Reverse Engineering Game Day

What does it take to design a flawless fan experience for 75,000 people on game day, and millions more watching from home? In this episode, Neal Bloom sits down with Vikrant Bodalia, Vice President of Technology Operations at Allegiant Stadium, to unpack the strategy, innovation, and pressure behind the world's biggest live events. From Super Bowl infrastructure to facial-recognition ticketing, Vikrant shares how he reverse engineers every event from the fan perspective first.With a career that spans NBA, NHL, NFL, and the rapid rise of Las Vegas as a sports tech capital, Vikrant offers a front-row look at how venue technology is evolving and why immersive, secure, and seamless experiences are now the industry benchmark.Key Topics Covered:• Vikrant’s journey from IT help desk to VP of tech at major league sports leagues and venues• Lessons from working behind the scenes in the NBA, NHL, and NFL• What it means to reverse engineer a Super Bowl or Stanley Cup experience• Why “infrastructure first” is the key to delivering at stadium scale• The evolution of venue tech: from 10GB to 100GB+ internet circuits• How ASM Global prepares for record-breaking digital demands• Cybersecurity as a culture, not just a checklist• The role of AI, facial recognition, and immersive media in the future of fan engagement• Las Vegas' emergence as a leading sports and entertainment tech city• How recognition from Top Tech Awards validates years of behind-the-scenes leadershipLinks & Resources:* ASM Global* Allegiant Stadium* Las Vegas Top Tech AwardsConnect with Vikrant:* LinkedInConnect with Neal:* LinkedIn* Twitter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit risingtidepartners.substack.com/subscribe