SMT Enhances 2024 Boston Marathon Experience With LED Boards, Live-Streaming Services

SMT (SportsMEDIA Technology), a leading supplier of real-time data delivery and graphics, provided solutions that enriched the experience of Monday’s 128th Boston Marathon for spectators, athletes, and media alike.

The Boston Marathon, an Abbott World Marathon Major and one of New England’s most eagerly anticipated sports events, draws more than 500,000 spectators to watch elite athletes vie for more than $850,000 in prize money.

Besides providing the best view of the Boylston Street finish line for broadcast partners ESPN and WCVB, the Boston Marathon photo bridge displayed countdown clocks, wave clocks, race divisions, fan engagement, and sponsor content. Prior to 2018, a single banner with a sponsor logo hung above the finish line throughout the entire week of race festivities, but SMT modernized the historic race by introducing a digital 52- by 4-ft. finish-line photo bridge.

The company has gone on to add several services:

• Finish Line Display: Adjacent to the finish line, the display featured live race footage, sponsor content loops, and up-to-date leaderboards and event information, keeping spectators engaged and informed.
• Media Center Video Wall: Located in the Fairmont Copley Square Hotel Grand Ballroom, the LED display provided media outlets a quad-split feed of the race, offering comprehensive coverage of the men’s and women’s and wheelchair divisions.
• VIP Hospitality Displays: LCD displays at the Boston Public Library VIP hospitality area offered live footage, race data, and sponsor information, enhancing the experience for distinguished guests.

Streaming services for Boston Athletic Association’s Facebook page included live feeds from the Saturday Mile races.

On the broadcast side, SMT provided the ticker, pointer graphics identifying runners, and the timing graphics to ESPN and local ABC affiliate WCVB.

“At SMT,” says Steven de Haseth, director, business development, SMT, “we are proud to partner with the Boston Marathon to deliver real-time onsite content and streaming services. Through our displays and streaming services, spectators, the media, and even athletes stay dialed in to every moment of the race with immediate access to live leaderboards, runner stats, and event information, enriching the overall experience.”