Inside Boston’s Sports Tech: AI, Security & Fan Experience
DisrupTV Special Edition — Michael Israel, Josh Carley, Brian Shield & Jay Wessland
In this electrifying DisrupTV Special Edition live from Boston, hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar sit down with the technology leaders powering elite sports brands:
- Michael Israel, CIO of The Kraft Group overseeing technology for the New England Patriots and Revolution
- Josh Carley, VP of Technology for TD Garden & Boston Bruins, innovating fan engagement
- Brian Shield, SVP & CTO of the Boston Red Sox, blending cybersecurity, app dev, and stadium infrastructure
- Jay Wessland, CTO of the Boston Celtics, leading tech evolution from virtualization to modern cloud systems
Why This Special Edition Stands Out
AI Meets Operations
Michael Israel highlights enterprise-wide tech overhauls: AI-powered stadium systems, behavioral analytics for security, and RPA tools that streamline operations and reduce costs across The Kraft Group’s portfolio.
Innovative Fan Engagement
Josh Carley explores biometric authentication, next-gen broadcasting, and digital experiences that bring fans closer to the game—whether in the arena or on their couch.
Cyber Risk Meets Real-Time Data
Brian Shield shares how resilient frameworks and analytics systems keep fans safe and connected—from ticketing to real-time digital engagement.
Tech Across Courts
Jay Wessland outlines the Celtics' decades-long tech journey—from early tech infrastructure to virtualized cloud ecosystems and facility modernization, ensuring high performance on and off the court.
Key Takeaways
- Sports Arenas Are Tech Labs: From AI-driven security to biometric fan experiences, these stadiums are becoming innovation hubs.
- Tech Enables the Magic: Seamless fan experiences hinge on secure, robust, and scalable infrastructure.
- Continuous Evolution: Each leader showcased a distinct path to modernization—demonstrating the resilience and agility of their organizations.
Related Resources
- DisrupTV Ep. 379: Cloud Marketplaces & The Cognitive Age
- DisrupTV Ep. 380: Personalization & The Upside of Disruption
Final Thoughts
This Special Edition offers a rare, immersive look at how top sports leaders are using AI, automation, and strategic IT to enhance both fan experience and operational excellence. From stadium security to game-day digital engagement, it’s a masterclass in modern enterprise transformation.
