The unseen MVP of the NFL season

Imagine a fan who’s everywhere at once, soaking in the energy of Madrid, feeling the stadium rumble in Mexico City, witnessing historic firsts in São Paulo. They don’t just watch; they remember every stat, replay, and roar, connecting millions of fans across 195 countries. 

This fan never sleeps, never blinks, and never misses a beat.

But this “fan” isn’t a person… it’s data.

Players and coaches may command the spotlight, but data is the ultimate supporter, the invisible thread uniting a truly global NFL community. Whether you’re at Levi’s Stadium or streaming in London, data ensures the excitement reaches you the same way, every time, everywhere.

But what makes this possible? Let’s uncover the unsung hero behind the magic.

An NFL game is a flurry of action: a pass tracked by sensors, a catch captured from 12 angles, the roar of the crowd recorded. All of this adds up—each game generates about 3.5 terabytes. Data becomes the league’s collective memory, instantly archiving every highlight so fans can relive iconic plays or dive into next-gen stats years later, from anywhere in the world. 

This depth of engagement is possible because the NFL treats data as precious memories to be cherished and shared… not just files to be stored.

And they trust NetApp to ensure this “ultimate fan” moves swiftly and securely from the field to screens worldwide.

Last season, the NFL stretched further than ever.

With international games in Spain, Germany, Ireland, the UK, and Brazil, data served as the ambassador, bridging continents and seamlessly translating the excitement into 25 languages.

Fans from Berlin to Boston get updates and commentary that feel made just for them.

A teenager in Tokyo learns the game.

A grandmother in Green Bay video-chats at halftime.

Why does it matter? Because the NFL’s international fans deserve a seamless experience, no matter where they are. From managing video files to translating social media posts in milliseconds, intelligent data infrastructure ensures every fan feels connected.

Think of it as the “passport and private jet” for data, turning an impossible journey into something effortless, inspiring a world united by the game.

Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium is more than just a game—it’s a showcase of cutting-edge stadium operations, seamlessly merging physical and digital experiences in the heart of Silicon Valley. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, Levi’s Stadium redefines what it means to be a fan, delivering an elevated experience while ensuring flawless operations behind the scenes:

• The concierge: Guiding fans to the best parking spots, shortest concession lines, and enabling direct in-seat food and merchandise orders. Behind the scenes, intelligent data ensures concessions and food trucks are restocked before supplies run out, keeping fans fueled and focused on the game.
• The historian: Delivering instant replays, personalized game insights, and flash deals through the stadium app, keeping fans engaged and immersed in the action.
• The bodyguard: Safeguarding the game and the crowd with advanced security systems and seamless operational protocols for peace of mind.

At the heart of it all is the stadium’s command center—the brains of Levi’s Stadium. Fueled by intelligent data, it ensures every detail is optimized, from high-resolution jumbotron feeds to seamless transactions. Data isn’t just a tool; it’s the foundation that transforms chaos into a perfectly executed game plan.

We celebrate quarterbacks and wide receivers, but in today’s NFL, it’s the invisible infrastructure that connects us all. It creates a world where 195 countries hold their breath for the same kick.

Data, like every fan, needs a safe home and an intelligent data infrastructure to make it all possible, quietly powering this global experience.

So, as confetti falls at Levi’s Stadium and a thrilling season ends, remember the fan who’s always there, remembering everything, going everywhere, and uniting us all. 

Here’s to data.

The fan that never misses a play. 

From stadiums to space stations and everywhere in between, true progress comes from harnessing data with purpose. As a strategic leader, NetApp helps organizations unlock potential and change the game. It’s time to Unleash Genius.