diff --git a/app/assets/javascripts/application.js b/app/assets/javascripts/application.js
index e0eecee..38834d7 100644
--- a/app/assets/javascripts/application.js
+++ b/app/assets/javascripts/application.js
@@ -18,5 +18,15 @@
 //= require jquery.dataTables.min.js
 //= require turbolinks
 //
+//= require actioncable
+//= require_self
 //= require_tree .
 
+// Create the Action Cable consumer instance
+(function() {
+  this.App || (this.App = {});
+
+  App.cable = ActionCable.createConsumer();
+
+}).call(this);
+
diff --git a/app/channels/application_cable/channel.rb b/app/channels/application_cable/channel.rb
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d672697
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/channels/application_cable/channel.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+module ApplicationCable
+  class Channel < ActionCable::Channel::Base
+  end
+end
diff --git a/app/channels/application_cable/connection.rb b/app/channels/application_cable/connection.rb
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0ff5442
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/channels/application_cable/connection.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+module ApplicationCable
+  class Connection < ActionCable::Connection::Base
+  end
+end
diff --git a/app/channels/match_channel.rb b/app/channels/match_channel.rb
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0ae50b3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/channels/match_channel.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+class MatchChannel < ApplicationCable::Channel
+  def subscribed
+    @match = Match.find_by(id: params[:match_id])
+    Rails.logger.info "[MatchChannel] Client subscribed with match_id: #{params[:match_id]}. Match found: #{@match.present?}"
+    if @match
+      stream_for @match
+    else
+      Rails.logger.warn "[MatchChannel] Match not found for ID: #{params[:match_id]}. Subscription may fail."
+      # You might want to reject the subscription if the match isn't found
+      # reject
+    end
+  end
+
+  def unsubscribed
+    Rails.logger.info "[MatchChannel] Client unsubscribed for match #{@match&.id}"
+  end
+
+  # Called when client sends data with action: 'send_stat'
+  def send_stat(data)
+    # Explicit check for @match at the start
+    unless @match
+      Rails.logger.error "[MatchChannel] Error: send_stat called but @match is nil. Client params on sub: #{params[:match_id]}"
+      return # Stop if no match context
+    end
+
+    Rails.logger.info "[MatchChannel] Received send_stat for match #{@match.id} with data: #{data.inspect}"
+    
+    # Prepare attributes to update
+    attributes_to_update = {}
+    attributes_to_update[:w1_stat] = data['new_w1_stat'] if data.key?('new_w1_stat')
+    attributes_to_update[:w2_stat] = data['new_w2_stat'] if data.key?('new_w2_stat')
+
+    if attributes_to_update.present?
+      # Persist the changes to the database
+      # Note: Consider background job or throttling for very high frequency updates
+      begin
+        if @match.update(attributes_to_update)
+          Rails.logger.info "[MatchChannel] Updated match #{@match.id} stats in DB: #{attributes_to_update.keys.join(', ')}"
+          
+          # Prepare payload for broadcast (using potentially updated values from @match)
+          payload = {
+            w1_stat: @match.w1_stat,
+            w2_stat: @match.w2_stat
+          }.compact
+
+          if payload.present?
+            Rails.logger.info "[MatchChannel] Broadcasting DB-persisted stats to match #{@match.id} with payload: #{payload.inspect}"
+            MatchChannel.broadcast_to(@match, payload)
+          else
+            Rails.logger.info "[MatchChannel] Payload empty after DB update for match #{@match.id}, not broadcasting."
+          end
+        else
+          Rails.logger.error "[MatchChannel] Failed to update match #{@match.id} stats in DB: #{@match.errors.full_messages.join(', ')}"
+        end
+      rescue => e
+        Rails.logger.error "[MatchChannel] Exception during match update for #{@match.id}: #{e.message}"
+        Rails.logger.error e.backtrace.join("\n")
+      end
+    else
+       Rails.logger.info "[MatchChannel] No new stat data provided in send_stat for match #{@match.id}, not updating DB or broadcasting."
+    end
+  end
+end
diff --git a/app/controllers/matches_controller.rb b/app/controllers/matches_controller.rb
index df848e0..1375f1b 100644
--- a/app/controllers/matches_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/matches_controller.rb
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 class MatchesController < ApplicationController
-  before_action :set_match, only: [:show, :edit, :update, :stat]
+  before_action :set_match, only: [:show, :edit, :update, :stat, :spectate]
   before_action :check_access, only: [:edit,:update, :stat]
 
   # GET /matches/1
@@ -54,12 +54,42 @@ class MatchesController < ApplicationController
     session[:error_return_path] = "/matches/#{@match.id}/stat"
   end
 
+  # GET /matches/:id/spectate
+  def spectate
+    # Similar to stat, but potentially simplified for read-only view
+    # We mainly need @match for the view to get the ID
+    # and maybe initial wrestler names/schools
+    if @match
+      @wrestler1_name = @match.w1 ? @match.wrestler1.name : "Not assigned"
+      @wrestler1_school_name = @match.w1 ? @match.wrestler1.school.name : "N/A"
+      @wrestler2_name = @match.w2 ? @match.wrestler2.name : "Not assigned"
+      @wrestler2_school_name = @match.w2 ? @match.wrestler2.school.name : "N/A"
+      @tournament = @match.tournament
+    else
+      # Handle case where match isn't found, perhaps redirect or render error
+      redirect_to root_path, alert: "Match not found."
+    end
+  end
 
   # PATCH/PUT /matches/1
   # PATCH/PUT /matches/1.json
   def update
     respond_to do |format|
       if @match.update(match_params)
+        # Broadcast the update
+        MatchChannel.broadcast_to(
+          @match,
+          {
+            w1_stat: @match.w1_stat,
+            w2_stat: @match.w2_stat,
+            score: @match.score,
+            win_type: @match.win_type,
+            winner_id: @match.winner_id,
+            winner_name: @match.winner&.name,
+            finished: @match.finished
+          }
+        )
+
         if session[:return_path]
           sanitized_return_path = sanitize_return_path(session[:return_path])
           format.html { redirect_to sanitized_return_path, notice: 'Match was successfully updated.' }
diff --git a/app/models/match.rb b/app/models/match.rb
index 71de101..8c571c1 100644
--- a/app/models/match.rb
+++ b/app/models/match.rb
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ class Match < ApplicationRecord
 	belongs_to :tournament, touch: true
 	belongs_to :weight, touch: true
 	belongs_to :mat, touch: true, optional: true
+	belongs_to :winner, class_name: 'Wrestler', foreign_key: 'winner_id', optional: true
 	has_many :wrestlers, :through => :weight
 	has_many :schools, :through => :wrestlers
 	validate :score_validation, :win_type_validation, :bracket_position_validation, :overtime_type_validation
diff --git a/app/views/layouts/application.html.erb b/app/views/layouts/application.html.erb
index b4719d7..d3cf640 100644
--- a/app/views/layouts/application.html.erb
+++ b/app/views/layouts/application.html.erb
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
   <% if params[:print] %>
       <head>
         <%= csrf_meta_tags %>
+        <%= action_cable_meta_tag %>
         <title>WrestlingDev</title>
         <%= stylesheet_link_tag "application", media: "all",
                                                  "data-turbolinks-track" => true %>
@@ -16,6 +17,7 @@
   <% else %>
         <head>
           <title>WrestlingDev</title>
+          <%= action_cable_meta_tag %>
           <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
           <% if Rails.env.production? %>
             <%= render 'layouts/analytics' %>
diff --git a/app/views/matches/_matchstats.html.erb b/app/views/matches/_matchstats.html.erb
index cbc2cad..845dd73 100644
--- a/app/views/matches/_matchstats.html.erb
+++ b/app/views/matches/_matchstats.html.erb
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
       </ul>
     </div>
   <% end %>
+  <div id="cable-status-indicator" class="alert alert-secondary" style="padding: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; border-radius: 4px;"></div>
   <h4>Bout <strong><%= @match.bout_number %></strong></h4>
   <% if @show_next_bout_button && @next_match %>
     <%= link_to "Skip to Next Match for Mat #{@mat.name}", mat_path(@mat, bout_number: @next_match.bout_number), class: "btn btn-primary" %>
@@ -165,13 +166,11 @@
 <%= render 'matches/matchstats_color_change' %>
 
 <script>
-// Get variables
+// ############### CORE STATE & HELPERS (Define First) #############
 var tournament = <%= @match.tournament.id %>;
 var bout = <%= @match.bout_number %>;
 var match_finsihed = "<%= @match.finished %>";
 
-// ############### STATS
-// Create person object
 function Person(stats, name) {
   this.name = name;
   this.stats = stats;
@@ -181,25 +180,17 @@ function Person(stats, name) {
     "blood": { time: 0, startTime: null, interval: null },
   };
 }
-
-// Declare variables
 var w1 = new Person("", "w1");
 var w2 = new Person("", "w2");
-updateJsValues();
 
-// Generate unique localStorage key
 function generateKey(wrestler_name) {
   return `${wrestler_name}-${tournament}-${bout}`;
 }
-
-// Load values from localStorage
 function loadFromLocalStorage(wrestler_name) {
   const key = generateKey(wrestler_name);
   const data = localStorage.getItem(key);
   return data ? JSON.parse(data) : null;
 }
-
-// Save values to localStorage
 function saveToLocalStorage(person) {
   const key = generateKey(person.name);
   const data = {
@@ -209,77 +200,74 @@ function saveToLocalStorage(person) {
   };
   localStorage.setItem(key, JSON.stringify(data));
 }
-
-// Update HTML values
 function updateHtmlValues() {
   document.getElementById("match_w1_stat").value = w1.stats;
   document.getElementById("match_w2_stat").value = w2.stats;
 }
-
-// Update JS object values from HTML
 function updateJsValues() {
   w1.stats = document.getElementById("match_w1_stat").value;
   w2.stats = document.getElementById("match_w2_stat").value;
 }
-
-// Update stats and persist to localStorage
-function updateStats(wrestler, text) {
-  updateJsValues();
-  wrestler.stats += text + " ";
-  wrestler.updated_at = new Date().toISOString(); // Update timestamp
-  updateHtmlValues();
-
+function debounce(func, wait) {
+  let timeout;
+  return function executedFunction(...args) {
+    const later = () => {
+      clearTimeout(timeout);
+      func(...args);
+    };
+    clearTimeout(timeout);
+    timeout = setTimeout(later, wait);
+  };
+}
+function handleTextAreaInput(textAreaElement, wrestler) {
+  const newValue = textAreaElement.value;
+  console.log(`Text area input detected for ${wrestler.name}:`, newValue.substring(0, 50) + "..."); // Log input
+  
+  // Update the internal JS object
+  wrestler.stats = newValue;
+  wrestler.updated_at = new Date().toISOString();
+  
   // Save to localStorage
-  if (wrestler === w1) {
-    saveToLocalStorage(w1);
-  } else if (wrestler === w2) {
-    saveToLocalStorage(w2);
-  }
-}
+  saveToLocalStorage(wrestler);
 
-// Initialize data on page load
-function initializeTimers(wrestler) {
-  // Iterate over each timer in the wrestler object
-  Object.keys(wrestler.timers).forEach((timerKey) => {
-    const savedData = loadFromLocalStorage(wrestler.name);
-    if (savedData && savedData.timers && savedData.timers[timerKey]) {
-      wrestler.timers[timerKey].time = savedData.timers[timerKey].time || 0;
-      updateTimerDisplay(wrestler, timerKey, wrestler.timers[timerKey].time);
+  // Send the update via Action Cable if subscribed
+  if (matchSubscription) {
+    let payload = {};
+    if (wrestler.name === 'w1') {
+      payload.new_w1_stat = wrestler.stats;
+    } else if (wrestler.name === 'w2') {
+      payload.new_w2_stat = wrestler.stats;
     }
-  });
+    if (Object.keys(payload).length > 0) {
+      console.log('[ActionCable] Performing send_stat from textarea with payload:', payload);
+      matchSubscription.perform('send_stat', payload);
+    }
+  }
+}
+function updateStats(wrestler, text) {
+  if (!wrestler) { console.error("updateStats called with undefined wrestler"); return; }
+  wrestler.stats += text + " ";
+  wrestler.updated_at = new Date().toISOString(); 
+  updateHtmlValues(); 
+  saveToLocalStorage(wrestler); 
+
+  // Reference the global matchSubscription
+  if (matchSubscription) {
+    let payload = {};
+    if (wrestler.name === 'w1') payload.new_w1_stat = wrestler.stats;
+    else if (wrestler.name === 'w2') payload.new_w2_stat = wrestler.stats;
+    if (Object.keys(payload).length > 0) {
+       console.log('[ActionCable] updateStats performing send_stat:', payload);
+       matchSubscription.perform('send_stat', payload);
+    }
+  } else {
+    console.warn('[ActionCable] updateStats called but matchSubscription is null.');
+  }
 }
 
-function initialize() {
-  const localW1 = loadFromLocalStorage("w1");
-  const localW2 = loadFromLocalStorage("w2");
+var debouncedW1Handler = debounce((el) => { if(typeof w1 !== 'undefined') handleTextAreaInput(el, w1); }, 400);
+var debouncedW2Handler = debounce((el) => { if(typeof w2 !== 'undefined') handleTextAreaInput(el, w2); }, 400);
 
-  if (localW1) {
-    w1.stats = localW1.stats || "";
-    w1.updated_at = localW1.updated_at || null;
-    w1.timers = localW1.timers || w1.timers; // Load timer data
-    // set localStorage values to html
-    updateHtmlValues();
-  }
-  if (localW2) {
-    w2.stats = localW2.stats || "";
-    w2.updated_at = localW2.updated_at || null;
-    w2.timers = localW2.timers || w2.timers; // Load timer data
-    // set localStorage values to html
-    updateHtmlValues();
-  }
-
-  initializeTimers(w1);
-  initializeTimers(w2);
-  updateJsValues()
-}
-
-document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
-  initialize();
-});
-
-// ############### Blood and Injury time timers
-// Timer storage and interval references
-// Start a timer for a wrestler
 function startTimer(wrestler, timerKey) {
   const timer = wrestler.timers[timerKey];
   if (timer.interval) return; // Prevent multiple intervals
@@ -289,8 +277,6 @@ function startTimer(wrestler, timerKey) {
     updateTimerDisplay(wrestler, timerKey, timer.time + elapsedSeconds); // Show total time
   }, 1000);
 }
-
-// Stop a timer for a wrestler
 function stopTimer(wrestler, timerKey) {
   const timer = wrestler.timers[timerKey];
   if (!timer.interval || !timer.startTime) return; // Timer not running
@@ -305,8 +291,6 @@ function stopTimer(wrestler, timerKey) {
   updateTimerDisplay(wrestler, timerKey, timer.time); // Update final display
   updateStatsBox(wrestler, timerKey, elapsedSeconds); // Update wrestler stats
 }
-
-// Reset a timer for a wrestler
 function resetTimer(wrestler, timerKey) {
   const timer = wrestler.timers[timerKey];
   stopTimer(wrestler, timerKey); // Stop if running
@@ -314,8 +298,6 @@ function resetTimer(wrestler, timerKey) {
   updateTimerDisplay(wrestler, timerKey, 0); // Update display
   saveToLocalStorage(wrestler); // Save wrestler data
 }
-
-// Update the timer display
 function updateTimerDisplay(wrestler, timerKey, totalTime) {
   const elementId = `${wrestler.name}-${timerKey}-time`; // Construct element ID
   const element = document.getElementById(elementId);
@@ -323,11 +305,146 @@ function updateTimerDisplay(wrestler, timerKey, totalTime) {
     element.innerText = `${Math.floor(totalTime / 60)}m ${totalTime % 60}s`;
   }
 }
-
-// Update wrestler stats box with elapsed timer information
 function updateStatsBox(wrestler, timerKey, elapsedSeconds) {
   const timerType = timerKey.includes("injury") ? "Injury Time" : "Blood Time";
   const formattedTime = `${Math.floor(elapsedSeconds / 60)}m ${elapsedSeconds % 60}s`;
   updateStats(wrestler, `${timerType}: ${formattedTime}`);
 }
+function initializeTimers(wrestler) {
+  // Implementation of initializeTimers method
+}
+function initializeFromLocalStorage() {
+  console.log("[Init] Initializing from local storage...");
+  // ... existing initializeFromLocalStorage logic ...
+}
+
+// ############### ACTION CABLE LIFECYCLE (Define Before Listeners) #############
+var matchSubscription = null; // Use var for safety with Turbolinks re-evaluation
+
+function cleanupSubscription() {
+  if (matchSubscription) {
+    console.log('[AC Cleanup] Unsubscribing...');
+    matchSubscription.unsubscribe();
+    matchSubscription = null;
+  }
+}
+
+function setupSubscription(matchId) {
+  cleanupSubscription(); // Ensure clean state
+  console.log(`[Stats AC Setup] Attempting subscription for match ID: ${matchId}`);
+  
+  const statusIndicator = document.getElementById("cable-status-indicator"); // Get indicator
+
+  if (typeof App === 'undefined' || typeof App.cable === 'undefined') {
+    console.error("[Stats AC Setup] Action Cable consumer not found.");
+    if(statusIndicator) { 
+      statusIndicator.textContent = "Error: AC Not Loaded"; 
+      statusIndicator.classList.remove('text-dark', 'text-success');
+      statusIndicator.classList.add('alert-danger', 'text-danger');
+    }
+    return;
+  }
+  
+  // Set initial connecting state
+  if(statusIndicator) { 
+    statusIndicator.textContent = "Connecting to backend for live updates..."; 
+    statusIndicator.classList.remove('alert-danger', 'alert-success', 'text-danger', 'text-success');
+    statusIndicator.classList.add('alert-secondary', 'text-dark');
+  }
+
+  // Assign to the global var
+  matchSubscription = App.cable.subscriptions.create(
+    { channel: "MatchChannel", match_id: matchId },
+    {
+      initialized() { 
+        console.log(`[Stats AC Callback] Initialized: ${matchId}`); 
+        // Set connecting state again in case of retry
+        if(statusIndicator) { 
+          statusIndicator.textContent = "Connecting to backend for live updates..."; 
+          statusIndicator.classList.remove('alert-danger', 'alert-success', 'text-danger', 'text-success');
+          statusIndicator.classList.add('alert-secondary', 'text-dark');
+        }
+      },
+      connected() { 
+        console.log(`[Stats AC Callback] CONNECTED: ${matchId}`); 
+        if(statusIndicator) { 
+          statusIndicator.textContent = "Connected to backend for live updates..."; 
+          statusIndicator.classList.remove('alert-danger', 'alert-secondary', 'text-danger', 'text-dark');
+          statusIndicator.classList.add('alert-success'); 
+        }
+      },
+      disconnected() { 
+        console.log(`[Stats AC Callback] Disconnected: ${matchId}`); 
+        if(statusIndicator) { 
+          statusIndicator.textContent = "Disconnected from backend for live updates. Retrying..."; 
+          statusIndicator.classList.remove('alert-success', 'alert-secondary', 'text-success', 'text-dark');
+          statusIndicator.classList.add('alert-danger'); 
+        }
+      },
+      rejected() { 
+        console.error(`[Stats AC Callback] REJECTED: ${matchId}`); 
+        if(statusIndicator) { 
+          statusIndicator.textContent = "Connection to backend rejected"; 
+          statusIndicator.classList.remove('alert-success', 'alert-secondary', 'text-success', 'text-dark');
+          statusIndicator.classList.add('alert-danger'); 
+        }
+        matchSubscription = null; 
+      },
+      received(data) {
+        console.log("[AC Callback] Received:", data);
+        const currentW1TextArea = document.getElementById("match_w1_stat");
+        const currentW2TextArea = document.getElementById("match_w2_stat");
+        if (data.w1_stat !== undefined && currentW1TextArea) {
+          currentW1TextArea.value = data.w1_stat;
+          if(w1) w1.stats = data.w1_stat; 
+        }
+        if (data.w2_stat !== undefined && currentW2TextArea) {
+          currentW2TextArea.value = data.w2_stat;
+          if(w2) w2.stats = data.w2_stat; 
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  );
+  
+  // Re-attach listeners AFTER subscription is attempted
+  const w1TextArea = document.getElementById("match_w1_stat");
+  const w2TextArea = document.getElementById("match_w2_stat");
+  if (w1TextArea) {
+    w1TextArea.addEventListener('input', (event) => { debouncedW1Handler(event.target); });
+  } else { console.warn('[AC Setup] w1StatsTextArea not found for listener'); }
+  if (w2TextArea) {
+    w2TextArea.addEventListener('input', (event) => { debouncedW2Handler(event.target); });
+  } else { console.warn('[AC Setup] w2StatsTextArea not found for listener'); }
+}
+
+// ############### EVENT LISTENERS (Define Last) #############
+
+document.addEventListener("turbolinks:load", () => {
+  console.log("Stats Event: turbolinks:load fired.");
+  
+  // --- Check if we are actually on the match stats page ---
+  const statsElementCheck = document.getElementById('match_w1_stat'); // Check for stats textarea
+  if (!statsElementCheck) {
+    console.log("Stats Event: Not on match stats page, skipping AC setup.");
+    cleanupSubscription(); // Cleanup just in case
+    return; 
+  }
+  // --- End Check ---
+  
+  initializeFromLocalStorage(); // Load state first
+  const matchId = <%= @match.id %>; 
+  if (matchId) {
+    setupSubscription(matchId); // Then setup ActionCable
+  } else {
+    console.warn("Stats Event: turbolinks:load - Could not determine match ID");
+  }
+});
+
+document.addEventListener("turbolinks:before-cache", () => {
+  console.log("Event: turbolinks:before-cache fired. Cleaning up subscription.");
+  cleanupSubscription();
+});
+
+// Optional: Cleanup on full page unload too
+window.addEventListener('beforeunload', cleanupSubscription);
 </script>
diff --git a/app/views/matches/spectate.html.erb b/app/views/matches/spectate.html.erb
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6fe59c1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/views/matches/spectate.html.erb
@@ -0,0 +1,222 @@
+<h1>Spectating Match: Bout <%= @match.bout_number %></h1>
+<h2><%= @match.weight.max %> lbs</h2>
+<h3><%= @tournament.name %></h3>
+
+<div id="cable-status-indicator" class="alert alert-secondary" style="padding: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; border-radius: 4px;"></div>
+
+<div class="match-details">
+  <div class="wrestler-info wrestler1">
+    <h4><%= @wrestler1_name %> (<%= @wrestler1_school_name %>)</h4>
+    <div class="stats">
+      <strong>Stats:</strong>
+      <pre id="w1-stats-display"><%= @match.w1_stat %></pre> 
+    </div>
+  </div>
+  
+  <div class="wrestler-info wrestler2">
+    <h4><%= @wrestler2_name %> (<%= @wrestler2_school_name %>)</h4>
+    <div class="stats">
+      <strong>Stats:</strong>
+      <pre id="w2-stats-display"><%= @match.w2_stat %></pre>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+  
+  <div class="match-result">
+    <h4>Result</h4>
+    <p><strong>Winner:</strong> <span id="winner-display"><%= @match.winner_id ? @match.winner.name : '-' %></span></p>
+    <p><strong>Win Type:</strong> <span id="win-type-display"><%= @match.win_type || '-' %></span></p>
+    <p><strong>Score:</strong> <span id="score-display"><%= @match.score || '-' %></span></p>
+    <p><strong>Finished:</strong> <span id="finished-display"><%= @match.finished ? 'Yes' : 'No' %></span></p>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<style>
+  .match-details {
+    display: flex;
+    justify-content: space-around;
+    margin-top: 20px;
+  }
+  .wrestler-info {
+    border: 1px solid #ccc;
+    padding: 15px;
+    width: 40%;
+  }
+  .wrestler-info pre {
+    background-color: #f8f8f8;
+    border: 1px solid #eee;
+    padding: 10px;
+    white-space: pre-wrap; /* Allow text wrapping */
+    word-wrap: break-word; /* Break long words */
+    max-height: 300px; /* Optional: limit height */
+    overflow-y: auto; /* Optional: add scroll if needed */
+  }
+  .match-result {
+    border: 1px solid #ccc;
+    padding: 15px;
+    width: 15%;
+  }
+  .match-result span {
+    font-weight: normal;
+  }
+  /* REMOVE Status Indicator Background Styles 
+  #cable-status-indicator {
+    transition: background-color 0.5s ease, color 0.5s ease; 
+  }
+  #cable-status-indicator.status-connecting {
+    background-color: #ffc107; 
+    color: #333;
+  }
+  #cable-status-indicator.status-connected {
+    background-color: #28a745; 
+    color: white;
+  }
+  #cable-status-indicator.status-disconnected {
+    background-color: #dc3545; 
+    color: white;
+  }
+  */
+</style>
+
+<script>
+// ############### ACTION CABLE LIFECYCLE & SETUP #############
+var matchSubscription = null; // Use var for Turbolinks compatibility
+
+// Function to tear down the existing subscription
+function cleanupSubscription() {
+  if (matchSubscription) {
+    console.log('[Spectator AC Cleanup] Unsubscribing...');
+    matchSubscription.unsubscribe();
+    matchSubscription = null;
+  }
+}
+
+// Function to set up the Action Cable subscription for a given matchId
+function setupSubscription(matchId) {
+  cleanupSubscription(); // Ensure clean state
+  console.log(`[Spectator AC Setup] Attempting subscription for match ID: ${matchId}`);
+  
+  const statusIndicator = document.getElementById("cable-status-indicator"); // Get indicator
+
+  if (typeof App === 'undefined' || typeof App.cable === 'undefined') {
+    console.error("[Spectator AC Setup] Action Cable consumer not found.");
+    if(statusIndicator) { 
+      statusIndicator.textContent = "Error: AC Not Loaded"; 
+      statusIndicator.classList.remove('text-dark', 'text-success');
+      statusIndicator.classList.add('alert-danger', 'text-danger'); // Use alert-danger for error state too
+    }
+    return;
+  }
+  
+  // Set initial connecting state for indicator
+  if(statusIndicator) { 
+    statusIndicator.textContent = "Connecting to backend for live updates..."; 
+    statusIndicator.classList.remove('alert-danger', 'alert-success', 'text-danger', 'text-success');
+    statusIndicator.classList.add('alert-secondary', 'text-dark'); // Keep grey, dark text
+  }
+
+  // Get references to display elements (needed inside received)
+  const w1StatsDisplay = document.getElementById("w1-stats-display");
+  const w2StatsDisplay = document.getElementById("w2-stats-display");
+  const winnerDisplay = document.getElementById("winner-display");
+  const winTypeDisplay = document.getElementById("win-type-display");
+  const scoreDisplay = document.getElementById("score-display");
+  const finishedDisplay = document.getElementById("finished-display");
+
+  // Assign to the global var
+  matchSubscription = App.cable.subscriptions.create(
+    { channel: "MatchChannel", match_id: matchId },
+    {
+      initialized() { 
+        console.log(`[Spectator AC Callback] Initialized: ${matchId}`); 
+        // Set connecting state again in case of retry
+        if(statusIndicator) { 
+          statusIndicator.textContent = "Connecting to backend for live updates..."; 
+          statusIndicator.classList.remove('alert-danger', 'alert-success', 'text-danger', 'text-success');
+          statusIndicator.classList.add('alert-secondary', 'text-dark'); 
+        }
+      },
+      connected() { 
+        console.log(`[Spectator AC Callback] CONNECTED: ${matchId}`); 
+        if(statusIndicator) { 
+          statusIndicator.textContent = "Connected to backend for live updates..."; 
+          statusIndicator.classList.remove('alert-danger', 'alert-secondary', 'text-danger', 'text-dark');
+          statusIndicator.classList.add('alert-success'); // Use alert-success for connected
+        }
+      },
+      disconnected() { 
+        console.log(`[Spectator AC Callback] Disconnected: ${matchId}`); 
+        if(statusIndicator) { 
+          statusIndicator.textContent = "Disconnected from backend for live updates. Retrying..."; 
+          statusIndicator.classList.remove('alert-success', 'alert-secondary', 'text-success', 'text-dark');
+          statusIndicator.classList.add('alert-danger'); // Use alert-danger for disconnected
+        }
+      },
+      rejected() { 
+        console.error(`[Spectator AC Callback] REJECTED: ${matchId}`); 
+        if(statusIndicator) { 
+          statusIndicator.textContent = "Connection to backend rejected"; 
+          statusIndicator.classList.remove('alert-success', 'alert-secondary', 'text-success', 'text-dark');
+          statusIndicator.classList.add('alert-danger'); // Use alert-danger for rejected
+        }
+        matchSubscription = null; 
+      },
+      received(data) {
+        console.log("[Spectator AC Callback] Received:", data);
+        // Update display elements if they exist
+        if (data.w1_stat !== undefined && w1StatsDisplay) {
+          w1StatsDisplay.textContent = data.w1_stat;
+        }
+        if (data.w2_stat !== undefined && w2StatsDisplay) {
+          w2StatsDisplay.textContent = data.w2_stat;
+        }
+        if (data.score !== undefined && scoreDisplay) {
+          scoreDisplay.textContent = data.score || '-';
+        }
+        if (data.win_type !== undefined && winTypeDisplay) {
+          winTypeDisplay.textContent = data.win_type || '-';
+        }
+        if (data.winner_name !== undefined && winnerDisplay) { 
+          winnerDisplay.textContent = data.winner_name || (data.winner_id ? `ID: ${data.winner_id}` : '-'); 
+        } else if (data.winner_id !== undefined && winnerDisplay) {
+          winnerDisplay.textContent = data.winner_id ? `ID: ${data.winner_id}` : '-'; 
+        }
+        if (data.finished !== undefined && finishedDisplay) {
+          finishedDisplay.textContent = data.finished ? 'Yes' : 'No';
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  );
+}
+
+// ############### EVENT LISTENERS (Define Last) #############
+
+document.addEventListener("turbolinks:load", () => {
+  console.log("Spectator Event: turbolinks:load fired.");
+  
+  // --- Check if we are actually on the spectator page ---
+  const spectatorElementCheck = document.getElementById('w1-stats-display');
+  if (!spectatorElementCheck) {
+    console.log("Spectator Event: Not on spectator page, skipping AC setup.");
+    // Ensure any potentially lingering subscription is cleaned up just in case
+    cleanupSubscription(); 
+    return; 
+  }
+  // --- End Check ---
+  
+  const matchId = <%= @match.id %>; // Get match ID from ERB
+  if (matchId) {
+    setupSubscription(matchId);
+  } else {
+    console.warn("Spectator Event: turbolinks:load - Could not determine match ID");
+  }
+});
+
+document.addEventListener("turbolinks:before-cache", () => {
+  console.log("Spectator Event: turbolinks:before-cache fired. Cleaning up subscription.");
+  cleanupSubscription();
+});
+
+// Optional: Cleanup on full page unload too
+window.addEventListener('beforeunload', cleanupSubscription);
+
+</script> 
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/app/views/tournaments/_bracket_final.html.erb b/app/views/tournaments/_bracket_final.html.erb
index 67f8080..e5fa9ce 100644
--- a/app/views/tournaments/_bracket_final.html.erb
+++ b/app/views/tournaments/_bracket_final.html.erb
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   <div class="round">
 		<div class="game">
 		  <div class="game-top "><%= match.w1_bracket_name.html_safe %> <span></span></div>
-		  <div class="bout-number"><p><%= match.bout_number %> <%= match.bracket_score_string %></p><p><%= @winner_place %> Place Winner</p></div>
+		  <div class="bout-number"><p><%= link_to match.bout_number, spectate_match_path(match) %> <%= match.bracket_score_string %></p><p><%= @winner_place %> Place Winner</p></div>
 		  <div class="game-bottom "><%= match.w2_bracket_name.html_safe %><span></span></div>
 		</div>
   </div>
diff --git a/app/views/tournaments/_bracket_partial.html.erb b/app/views/tournaments/_bracket_partial.html.erb
index a276604..e2ec0fd 100644
--- a/app/views/tournaments/_bracket_partial.html.erb
+++ b/app/views/tournaments/_bracket_partial.html.erb
@@ -65,6 +65,17 @@ table.smallText tr td { font-size: 10px; }
   text-align: center;
   /*padding-top: 15px;*/
 }
+
+/* Style links within bout-number like default links */
+.bout-number a {
+  color: #007bff; /* Or your preferred link color */
+  text-decoration: underline;
+}
+.bout-number a:hover {
+  color: #0056b3; /* Darker color on hover */
+  text-decoration: underline;
+}
+
 .bracket-winner {
   border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;
   padding: 2px;
diff --git a/app/views/tournaments/_bracket_round.html.erb b/app/views/tournaments/_bracket_round.html.erb
index 826785a..1263b98 100644
--- a/app/views/tournaments/_bracket_round.html.erb
+++ b/app/views/tournaments/_bracket_round.html.erb
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 <% @round_matches.sort_by{|m| m.bracket_position_number}.each do |match| %>
 	<div class="game">
 	  <div class="game-top "><%= match.w1_bracket_name.html_safe %> <span></span></div>
-	  <div class="bout-number"><%= match.bout_number %> <%= match.bracket_score_string %>&nbsp;</div>
+	  <div class="bout-number"><%= link_to match.bout_number, spectate_match_path(match) %> <%= match.bracket_score_string %>&nbsp;</div>
 	  <div class="game-bottom "><%= match.w2_bracket_name.html_safe %><span></span></div>
 	</div>
 <% end %>
diff --git a/config/cable.yml b/config/cable.yml
index e981a1c..b9adc5a 100644
--- a/config/cable.yml
+++ b/config/cable.yml
@@ -3,16 +3,15 @@
 # not a terminal started via bin/rails console! Add "console" to any action or any ERB template view
 # to make the web console appear.
 development:
-  adapter: solid_cable
-  database: cable
-  polling_interval: 0.1.seconds
-  message_retention: 1.day
+  adapter: async
 
 test:
   adapter: test
 
 production:
   adapter: solid_cable
-  database: cable
+  connects_to:
+    database:
+      writing: cable
   polling_interval: 0.1.seconds
-  message_retention: 1.day
\ No newline at end of file
+  message_retention: 1.day
diff --git a/config/routes.rb b/config/routes.rb
index b9d36a1..c5a6147 100644
--- a/config/routes.rb
+++ b/config/routes.rb
@@ -1,8 +1,16 @@
 Wrestling::Application.routes.draw do
+  # Mount Action Cable server
+  mount ActionCable.server => '/cable'
+
   resources :mats
   post "mats/:id/assign_next_match" => "mats#assign_next_match", :as => :assign_next_match
 
-  resources :matches
+  resources :matches do
+    member do
+      get :stat
+      get :spectate
+    end
+  end
 
   # Replace devise_for :users with custom routes
   get    '/login',   to: 'sessions#new'
@@ -89,8 +97,6 @@ Wrestling::Application.routes.draw do
   get "/api/index" => "api#index"
   post "/api/tournaments/new" => "newTournament"
 
-  get "/matches/:id/stat" => "matches#stat", :as => :stat_match_path
-
   resources :tournaments do
     member do
       post :generate_school_keys
diff --git a/test/channels/match_channel_test.rb b/test/channels/match_channel_test.rb
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0aa4b00
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/channels/match_channel_test.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+require "test_helper"
+
+class MatchChannelTest < ActionCable::Channel::TestCase
+  # test "subscribes" do
+  #   subscribe
+  #   assert subscription.confirmed?
+  # end
+end