When Moments Can't Be Rehearsed, Preparation Is the Only Advantage That Scales
Blog post from Fastly
Broadcasting live sports presents unique challenges due to the unpredictable spikes in viewer demand, requiring broadcasters to design their infrastructure for volatility rather than averages. Fastly, having supported numerous high-stakes live events, emphasizes preparation over prediction, building systems that handle sudden traffic surges and adapt seamlessly to changing conditions. This approach mirrors the mindset of elite performers like Jerry Rice, who achieved success through disciplined preparation, allowing him to execute flawlessly under pressure. Fastly is hosting a live event on February 3, 2026, featuring Jerry Rice and Fastly's Field CTO Omeed Nosrati, to explore the parallels between high-performance sports and live streaming infrastructure, highlighting how thorough preparation and instinctive execution are critical for success in high-pressure environments.