Technological advancements are playing a huge role in shaping how fans engage with football and other major sports worldwide.
We are in an era where stadiums now use advanced tech to make fan experience even more thrilling, adding several more facets to the game.
Security and seamless connectivity have become a focal point, with most stadiums now offering Wi-Fi to allow fans to stay connected to the latest happenings in the sport.
Wembley Stadium and EE’s 5G Expansion
Wembley Stadium is the largest stadium in the United Kingdom and the second-largest sports venue in the world, so it is no surprise that it continues to set new benchmarks for others to follow.
Leading mobile communications provider EE recently extended its multi-year deal with the English Football Association (FA) that will maintain its status as Wembley’s official connectivity partner.
EE was the first mobile network to introduce both 4G and 5G internet at Wembley, and the deal effectively cemented the stadium’s position as one of the best-connected venues in the world.
Wembley began its partnership with EE back in 2015. Since then, over 15 million fans have benefited from improved mobile coverage.
Data usage at the stadium increased by more than 80 percent in 2024 as more people relied on high-speed internet to share special moments in football history.
With EE extending its partnership with Wembley, the telecom providers will pour more cash into unearthing new tech. It will also retain its brand and official title across the stadium.
New Zealand Set to Open World-Class Te Kaha Stadium
New Zealand is set to open one of the biggest sports venues in the country with the construction of the new Te Kaha Stadium.
The venue will be called One New Zealand Stadium under a 10-year sponsorship agreement. Fans have been promised world-class coverage and connectivity as the stadium will be working with Venues Otautahi.
The new 36,000-concert capacity stadium with a fully enclosed roof is owned by the Christchurch City Council and is poised to set a new standard for fan experiences in the region.
The stadium’s naming rights partner is also investing heavily in South Island’s network infrastructure to ensure seamless coverage for visitors.
One NZ will host a plethora of major sporting events, so it could also be a game changer for the sports betting community in New Zealand.
Increased connectivity is essential for modern stadiums, and One NZ is no different. With fans guaranteed access to Wi-Fi, the increase in activity on the best football betting sites in New Zealand could go through the roof, especially through live betting.
Access to Wi-Fi gives fans a chance to place wagers while watching their favourite teams in action, leveraging live odds and in-game statistics to aid decision-making.
The prospect of increased connectivity is one of many positives that has ignited more anticipation from bettors who can’t wait to see what the new stadium has to offer.
The stadium will have large LED screens that display real-time statistics, replays and other features, ensuring that every seat in the venue gets a superb view of the action.
MetLife Stadium to Deploy Advanced Surveillance System
New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium has partnered with Axis Communications to deploy a custom-built surveillance system designed to augment the venue’s security needs.
As one of the largest stadiums in the world, MetLife needed a bespoke solution that could provide high-quality video coverage over long distances, allowing the security team to identify details.
Axis worked closely with the stadium’s security team to develop a system capable of producing 8K resolution footage, advanced video analytics, and electronic image stabilisation (EIS).
The surveillance system delivers clear, high-contrast visuals even if it has to deal with unfavourable conditions such as fluctuating lighting or large crowds.
MetLife has been proactive about its commitment to safety. The stadium is consistently rated one of the safest in the National Football League (NFL) and was the first NFL stadium to achieve SAFETY Act certification from the US Department of Homeland Security.
The new surveillance tech only emphasises their obsession with safety. The advanced surveillance tech will help stadium management detect potential security threats before they become a major problem during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With artificial intelligence (AI)-powered analytics, security teams can monitor crowd movements in real-time, helping them identify unusual activities and respond promptly to any incidents.
It is a proactive approach that only makes the environment even more safe for fans and staff while making sure everything runs smoothly during the events.