Stadiums are transforming into versatile event venues, accommodating concerts, festivals, and other gatherings that require adaptable and cost-effective infrastructure. Traditional wired systems fall short in meeting performers’ needs and managing operational costs. Private 5G networks present a solution, offering the flexibility, scalability, and reliability necessary to support the diverse connectivity demands of various events and provide enhanced experiences.
Unlike public networks overloaded and shared by thousands of users, private 5G delivers dedicated bandwidth, stronger security and full control over network resources and performance. They can ensure that critical operations run smoothly, minimise network congestion, and support innovative services, such as more interactive options for broadcasters to offer their audiences.
Stadium owners win with private 5G
Operational efficiency is critical in stadiums, where moving factors such as shifting crowd flow, varying event requirements, and rotating vendor locations are in play, and private 5G networks are proving to be a game-changer. By reducing the need for extensive cabling, which can be costly to install, maintain, and adapt, these networks can significantly cut down on connectivity costs and time to deployment. Deploying IoT devices, cameras, and sensors becomes far more flexible, no longer constrained by physical wiring. This “cut the wire” approach not only makes it quicker and easier to reconfigure spaces for different events but also reduces the expense of constantly adapting connectivity infrastructure as well.
Just as importantly, private 5G elevates security. Real-time video analytics can quickly detect potential issues, while 5G-connected drones and robots enhance coverage in areas that are difficult or costly to monitor with personnel alone. This ensures a safer environment for everyone, protecting visitors, staff, and assets.
Empowering tenants, and organisers, and driving revenue
Stadium tenants, sports teams, concert promoters, and other event organisers need high-capacity, reliable connectivity to deliver services and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. Private 5G’s dedicated bandwidth and network slicing ensure uninterrupted, high-quality streaming for broadcasters, secure channel coordination among staff, and seamless support for vendors’ point-of-sale systems.
Real-world examples, like London’s StoneX Stadium, show the potential of private 5G in action. By deploying AR applications that provide in-depth analytics, multiple camera angles, and interactive features, StoneX Stadium keeps fans more engaged, both onsite and at home, boosting satisfaction and driving commercial growth. As the global private cellular market expands, forward-thinking stadiums that embrace private 5G benefit from greater operational efficiency and more substantial revenue potential.
Beyond improved operations, private 5G paves the way for entirely new revenue streams. Stadiums can offer premium connectivity packages to broadcasters, VIP guests, and other partners. Industry projections indicate that the global private cellular market could reach £78 billion by 2030, signalling a stronger trend towards private network adoption in sectors such as sports and entertainment. This technological edge not only attracts more events but also increases their profitability.
Empowering tenants, and organisers, and driving revenue
Private 5G’s low latency, high bandwidth and reliable performance enables stadium operators to gather more data to create engaging content. By supporting multiple streams from several high-definition camera angles, and using real-time data to create more meaningful insights, organizers can deliver a more meaningful fan experience. For example, Crystal Palace FC is using a private 5G network at its Selhurst Park stadium to support a vision enhancement system for fans with sight loss, allowing them to stream live match footage directly to purpose-built headsets.
Deployment, management, and lessons from early adopters
Fortunately, following years of development it is now a relatively simple process to install and manage a private 5G network. These networks can often be set up within hours, without the need for miles of physical infrastructure. For stadiums without in-house expertise, managed service providers handle the deployment and upkeep, making the technology accessible to organisations of all sizes.
The latest private 5G solutions are also more IT-friendly, meaning stadium IT staff can manage the network without needing specialised cellular training. This easy integration helps lower the barrier for adoption and makes it easier for stadiums to maintain their networks over time.
The first stadiums to adopt private 5G networks have taught us some valuable lessons. One key takeaway is the importance of starting with specific, focused use cases. By targeting immediate needs, like improving point-of-sale systems or boosting security, stadiums can quickly see the benefits, which paves the way for expanding to other uses later. This approach is demonstrated by Stade Velodrome in Marseille, which started using a private 5G network to support a push to talk solution called Team Connect to keep workers connected. It has since started experimenting with food and beverage deliveries to people’s seats, and monitoring stocks within stores at the stadium.
Scalability is another key factor. Private 5G networks are designed to grow alongside a stadium’s needs, and planning for this from the beginning ensures that the network remains a long-term asset.
The future of connected stadiums
Imagine a stadium experience where you’re not just watching the action but fully immersed in it—getting real-time stats, personalised content, and interactive AR/VR options. The evolution of private 5G technology promises to be transformative for stadiums. Enhanced connectivity will lead to sophisticated surveillance systems, smarter crowd management tools, and automated services, making stadiums safer and more efficient.
But private 5G networks do more than improve operations; they also boost revenue through new services and enhanced event appeal and experiences. This shift towards seeing connectivity as a utility means it’s becoming as vital as power and water. Just as those utilities are fundamental, reliable connectivity is quickly becoming indispensable for running modern stadiums.
Investing in private 5G isn’t just about having better internet—it’s about laying the foundation for a future where technology and entertainment come together seamlessly. It’s about transforming live events into experiences that are richer, more interactive, and truly unforgettable.
Ray Sabourin
Ray Sabourin is Global Vertical Partnership Lead at Ericsson responsible for helping enterprise customers, resellers and eco-system Ppartners to understand the value of 5G wireless technology for their business and help them roll out smarter private networks globally.
