the golfing experience through advanced technology and comprehensive support, ensuring unforgettable experiences for fans, players and the media. 

“SMT has supported the USGA since 2008, delivering scoring services to the U.S. Open Men’s, Women’s, and Senior Championships,” said Ryan McDonald, Vice President of Business Development at SMT. "This year's digital display delivery was the largest in the history of the U.S. Open Men's Championship, with over 30 displays providing content and hundreds of TVs across the grounds of Pinehurst No. 2, helping fans receive all data related to championship play. We are pleased to continue our support of the USGA and its Championships.”

The 124th U.S. Open marked SMT’s 17th year providing innovative technology to enhance the fan experience with scoring and digital solutions. 

MONSTERBOARD: New for 2024, SMT introduced a double Monsterboard, adjacent to the 18th green, spanning 112 feet. The right screen displayed a hole-by-hole leaderboard, while the left screen showed group information, player stats and distance-related information. Live video was shown before play reached the hole.

LED DISPLAYS: SMT showcased two large, curved, double-sided LED displays installed as the centerpiece of Fan Central, where spectators could watch live video and a multitude of scoring and informational content.  Additional displays were located at the practice range, media center, main entrance, food court, American Express Card Member Club, the Garden, and hospitality suites at the 1895 Club and Champions Pavilion. SMT Creative Studio provided updated branding for the USGA for this year’s tournament.

TIPS: SMT continued to provide TIPS (Tournament IPTV Platform & Service), an IPTV fiber network with a multi-channel lineup featuring live feeds, custom tournament messaging, and sponsor graphics to over 650 TVs located in corporate hospitality suites and throughout the grounds.

Tracking and LED displays elevate fan experience at U.S. Women's Open

VIDEO BOARDS: SMT's team of 14 supported the U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pa. SMT's team constructed five video walls around the course, including an impressive Monsterboard at the final hole. A focal point for fans, this SMT-produced board showcased stats and graphics for each player. Additionally, a show tailored to individual holes was displayed on 10 smaller video boards, providing location-specific data and statistics, enhancing the spectator experience and keeping everyone informed about the ongoing action.

TIPS: SMT's TIPS crew deployed roughly 170 TVs across offices and chalets around the course. These screens were used to broadcast the event, push specific content and deliver weather alerts to ensure the safety of attendees.

PRACTICE ROUND SERVICES: In preparation for the main event, SMT provided software to manage the practice rounds. This software tracked the locations of players, allowing fans to locate their favorite golfers and follow their progress around the course. SMT gathered drive distance information for reports for the USGA, offering valuable insights into course conditions and player performance, helping organizers understand the nuances of the game before the tournament officially began.

GRAPHICS SPOTLIGHT: NHRA

3. SMT unveils dynamic show open and custom graphics package for NHRA

Last fall, the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series experienced a transformative milestone with the expansion of its partnership with SMT, solidifying SMT as its exclusive graphics partner. This collaboration introduced a bespoke, full graphics insert package tailored specifically for the high-octane racing series aired on Fox Sports. The package debuted on Labor Day weekend during the 69th annual Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals, which became one of NHRA's most-watched broadcasts in history.  

GRAPHICS: Spearheaded by SMT Creative Studio in conjunction with NHRA and Fox Sports, the project aimed to capture the intensity and intricacy of drag racing through visually engaging graphics that enable viewers to understand the nuances of the sport, where races are measured in thousands of a second. By leveraging real-time data and performance metrics, the insert package provided viewers with insights into race timing, driver information, sponsor logos and other race-related content. 

But one critical deliverable remained: the graphics package for the 4-Wide, which features a thrilling side-by-side-by-side-by-side competition that is held earlier in the season. SMT's GemLive platform, enhanced with a specialized module for 4-Wide races, ensured seamless integration of complex data, providing visual support for intricate scenarios such as multiple holeshot wins.

NITRO: Driving the technology behind the graphics package is SMT's patented video overlay system, NITRO, which ensures precise synchronization with the broadcast feed, capturing every moment from the staging lines to the finish line. This enables viewers to witness the lightning-fast action of dragsters hurtling down the dragstrip at speeds exceeding 300 mph.

ANIMATION OPEN: The season also saw the unveiling of a dynamic animation open at the Gerber Collision and Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals. This project, led by SMT Creative Studio in collaboration with NHRA and Fox Sports, reimagined the visual landscape of NHRA broadcasts while honoring its rich history. 

"This was an incredible opportunity for our team to showcase our creativity. Our aim was clear: to infuse the NHRA broadcast with a fresh, youthful energy while maintaining a seamless connection with its core audience to its established aesthetic," explained Jon Kaczmarski, Director, Creative & Strategy, SMT.

"We embarked on an intensive exploration phase, delving into various concepts that would serve as the foundation for our final design. One of the key elements was our emphasis on dynamic motion design. We wanted every graphic element to mirror the adrenaline-fueled action of NHRA races. To achieve this, we leveraged cutting-edge technologies, including the Unreal Engine. The result? Graphics that feel alive, pulsating with the same intensity as the races themselves."

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: CHARLESTON OPEN

For the Credit One Charleston Open, SMT debuted a Circle Display, a wraparound board 14.5 feet in diameter that projected live tournament video/scores, sponsored assets and schedule updates.

4. SMT's new Circle Display among 52 LED installs for Credit One Charleston Open

This year’s Credit One Charleston Open was the tournament’s most tech-forward event yet, featuring a new level of fan engagement courtesy of SMT’s comprehensive suite of products and services that kept spectators, sponsors, media and players fully immersed in the competition and festivities.

From graphic design to scoring, data distribution, and CCTV services, selfie kiosks, LED displays and production, Serve Speed and Serve Clock systems, and more, SMT's products and services elevated on-site entertainment, upscale food and beverage options, and interactive activations.

“We are honored to extend our partnership with the Credit One Charleston Open, leveraging our bespoke technology and services to elevate every facet of the tournament," said Angela Garcia, SMT Business Development Manager. "At SMT, our team is dedicated to crafting an immersive and engaging experience for fans, players, and sponsors alike, ensuring the Credit One Charleston Open remains a pinnacle event in the professional tennis calendar.”

Rob Schaefer, of Sports Business Journal, interviewed Angela for an article spotlighting SMT's tournament technology.

“The amount of video boards [at the Credit One Charleston Open], I would put it up with any 1000-level event. The days of static signs are, in our opinion, over – how do we animate? How do we bring brands to life in the viewing process?”

Bob Moran
Sports & Entertainment president and COCO tournament director

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: THE MASTERS

MASTERS SELECT: Approximately 500 laptops displayed over 25 encoded video channels, scores, player statistics, pairings, and course/hole statistics. Over 300 users were registered to use the online Masters Select version built for members of the media, broadcasters, and tournament staff.

5. From Augusta National Women’s Amateur to the final putt: SMT sets the standard in tournament technology

At the heart of this year's Masters, SMT's team of over 40 staff members orchestrated an array of services, ensuring every facet of the tournament and related events ran smoothly. From walking scoring to ball position tracking and the creation of groupings and starting times, SMT's experienced team handled every aspect with professionalism, dedication, and a sense of calm.

Since expanding its services in 2008, SMT has supported not only the Masters Tournament itself but also the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, the Drive Chip & Putt National Finals, practice round player tracking, and the Par 3 Contest. 

AUGUSTA NATIONAL WOMEN'S AMATEUR: Utilizing walking scoring, ball position tracking and video walls, SMT provided real-time updates and critical data feeds.

DRIVE CHIP & PUTT NATIONAL FINALS: Trimble lasers and Dell Rugged tablets captured precise scores, while video walls displayed competitor information and results. Television interface laptops supported the Golf Channel broadcasts.

PRACTICE ROUNDS and the PAR 3 CONTEST: SMT’s advanced tracking software and wireless handheld devices for greenside scoring showcased SMT's capability to support high-stakes events with precision. The creation of groupings and starting times using GolfX Manager software ensured that the tournament schedule was meticulously planned and executed. Additionally, SMT’s ball position and shot charting data capture, using Trimble Total Station lasers and Dell Rugged tablets, provided invaluable insights into players' performance, enriching the tournament's data repository.

THE MASTERS: SMT’s support extended beyond the field to include media and broadcasting services. Over 500 laptops were deployed on-site for displaying video channels, scores, player statistics, and more. The Press Arena featured a Brainstorm show on two massive video walls, showcasing live video, leaderboards, and statistics. SMT’s Masters Database, daily media reports, and tournament reports offered comprehensive coverage and historical data archiving, ensuring that every moment of the Masters was documented and accessible for future reference.

BROADCAST SPOTLIGHT: NASCAR ALL-STAR RACE

SMT's suite of tools includes qualifying and pit stop graphics that highlight the multi-lap format with a four-tire pit stop, ghost car visualization to show performance gaps, and the ISO Track optical pointing system. 

6. Wet and wild NASCAR All-Star Race buoyed by real-time data for driver comparisons

Since 2001, SMT has supported the NASCAR All-Star Race, an annual non-championship event that brings together race winners from the previous season, the beginning of the current season, past event winners, and previous NASCAR Cup Series champions. This year, the race returned to the newly repaved, four-turn, 0.625-mile North Wilkesboro Speedway, where torrential rains forced cancellation of the qualifying heats.

"The All-Star Race is a unique event with qualifying so different than any other event on the NASCAR schedule. The format for qualifying spotlights both the drivers and their pit crews. Qualifying consists of running three laps with a four-tire pit stop,"  explained Rich Hawley, Operations Manager, SMT. "The data we provide must be able to compare the driver on the track with the fastest overall run in real time. Our Engineering and QA teams were able to update the qualifying logic to work for the All-Star format."

Over the years, SMT has continually innovated to enhance the viewing experience and provide critical data analytics to teams and broadcasters. Our suite of tools allows broadcasters to highlight specific drivers on any camera. Additionally, our updated logic for qualifying runs, live leaderboard, Team and Broadcast Analytics, virtual restart zone, telemetry data, and pit road data provide a comprehensive suite of analytics to enrich the race experience.

BROADCAST SPOTLIGHT: KENTUCKY DERBY

7. Data drives the drama: SMT counts down 'Greatest Two Minutes in Sports'

For the 14th consecutive year, SMT partnered with NBC to elevate the viewing experience for horse racing fans, providing real-time statistical information, up-to-the-second odds, engaging visual elements and advanced commentator analysis tools for this year's Kentucky Derby. 

SMT's live leaderboard delivered real-time updates on the top six horses out of the 20 contender, while ISO Track enabled viewers to easily follow individual horses with on-air pointer graphics incorporating real-time live odds data. The ticker provided real-time odds and bet payouts sourced directly from the race’s Tote provider, and displayed social media feeds, giving viewers a glimpse into the excitement at the track. A new addition this year was the countdown clock.

The Track Map thumbnail graphic allowed viewers to see the exact locations of horses on the track. SMT’s seamless integration of live data feeds into NBC’s live race presentations and pre/post-race analysis enriched the viewing experience with real-time advanced odds and countdowns, making the Kentucky Derby broadcasts more engaging and informative than ever.

BETTING GOTO: The ever-popular Betting GOTO interactive videoboard displayed odds and payouts for all races throughout the day and served as a platform for NBC Sports analyst Eddie Olczyk to explain horse wagering intricacies. The live-odds L-Bar offered a pylon graphic highlighting horses during the paddock-to-post phase, updating odds in real time to enhance pre-race excitement.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: INDY 500

8. From speedway to screens, SMT behind the tech wheel for Indy 500 and Qualifying

The Indy 500 Qualifying at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a high-stakes, complex event that requires precision, innovation and robust troubleshooting capabilities for a seamless execution. SMT has long been at the heart of this iconic event, providing indispensable broadcast support services that have expanded to include advanced, in-venue video production services. This year, SMT delivered real-time timing and scoring information across video boards throughout the facility, ensuring fans could stay on top of every critical moment on the track.

Each year, the rules and regulations for this two-day, 10-hour show evolve, and SMT's racing development team adapts with extensive software updates for both the track and NBC production to meet client expectations. 

INDY 500 A week later at the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500, SMT continued its longstanding relationship with America's most iconic race, telling the story of every mile via broadcast and on-site enhancements.

SMT remote technicians supported NBC from the broadcast TV compound, with additional personnel operating timing and scoring services inside the landmark Pagoda. In addition to Sunday’s race, SMT supported Friday’s final practice session and the annual Indy 500 pit stop competition, demonstrating their commitment to every aspect of the event.

SMT's range of services for the Indy 500 and Qualifying includes the on-air broadcast pylon for NBC, a timing and scoring interface, in-house video board production, telestration machines for television replays, AD stations for commercial break management, and broadcast pylons for international shows. These tools ensure accurate, real-time updates and a comprehensive viewing experience for fans both on-site and worldwide.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: WESTMINSTER KENNEL DOG SHOW

9. SMT unleashes top-dog tech for WKC Masters Agility Championship

For the fourth consecutive year, FOX Sports partnered with SMT to broadcast the Westminster Kennel Club Masters Agility Championship. This collaboration utilized SMT's cutting-edge, real-time data-driven scoring and timing graphics, which seamlessly integrated graphical clocks and full-screen scoreboards into the broadcast.

SMT's scoring system ensures impeccable real-time data accuracy, streamlining the process from competitor entry management to result calculation. This administration system guarantees efficiency and precision throughout the event.

Additionally, SMT provided essential workflows for the event, including detailed competitor entry management and precise result calculation. Vital in-venue information, such as dog names, breeds, times to beat, and faults, was displayed on four LED screens around the agility course and the venue's permanent LEDs, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging experience for all attendees.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 6th TOOL

10. 6th Tool gives teams competitive edge on the road to College World Series 

In early 2022, SMT introduced 6th Tool, a computer vision system designed to revolutionize baseball analytics. Initially beta tested at two venues, 6th Tool was quickly recognized for its precision in tracking player and ball movements. By 2023, SMT expanded its reach to include elite programs like LSU, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Arizona State, underscoring the growing recognition of 6th Tool's potential to transform baseball training and performance analysis.

By the 2023 season, the Charlotte 49ers became one of 11 prestigious Division I programs to adopt 6th Tool, joining teams like Mississippi State, Wake Forest, and Texas A&M. The system, utilizing four strategically placed tracking cameras, relays real-time data to a central computer, offering coaches and players actionable insights. This data-driven approach motivates players by allowing them to compare their performance with elite peers and enables personalized development programs to address specific strengths and weaknesses.

This year, 11 of the 16 teams using 6th Tool made it to the NCAA Baseball Tournament, with N.C. State, UNC, and Texas A&M integrating the system into their training regimens. The technology is changing not only how the game is played but also how future stars are discovered and developed. With plans to expand to over 24 elite schools next year and an upcoming overhaul of the 6th Tool website, SMT is poised to further cement its role in baseball analytics, ensuring data-driven insights remain at the forefront of the sport's evolution.