Hey, it's Andy. We've got something special coming up right now. As part of Dell Business's

Podference, the athletic has put together a two-part series on the future of sports. How technology

will change the fan and team experience going forward. Coming up, part one. Hope you enjoy. Welcome to our two-part series here on the Athletic Podcast Network.

I am Mike Smelts, and throughout this series, we will dive deep into the cutting edge of sports.

How technology is changing the way the games are being played and watched.

In this episode, we'll focus on the fan experience.

The ticket buying process has changed from a static experience

to something more akin to signing up for a membership at a country club.

Fans today only have two options.

They can buy season tickets or they can brave the Wild Wild West, which is trying to

navigate resold tickets from brokers and scalpers.

And I think what we provide is a very unique alternative.

For fans at home, leagues are increasingly investing in alternative broadcasts to tailor presentations for all types of fans.

The tech element is huge.

You know, you don't need satellite trucks outside of Peyton Manning's house or outside of Elon Manning's house.

It comes off like a television product, like a traditional linear product.

And the coin process of buying some baseball cards has gone virtual with the incredible innovations of NFTs.

Boy, an easy way to explain NFTs.

It's like, hey, show me a picture of the Lochmast Monster.

On this episode, you'll hear from each of those experts on how the fan experience is changing

and will continue to change in the future.

First up is Chris Giles, CEO of Fan Rally, a unique company that is changing the concept

...