5 Essential High-Tech Home Upgrades for the Ultimate Sports Fan

Sports fans love the energy and excitement when watching their favorite teams compete. But whether they’re watching from the comfort of home or inside a multi-million dollar stadium, having a good data plan is essential to check scores and engage with other fans on social media. Additionally, having ample smartphone data also allows fans to use their favorite streaming services anywhere they happen to be watching.

The choice is yours: Enjoy the next big game at home or live at the venue. One the one hand, nothing beats the sights, sounds and energy inside the stadium or ballpark. On the other hand, enjoying the comfort and convenience of watching a game while sprawled out on your couch certainly has its benefits, too.

But no matter which venue you choose, you can bring some added excitement to the overall game-watching experience by combining your unlimited data plan with the latest high-tech home upgrades.

1. Get Unlimited Data for Streaming

This should come as no surprise, but an estimated 46 percent of Americans say they can’t live without their smartphones or tablets, according to a Pew Research Center study. And judging by how often we check scores and news on our favorite teams, sports fans are certainly no exception.

For many sports fans, having an unlimited data plan optimized for live streaming is essential to watch out-of-market games or events you would otherwise miss due to other commitments. T-Mobile’s Binge On service, for example, allows you to stream your favorite sports channels, including CBS Sports, ESPN, NBC Sports, Major League Baseball Network, Fox Sports Network and many more. The service even includes a free Netflix subscription at no additional cost.

2. Integrate Your Systems

A sports lover’s high-tech man cave needs fully integrated systems to experience the sights and sounds of their favorite games. Owning a universal remote isn’t enough these days. In fact, today’s smart devices not only allow you to watch and stream live sports action, but also gives you the ability to pull up apps to control your home security, lighting, climate control and entertainment systems through a smartphone or tablet.

3. Enjoy the Fan Experience Via Social Media

While it’s hard to beat the comfort of home while watching a big game, many fans say the tribal experience of watching in-person or at a sports bar cannot be matched. However, today’s fans can stay part of the connected experience by engaging with other diehards via social media. Did you know TV is one of the most popular topics discussed on Twitter? Live sporting events are a big part of that water cool talk, too, as fans enjoy sharing their experiences and impressions as the action unfolds.

Of course, pro sports teams and major TV networks want to take advantage of this opportunity to create more engagement via social media. And they actively encourage fans to use specific hashtags while tweeting from the venue or from the comfort of their homes. Today, it’s easier than ever before to stay connected with your favorite teams, no matter where you live. But some hardcore fans are taking it a step further.

CNN recently reported how some forward-thinking companies are coming up with new ways for fans around the world to connect with each other during matches and share support for their team in real time. Who knows — one day your social media post may wind up on the ballpark’s Jumbotron, even if you’re hundreds of miles away.

4. Invest in a Surround Sound System

A good surround sound system can often make you feel like you’re in the middle of the action. While these systems have been around for some time, connecting them through the Internet of Things can provide you with a more high-tech experience. In fact, you can control your surround sound system through voice assistants like Alexa or apps on your tablet or smartphone. Indeed, so many convenient options help make surround sound an essential high-tech upgrade for the ultimate fan.

5. Splurge on an Ergonomic Chair and Furniture

While this may seem low-tech, innovators are always developing ways to make your sofa or recliner even more comfortable and conducive for game watching. By upgrading your furniture with the newest bells and whistles, you can certainly beat the live stadium experience, at least from the standpoints of luxury and comfort. Plus, with the right furniture and accessories, you won’t mind if the game goes into overtime or extra innings.

Sports, entertainment and technology have joined together to provide the ultimate home fan experience. Still, having an unlimited data plan is arguably the premier upgrade, as the ability to stream live game action from virtually any location allows you to never miss a beat.