Tailgait
Challenge
Designing the platform that would handle match-day frenzy presented some unique challenges. The map should load fast, and the fans and vendors wanted a frictionless experience in a time-sensitive environment.
Event-based Usage Window :
This app is typically used only during Buffalo Bills match days, so it should have high load speed, map refresh rate, and stability.
Two Different User Journeys :
We needed two user journeys, one for fans exploring amenities, and one for vendors listing their facilities. It was challenging for us to create an UI that supports both groups, without overwhelming either group.
Real-time Stadium Navigation :
Users have to quickly navigate the stadium fast to access restrooms, parking spots, merchandise stores, and food trucks. This means the map should be simple and show accurate, real-time data.
Scalable Admin Workflow :
A scalable admin workflow is necessary to:
- Approve/ Reject Submissions
- Manage Categories
- Enable/Disable listings
- Live data monitoring
Minimal Taps :
Users will be interacting with the app in high-energy environments, which demand minimal taps, clear iconography, and low cognitive load.
Tailgait had to fill some pretty huge shoes, and with our previous sports/ event management app development knowledge, we are up for the challenge.
Designing the platform that would handle match-day frenzy presented some unique challenges. The map should load fast, and the fans and vendors wanted a frictionless experience in a time-sensitive environment.
Event-based Usage Window :
This app is typically used only during Buffalo Bills match days, so it should have high load speed, map refresh rate, and stability.
Two Different User Journeys :
We needed two user journeys, one for fans exploring amenities, and one for vendors listing their facilities. It was challenging for us to create an UI that supports both groups, without overwhelming either group.
Real-time Stadium Navigation :
Users have to quickly navigate the stadium fast to access restrooms, parking spots, merchandise stores, and food trucks. This means the map should be simple and show accurate, real-time data.
Scalable Admin Workflow :
A scalable admin workflow is necessary to:
- Approve/ Reject Submissions
- Manage Categories
- Enable/Disable listings
- Live data monitoring
Minimal Taps :
Users will be interacting with the app in high-energy environments, which demand minimal taps, clear iconography, and low cognitive load.
Tailgait had to fill some pretty huge shoes, and with our previous sports/ event management app development knowledge, we are up for the challenge.
Solution
Our approach began with behavioral research into how fans actually move through a stadium on match day. We identified that fans prioritize parking and restrooms first, followed by food courts, tailgate activities, and merchandise. This directly shaped the visual hierarchy and information architecture of the interactive map.
The centerpiece of the solution is a real-time interactive map displaying all key amenities — tailgates, food trucks, restrooms, parking spots, and merchandise shops — in a single unified view. The map uses high-contrast iconography, clean typography, and a minimalistic layout to support fast, confident decision-making in crowded conditions.
We designed a dual onboarding flow that routes fans toward amenity exploration and vendors toward a streamlined facility registration pathway. Both flows were optimized for minimal taps and zero technical barriers, ensuring vendors with no technical background could upload their listings independently.
On the backend, we built a dedicated admin panel structured around real-time visibility. Moderators can approve or reject vendor submissions, toggle listings, manage categories, and monitor live map data throughout each match from a single clean dashboard.
The full product was designed in Figma with a scalable component system, enabling rapid iteration as new match-day features roll out. The interface was engineered for performance under peak event-day load conditions across iOS and Android.
Our approach began with behavioral research into how fans actually move through a stadium on match day. We identified that fans prioritize parking and restrooms first, followed by food courts, tailgate activities, and merchandise. This directly shaped the visual hierarchy and information architecture of the interactive map.
The centerpiece of the solution is a real-time interactive map displaying all key amenities — tailgates, food trucks, restrooms, parking spots, and merchandise shops — in a single unified view. The map uses high-contrast iconography, clean typography, and a minimalistic layout to support fast, confident decision-making in crowded conditions.
We designed a dual onboarding flow that routes fans toward amenity exploration and vendors toward a streamlined facility registration pathway. Both flows were optimized for minimal taps and zero technical barriers, ensuring vendors with no technical background could upload their listings independently.
On the backend, we built a dedicated admin panel structured around real-time visibility. Moderators can approve or reject vendor submissions, toggle listings, manage categories, and monitor live map data throughout each match from a single clean dashboard.
The full product was designed in Figma with a scalable component system, enabling rapid iteration as new match-day features roll out. The interface was engineered for performance under peak event-day load conditions across iOS and Android.
Results
Tailgait launched as a live, active platform serving Buffalo Bills fans and vendors at Highmark Stadium on match days. The platform successfully unified fan navigation and vendor participation into a single community-driven experience that operates in real time during high-traffic events.
The dual onboarding system reduced the steps required for both fans and vendors to reach their core objectives, delivering a frictionless experience in a time-sensitive, high-energy environment. Vendor registration now requires no technical knowledge, enabling broader community participation with each match day.
The admin panel gave stadium moderators complete real-time control over live listings — enabling instant map updates throughout each match and eliminating the information gaps that previously left fans navigating the stadium without reliable location data.
Following launch, the platform entered an active improvement cycle. The vendor upload flow is being continuously refined using real-time behavioral data, optimizing submission flows during peak hours. The design system is being extended to support upcoming modules including vendor analytics, heat-map insights, and seasonal event categories.
Tailgait is now a live, continuously evolving platform — helping fans find what they need faster, giving vendors greater visibility, and delivering a more organized, connected match-day experience for the entire Buffalo Bills community at Highmark Stadium.
Tailgait launched as a live, active platform serving Buffalo Bills fans and vendors at Highmark Stadium on match days. The platform successfully unified fan navigation and vendor participation into a single community-driven experience that operates in real time during high-traffic events.
The dual onboarding system reduced the steps required for both fans and vendors to reach their core objectives, delivering a frictionless experience in a time-sensitive, high-energy environment. Vendor registration now requires no technical knowledge, enabling broader community participation with each match day.
The admin panel gave stadium moderators complete real-time control over live listings — enabling instant map updates throughout each match and eliminating the information gaps that previously left fans navigating the stadium without reliable location data.
Following launch, the platform entered an active improvement cycle. The vendor upload flow is being continuously refined using real-time behavioral data, optimizing submission flows during peak hours. The design system is being extended to support upcoming modules including vendor analytics, heat-map insights, and seasonal event categories.
Tailgait is now a live, continuously evolving platform — helping fans find what they need faster, giving vendors greater visibility, and delivering a more organized, connected match-day experience for the entire Buffalo Bills community at Highmark Stadium.