Build a Live Scores & Match Center
Real-time events, cron updates, and UI patterns for scoreboards.
Data model
Use entities for competitions, seasons, teams, players, fixtures, and events. Store denormalized snapshots for fast reads.
Ingestion cadence
- Pre-match: refresh every 15–30 minutes.
- In-play: refresh every 5–10 seconds (or stream).
- Post-match: finalize stats and archive.
Architecture
Separate ingestion, storage, and delivery. Ingest live data, store snapshots, and serve optimized read models to the UI.
Caching layers
- CDN for static assets and semi-static endpoints.
- Edge KV for low-latency reads of live summaries.
- Application cache for frequent queries.
UI patterns
- Sticky header with score and clock.
- Event timeline with icons for goals, cards, substitutions.
- Responsive layout for mobile first.
Accessibility
Announce score changes to screen readers and ensure good contrast for live updates colors.