Sunderland, UK – Sunderland AFC is rolling out a significant 5G network upgrade at the 49,000-capacity Stadium of Light, partnering with Virgin Media O2 and Boldyn Networks. This move replaces a decade-old system and aims to boost fan engagement with faster connectivity.
The new infrastructure is a neutral host network, meaning it can serve multiple providers. Virgin Media O2 customers are the first to experience the enhanced high-speed connectivity. This project is part of the Sunderland Open Network EcosysTem (SONET) initiative, with partial funding from the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
The upgrade promises to transform the fan experience, enabling seamless video and social media uploads, and paving the way for future innovations like in-seat food ordering.
David Bruce, Chief Business Officer at Sunderland AFC, stated, “The launch of an enhanced 5G network at the Stadium of Light marks another exciting step forward, not just for Sunderland AFC, but for the entire city. This technology will unlock incredible opportunities to enhance the matchday experience for our supporters through faster connectivity, richer content, and more immersive engagement than ever before.”
“It reflects our ongoing commitment to putting fans at the heart of everything we do and forms part of a continued period of investment in the Stadium of Light,” Bruce added. “As part of the City of Sunderland’s vision for innovation and growth, we’re proud to play our part in shaping a smarter, more connected environment for our community.”
In other sports industry news, Sports Video Group (SVG) Europe has welcomed DoveRunner, a specialist in content and mobile application security, as a new bronze sponsor. DoveRunner provides end-to-end content security solutions, including multi-DRM, forensic watermarking, and anti-piracy monitoring, to protect live sports streaming.
Rupesh Shinde, Global Market Leader at DoveRunner, commented, “DoveRunner safeguards the live sports streaming ecosystem with end-to-end content security solutions. Our solutions protect live sports from piracy, enabling rights owners and OTT platforms to maximise revenues and deliver a trusted viewing experience.”
Meanwhile, the University of Edinburgh Sport has secured a significant three-year partnership with sports hydration brand Grilla. This deal, valued at a six-figure sum, is one of the largest commercial agreements in UK higher education sport. The investment will enhance the student sport experience, broaden access, and bolster performance pathways.
Mark Munro, University of Edinburgh Director of Sport & Active Health, described the partnership as “transformational.” He noted, “Our partnership with Grilla is not only one of the most significant commercial deals ever in UK university sport, but also one that will directly benefit our students, from grassroots participation to elite performance.”
What is the main benefit of the 5G upgrade at the Stadium of Light? The primary aim is to significantly enhance 5G connectivity for fans, leading to richer content and more immersive engagement.
- Sunderland AFC has partnered with Virgin Media O2 and Boldyn Networks for a 5G upgrade at the Stadium of Light.
- The project aims to improve fan experience with faster connectivity and new engagement features.
- Sports Video Group (SVG) Europe has added DoveRunner as a bronze sponsor.
- The University of Edinburgh Sport has signed a major three-year deal with hydration brand Grilla.
