POWERING MATCHDAYS AT ST MARY'S: ESA X SOUTHAMPTON FC

At Elite Skills Arena, we’re proud to power unforgettable matchday experiences – and nowhere is that more evident than at Southampton FC. 

While our partnership with the Saints began in our formative years, the club made their first major commitment to fan entertainment in June 2022, ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League season. That summer, they introduced two of ESA’s products to St Mary’s: the Fast Feet and Shot Stopper – engaging fans with fast-paced, reaction-based fun that instantly elevated the pre-match buzz. 

EVOLVING WITH THE FAN ENGAGEMENT STANDARD

Just as the Premier League launched its new Fan Engagement Standard in March 2023, Southampton FC expanded their ESA offering by installing the Precision Wall (9 Panel). This high-accuracy product gave fans a new level of interaction – testing passing and shooting skills with pro-level feedback in real time. 

 “The fan zone is massively important to our matchdays. It’s about appealing to a wide range of supporters and giving families a reason to come down early and really engage with the activities on offer. By introducing new experiences, we’re creating something immersive that goes beyond just the 90 minutes. It’s about offering a full-day experience that brings fans closer to the club.” 

Sam Roberts

Matchday Experience Lead (Southampton FC)

ADDING POWER TO THE LINEUP

The most recent addition to the Saints’ ESA experience came in September 2025, with the installation of the Speed Radar – new technology from ESA which has proven to be a crowd favourite that challenges fans to test the power of their strike. It’s more than just a game – it’s a chance to compete with friends, compare with players, and even chase iconic records like Ronny Heberson’s legendary 210 km/h strike in 2006. Sam believes the introduction of the ESA products has not only improved their fan zone experience but created a friendly atmosphere for all supporters. 

“Anything new for fans to engage with is always brilliant – you can really see it in the smiles on their faces and the way they interact with the products. What’s been especially rewarding is seeing different groups of fans – families, home and away supporters – all mixing together and creating a really positive, welcoming atmosphere. Working with ESA has been fantastic in helping us elevate the matchday experience, and the reaction to the Speed Radar in particular has been amazing. Fans have really embraced it, and it’s added a whole new layer of energy to the fan zone.” 

BE THE NEXT CLUB TO TRANSFORM YOUR FAN ZONE

Southampton FC’s matchday zone has become a standout example of what happens when elite-level entertainment meets modern fan expectations. ESA have now powered over 60 clubs and national teams, to help them sustain a strong connection between themselves and their fanbase.

UK clubs such as Brentford FC, Leicester City FC, Kilmarnock FC, Wycombe Wanderers FC & Harrogate Town FC are all new recent clients, whilst across the pond Seattle Sounders FC, Inter Miami CF, Orlando City SC, Nashville SC and New York Red Bulls are all Powered by ESA. 

👉  If you’re ready to take your fan engagement to the next level, we’d love to talk.

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