Autodesk and FOX Sports Team Up on Groundbreaking Wind Simulation Technology for Super Bowl XLVIII Broadcast
June 29 10:44:55, 2025
Public Company Information:
NASDAQ: ADSK
SAN FRANCISCO & NEW YORK – (BUSINESS WIRE) – The New Jersey Meadowlands, home to MetLife Stadium and the historic Super Bowl XLVIII, has always been known for its unpredictable winter winds. Now, Autodesk and FOX Sports are joining forces to bring viewers an unprecedented visual experience—showing exactly how wind might influence play during the first outdoor Super Bowl in a cold-weather location. This groundbreaking technology, called *FOX WEATHER TRAX*, will reveal dynamic airflow patterns inside the stadium in real time for the very first time on live television.
FOX Sports turned to Autodesk, a global leader in design and engineering software, to visualize the potential challenges players may face due to unusual weather conditions. By using Autodesk’s simulation tools, the team was able to model the exact weather patterns within MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. These simulations will then be overlaid onto the live broadcast, giving fans a clear view of wind direction and impact during key moments of the game.
Before this collaboration, coaches, players, and commentators relied solely on field goal flags to estimate wind effects—a method that left many fans confused about why a pass or kick went awry. With this new tool, the guesswork is gone, and the viewing experience is more informative than ever.
“Wind is an invisible but powerful force that can change the outcome of a game,†said Zac Fields, Vice President of Graphics & Technology at FOX Sports. “Given the famous wind in the Meadowlands and the importance of this game, we needed a way to show viewers exactly what's happening. This technology gives them an inside look at the wind, helping them understand the game better.â€
Simulation technology has long been used by architects, engineers, and designers to test ideas and predict outcomes. Now, it’s making its way into sports broadcasting, offering a new level of insight. Autodesk’s tools allow users to simulate real-world conditions digitally before any physical construction takes place, much like how spellcheck works behind the scenes in word processors.
“FOX Sports wanted to elevate the Super Bowl experience, and Autodesk was ready to help,†said Buzz Kross, Senior Vice President at Autodesk. “Our simulation software helps people make smarter decisions, whether it's testing how a phone performs in extreme weather or analyzing airflow in a stadium. It’s all about creating better outcomes.â€
**How It Works**
For the first time ever, fans watching from home will get a front-row view of the wind patterns inside the stadium. Here’s how it works:
- **Step 1:** A 3D digital model of MetLife Stadium is created using advanced modeling software.
- **Step 2:** Simulation software interacts with the model, adjusting wind speed and direction based on real-time conditions to show how air flows inside the stadium.
- **Step 3:** The visual wind patterns are then superimposed over live footage, giving viewers a clear picture of how wind affects gameplay.
An example of this innovation can be seen [here](link). If you're interested in trying your own wind simulation, check out Autodesk Flow Design.
**About FOX Sports**
FOX Sports is the leading sports media brand under 21st Century Fox. It reaches over 100 million viewers each weekend through a variety of platforms, including linear TV networks, digital content, mobile apps, and online services. FOX Sports includes FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2, regional networks, and digital properties like FOXSports.com and FOX Sports GO. It also owns a stake in the Big Ten Network and other sports ventures.
**About Autodesk**
Autodesk empowers creators, innovators, and problem-solvers around the world. From architects and engineers to artists and students, our software helps people imagine, design, and build a better future. For more information, visit [autodesk.com](https://www.autodesk.com) or follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/autodesk).
*Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates in the USA and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.*
**Contact:**
FOX Sports
Valerie Krebs, 212-556-2583
valerie.krebs@foxsports.com
Autodesk
Stacy Doyle, 503-707-3861
stacy.doyle@autodesk.com