AI and 5G Transform Stadium Experience, UK's First Smart Connectivity Solution
by Mighva Verma - 3 weeks ago - 2 min read
Stadium Connectivity Gets a Major Upgrade
A UK-first technology combining artificial intelligence and 5G has successfully tackled one of sports fans' biggest frustrations: poor mobile connectivity during matches. The innovation, tested at Milton Keynes' 30,400-seat MK Dons stadium, promises to end the era of dropped signals and missed moments when thousands of fans try connecting simultaneously.
How the System Works
Project ARANA brings together the University of Bristol's Smart Internet Lab, AI company Madevo, and network specialists Weaver Labs, alongside tech giants Meta, Samsung, Nokia, and Capgemini. The system integrates OpenRAN technology with a 5G cloud-based private network, enhanced by Madevo's AI capabilities that let stadiums run their own private AI infrastructure. During trials, fans streamed four high-quality video feeds directly to their phones with a simple tap, proving the network could handle intensive demands without breaking down.
The platform delivers multiple live camera angles, including behind-the-scenes views, AI-powered team performance analysis, and live player statistics. Practical features include real-time queue navigation, in-seat food ordering, immersive 3D stadium mapping, and interactive chatbots. A collaboration between Madevo and Nokia provides real-time tactical insights using video analytics like player coordinates, revealing formations and strategic patterns as they happen.
Why It Matters Now
Many fans choose home viewing over stadium attendance because of superior streaming quality, instant replays, and zero queues. Professor Dimitra Simeonidou from Bristol University notes that the 5G broadcast approach offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional cellular systems, which regularly fail during peak usage at large venues. Maria Lema, CEO of Weaver Labs, explains that the technology demonstrates what future-ready infrastructure delivers: real-time insights, seamless experiences, and foundations for entirely new services. Additional trials are planned at Stadium MK early next year with expanded features and greater fan engagement