BROADCAST SPOTLIGHT: NHL FOUR NATIONS FACE-OFF

SMT graphics power the inaugural NHL Four Nations Face-Off

Thanks to Brian Frattini, Product Manager, and Eugene Maltsev, Regional Manager (Canada), Hockey Operations, for contributing to this report. Thanks to Brian and Video Editor Shaun Bales for the highlight reel.

The NHL's first-ever Four Nations Face-Off, held Feb. 12-20, marked a historic moment in international hockey. Featuring the best players from around the world, this tournament was the first "best-on-best" international competition since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey—the same event that introduced SMT’s groundbreaking Puck and Player Tracking technology.

Replacing the traditional NHL All-Star Weekend, the Four Nations Face-Off quickly established itself as a must-watch event. The tournament shattered viewership records, with the final game drawing 16.1 million viewers across North America—including 9.3 million in the U.S. and 6.3 million in Canada. This made it the most-watched non-NFL game in ESPN+ history and the most-watched NHL game since 1973.

Broadcast Support: SMT delivered live and replay graphics to major broadcasters, including ESPN, TNT, Sportsnet, and TVA, as well as real-time stats and information screens to enhance play-by-play commentary and analysis. Working in collaboration with broadcasters, SMT developed an all-new graphics package that reflected the international nature of the tournament, incorporating national colors and crests of the competing teams.

SMT Support: This high-profile event was supported both on-site and remotely, with SMT teams stationed in Montreal and Boston, as well as ROOSTER remote operators in Durham.

SMT’s Broadcast OPTICS Platform: With a presence comparable to the Stanley Cup Final, SMT's Broadcast OPTICS platform played a critical role in enhancing the viewing experience. Given the host feed broadcast model—where all networks pulled from a shared clean-line cut—each broadcaster strategically integrated SMT’s graphics into their coverage:

This multi-broadcaster model demonstrated the adaptability and impact of SMT’s technology, ensuring consistent and engaging coverage across different networks.

ESPN & TVA: Frequently utilized Puck Possessor, player highlight tags, and SMT Player Speed Replays.

"The tournament had that ‘Stanley Cup Final’ type of energy to it. Operations seamlessly pulled off the massive setup at two sites in short windows. Our ROOSTER engineers and OPTICS support group were invaluable in their oversight of ROOSTER room and remote OPTICS systems. Our top-level ROOSTER operators provided the type of SMT content that A-level shows expect. SMT Creative Services and Engineering accommodated a new ESPN graphics look, along with a reskin of the other three broadcasters' looks for the international teams. It was a team effort."

Brian Frattini, SMT Product Manager

BROADCAST PREVIEW: INDYCAR ST. PETE

SMT brings RACEf/x to IndyCar for Fox's debut at St. Pete

Thanks to AJ Mead, Product Manager, for contributing to this report and for providing the mock-ups.

The 2025 season of the NTT IndyCar Series will launch this weekend in one of auto racing’s most picturesque settings with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Since 2009, St. Pete has been the traditional kickoff event for the IndyCar season. Held on the streets of downtown St. Pete and the runways of Albert Whitted Airport, the track layout is reminiscent of classic European Formula 1 street circuits, such as Monaco. The 100-lap race is contested on a 14-turn, 1.8-mile temporary racing circuit that weaves through the city streets and airport grounds, offering fans an up-close look at the action.

This year, IndyCar begins its new partnership with Fox, following years of coverage by NBC Sports. Under a multiyear agreement announced in June, all 17 races—including two days of Indianapolis 500 qualifying—will be broadcast live on Fox. This historic deal ensures that IndyCar will be the only premier U.S. motorsports series with exclusive network coverage for all of its races. Additionally, Indy NXT by Firestone events will be featured on FS1 and FS2, with select races airing on Fox Deportes for Spanish-language viewers.

SMT’s Expanding Role in IndyCar

As IndyCar transitions to Fox, SMT continues its long-standing partnership with IMS Productions, enhancing race broadcasts with industry-leading technology. SMT has been a staple in IndyCar broadcasting since 1995, delivering cutting-edge graphics, real-time telemetry, and explainer elements that enrich the viewing experience. For the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, SMT’s contributions include:

RACEf/x Tracking System – Making its IndyCar debut, this system provides real-time data visualization and advanced tracking for enhanced race analysis.

HUD (Heads-Up Display) Graphics – Integrated into in-car cameras, this SMT graphic offers crucial data overlays for drivers and viewers alike.

ISOTrack Optical Pointers – These innovative on-screen indicators enhance the visual storytelling by highlighting key race moments.

Ghost Car (Broadcast Analytics) – A dynamic tool primarily used in qualifying, allowing viewers to compare lap times with a virtual reference.

GEMstat Scoring and Data – Featured prominently in broadcast graphics such as the pylon, timing, and scoring crawls, ensuring fans stay informed.

Telestrator, Ticker, and AD Station – Additional enhancements that support on-site and international broadcasts, commercial break management, and production elements.

With events spanning the entire race weekend—Friday through Sunday—SMT’s suite of technologies will be integral to Fox's coverage, offering an unparalleled fan experience. 

IndyCar's move to Fox comes at a time of sustained growth, with increased attendance, expanding commercial partnerships, and record engagement across digital platforms. The network’s extensive reach and commitment to motorsports coverage will provide a fresh platform for the series to attract new audiences while delivering an enhanced viewing experience for longtime fans.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: MEXICO OPEN

SMT marks 13 years supporting the Mexico Open

Thanks to Logan Butler, Events Project Manager, for contributing to this report and providing the images.

For the 13th consecutive year, SMT played a key role in delivering technology and data services for the 2025 Mexico Open, held Feb. 12-25 in Puerto Vallarta. 

Over the years, SMT’s presence at the event has evolved, with services scaling back in alignment with broader operational shifts across on-site vendors. However, SMT remains dedicated to providing seamless support, whether on-site or remotely.

This year, SMT’s Events and Electronics Technical Services department was on location, represented by Logan Butler and Derek Swearengin while John Ossi provided remote technical support for our Video Production Services team.

"Despite facing logistical challenges—such as the Cat-5 cable not making it through customs before arrival—our team demonstrated remarkable adaptability by sourcing a new cable from a local vendor in Mexico, allowing us to stay on track and maintain the high-quality service that SMT is known for,"  Logan shared. 

A key aspect of SMT’s contribution to the tournament was the delivery of 70 data feeds for closed-circuit television. Additionally, SMT managed video board productions at both the Media Center, left, and Fan Zone, right, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for fans and media personnel alike.

SMT THOUGHT LEADER: ANGELA GARCIA

BDM Angela Garcia shares her experience moderating women-in-sports panel at Michigan’s Sports Technology Conference

By Angela Garcia, Business Development Manager, SMT-JAX

I was honored to be invited by Clayton Connell, an MBA candidate at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, to moderate the Power Players: Women Shaping the Future of Sports panel at their annual Sports Technology Conference. I knew Clayton from his work as an Event Project Manager for SMT in Jacksonville, and he played a key role in organizing the conference.

Our initial discussions focused on defining the panel's objectives and identifying participants who could offer diverse and insightful perspectives. We aimed to foster a meaningful conversation that highlighted the varied experiences and career paths of women in the sports industry. The resulting panel was a testament to that goal, featuring accomplished women with unique backgrounds.

With less than two weeks between finalizing the panelists and the event, preparation was crucial. I conducted thorough research on each panelist's expertise and career journey. To foster a comfortable and engaging atmosphere, I scheduled 20-minute individual meetings with each participant. These conversations helped build rapport, refine discussion points and ensure they felt at ease with the format. Remarkably, the panelists met each other just 15 minutes before the discussion, yet their collective experience and willingness to engage led to a dynamic and organic conversation.

This exceptional group of women, including myself, represented nearly 60 years of combined experience across organizations such as the NBA, NHL, Little League International and LIV Golf. Their diverse educational backgrounds—spanning anthropology, biology, mass communications, and sport management, with degrees ranging from bachelor's to MBAs—further enriched the discussion.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Advocacy: Surround yourself with people who champion your abilities and advocate for you in spaces you may not yet occupy.
• Evolving Business Models: The shifting sports landscape and rising prominence of women's sports are creating exciting opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Community-Centric Development: Representation matters. Seeing people like themselves in both sports and the sports business creates community engagement and development.

Moderating this panel was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have facilitated such an inspiring conversation.

Events and Remote Teams

We are staffing 66 events this week. Safe travels to all!

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