The best STEM lessons often start with something familiar. STEM Day uses the excitement of soccer to spark curiosity about how technology impacts match day experiences.
This summer, 120 students from the Central Ohio Boys & Girls Club went behind the scenes at Scotts Miracle-Gro Field, home of the Columbus Crew, for STEM Day hosted by Vertiv and the Columbus Crew. Through interactive experiences and exclusive access to game-day operations, students explored the digital technologies that help keep the professional soccer stadium and business running, while also gaining exposure to STEM careers.
Now in its fifth year, STEM Day is part of the ongoing partnership between Vertiv and the Columbus Crew, providing students with opportunities to explore STEM concepts through the lens of sports, technology, and critical infrastructure.
The technology behind the game
Throughout the day, students explored the technology behind the game-day experience and the career paths of the teams behind the scenes. Vertiv™ technologies support critical stadium functions, from data processing and broadcast production to point-of-sale transactions and field maintenance. Students also rotated through a series of activity stations, including the Crew's Tetris Tumble math challenge.
The tour continued to the press level, where students learned how the keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) technology supports live broadcasts and the fan experience in the stadium. In the players' locker room, they saw how performance data is collected and shared with coaches and analysts. Out on the pitch, a goal-scoring activity revealed another behind-the-scenes technology: the impressive grow light systems that help maintain the playing surface year ‘round.
Exploring data center technology through virtual reality
One of the day's highlights was a virtual reality experience using the Vertiv™ XR app, where students viewed a data center and its equipment at full scale. They then toured the facility in person to see those same systems up close. For many students, it was their first time inside a data center, offering a firsthand look at how engineers, data analysts, technicians, and communicators work together to support game-day operations.
Growing impact through the Vertiv - Columbus Crew partnership
STEM Day reflects a shared commitment by Vertiv and the Columbus Crew to support STEM learning in the Columbus community.
STEM education is one of Vertiv's focus areas for community engagement and responsible business. Through partnerships such as the Columbus Crew and the Central Ohio Boys & Girls Club, Vertiv supports opportunities for students to explore STEM beyond the classroom and build awareness of the skills and disciplines that support critical digital infrastructure.
Learn more about Vertiv’s partnership with the Columbus Crew by visiting here.
