[TECH ONF] How AI Is Changing the View of the Ballpark in ‘Beyond Congestion’

A Changing Stadium, AI at the Center of It

Technology changes the world. But real change happens not only in numbers—it happens in people and in the field. [TECH ON/OFF] is a use case–based storytelling series that sheds light on the before and after of technology applied to industrial sites in three dimensions. It captures vivid field stories, from the concerns and limitations before introducing technology to the implementation process and the remarkable achievements that follow. Ultimately, it shows how technology transforms experiences and drives business growth. We put these values into TECH ON/OFF.

[Summary in Three Lines]
1. CCTV alone is not enough – Audience inconvenience caused by the failure to identify congestion areas and safety management emergencies
2. Introduction of edge AI – Real-time density analysis using existing CCTVs powered by SuperbAI Vision technology
3. Close to zero congestion – 35% increase in workforce efficiency, latency reduced, and Korea’s first “AI Stadium” title

The global sports industry is evolving into a smart stadium era. More and more stadiums are improving audience safety and operational efficiency through advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and 5G. For example, during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a system was deployed to monitor crowd movements inside and outside stadiums in real time and predict issues using AI algorithms. In the U.S., the Cosm Experience Centers in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Salt Lake City offer immersive sports viewing experiences through domed screens and spatial sound systems supporting resolutions above 8K. The company has announced plans to collaborate with the NBA, NHL, and UFC and expand to Atlanta and Detroit.

Against this backdrop, Korea is also undergoing change. KT has transformed Suwon KT Wiz Park into the nation’s first “AI Stadium.” Using SuperbAI’s Vision AI technology, the company analyzed over 50 CCTVs in real time, identifying crowd concentrations by area and displaying them visually on electronic boards and administrator dashboards. Spectators now avoid congested areas, while the operations team strengthens safety through more efficient workforce allocation. The introduction of such technology goes beyond convenience—it enhances the quality of the entire viewing experience.

OFF: Stadium Operations Where CCTV Alone Was Not Enough

When KT Wiz Park opened its doors, thousands of spectators poured in. Long queues formed in front of gates, concession stands, and restrooms. Operations staff alternated between checking CCTVs and struggling to decide where to deploy personnel first. However, it was nearly impossible to detect congestion in real time using video feeds alone. Visitors wasted time in crowded areas, and the management team was stretched thin.

KT Wiz Park had been monitoring congestion manually or relying solely on CCTVs. This clearly had limitations in responding to the rapid flow of people in key areas such as entrances, restrooms, and concessions. As increased density in certain zones could lead to safety issues, real-time control became essential. KT had previously attempted to introduce a similar system but abandoned it due to insufficient accuracy and practicality. With limited manpower, unreliable data, and persistent overcrowding, a new solution was urgently needed.

ON: Real-Time Congestion Flow Revealed by Vision AI

Ahead of the 2025 regular season, KT Wiz Park introduced an AI-based congestion analysis system. The selected partner was SuperbAI, a company with extensive experience in industrial Vision AI applications. The key was to implement real-time personnel counting and density visualization through AI while leveraging the existing CCTV infrastructure.

The system displayed congestion levels by area using green, yellow, and red indicators, sharing information across administrator dashboards and public electronic boards. Based on real-time insights, visitors naturally moved toward less crowded areas, while management detected potential safety risks in advance and deployed staff accordingly. Importantly, the system was implemented using edge AI, allowing on-site analysis without latency—a crucial feature for stadium environments where crowd flow changes rapidly.

SuperbAI first assessed the stadium’s existing CCTVs and then designed optimal recognition models for each location. The AI models were customized according to the resolution and viewing angle of each camera, and system performance was verified during exhibition games prior to full-scale operation. In addition to dashboards for administrators, spectator-facing dashboards linked to electronic boards offered a user-friendly interface and received positive feedback. Real-time processing in edge computing environments and automatic notifications in case of abnormal congestion were also implemented to enhance system completeness.

Data-Driven Safe Stadium

Since implementing the system, KT Wiz Park has seen remarkable changes. Reallocation of staff based on congestion data has greatly improved the efficiency of safety management, while spectator satisfaction has also risen. Waiting times at restrooms and concessions have decreased, and visitor movement has become more fluid.

This innovation is not limited to operational efficiency. Being recognized as Korea’s first “AI Stadium” has elevated KT Wiz Park’s brand value, creating a new and memorable smart viewing experience. The accumulated operational data will further contribute to precise stadium management and future marketing strategies.

AI is just technology—but what it truly changed was the human experience. Someone got their food faster, someone found a less crowded route, and the management team made better decisions based on data. The smart stadium built with SuperbAI represents more than digital transformation—it’s a field innovation that achieved both safety and satisfaction. And this sends an important message to the industry: technology is only a tool—true innovation depends on how we connect it to people.

https://www.hellot.net/news/article.html?no=100791&ref=blog-ko.superb-ai.com