MONDO | STADIA #44 - Oct/Nov 25 by Mondiale Media

HILL DICKINSON STADIUM

We focus on the new visual narrative and br and Iden tity created by Populous for Everton’s new home.

HK AUDIO - GERMANY ROUND-UP

We take a closer look at HK Audio’s delivery of sound systems across every division in the German football league.

INTERVIEW - STUART FORBES

Following the groundbreaking work at Fulham Pier, he discusses the concepts that brought the project to life.

TEAM TALK - ADDER TECHNOLOGY

Game-changing connectivity - why IP KVM leads on the field, offering flexibility and future-proofed infrastructure.

THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION FOR TECHNOLOGY IN SPORTING VENUES

WELCOME

We’ve been back on the road in recent weeks, visiting venues, tradeshows, and conferences - and it’s been fantastic to reconnect with everyone after the summer. Behind the scenes, we’ve been working on ISSUE 44, which has VfB Stuttgart’s MHP Arena on the cover, as we take a closer look at the impressive audio upgrades, expertly delivered by AtlasIED and RCF.

Following a visit to the spectacular Hill Dickinson Stadium, we’ve focussed on the new visual narrative and brand identity created for Everton’s new home by Populous’ Brand Activation team.

Elsewhere, we have a feature on HK Audio’s extensive delivery of sound systems across every division in the German football league. A real achievement in audio design.

Following our last issue’s feature on Fulham’s Riverside Stand, we’re delighted to present an exclusive interview with Stuart Forbes. He spoke to us in depth about the groundbreaking concepts that brought the incredible Fulham Pier project to life.

For our Team Talk, Adder Technology discusses game-changing connectivity in venues, explaining why IP KVM leads on the field by offering flexibility and a future-proofed infrastructure. Definitely one to check out.

There’s plenty more inside, too, with expert columns and state-of-the-art technology covered throughout.

Also, keep an eye out for an exciting announcement for 2026...

We hope you enjoy the issue.

Sam Hughes Editorial Director

From Venue to Destination

Our award-winning team provides solutions for the most complex, large-scale, and immersive installations.

AV & Experiential Design

Digital Signage & IPTV

Large Venue Sound Broadcast Control Rooms

Editorial Director

Sam Hughes

s.hughes@mondiale.co.uk

Commercial Director

Jamie Dixon

j.dixon@mondiale.co.uk

Design & Production

Dan Seaton

d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk

Dave Bell

d.bell@mondiale.co.uk

Finance Director

Amanda Giles

a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

Credit Control

ar@mondiale.co.uk

Group Chairman

Damian Walsh

MONDO | STADIA is published by Mondiale Media Limited, Strawberry Studios, Watson Square, Stockport, SK1 3AZ, UK

Tel: +44 161 476 8340

INSIDE…

TEAM TALK

006 Game-Changing Connectivity: Why IP KVM Leads on the Field | Adder Technology

INTERVIEW

012 Stuart Forbes | Stuart Forbes Associates

FULL PITCH

022 MHP Arena | Stuttgart, Germany

VENUE FOCUS BRAND ACTIVATION

036 Hill Dickinson Stadium | Liverpool, England AUDIO 046 HK Audio Round-Up | Germany

EXTRA TIME

054 Renkus-Heinz | IC Live X Series

056 Riedel Communications | Bolero Mini

058 Performance-Enhancing Light for Athletes | Signify

060 Why PR Has Never Mattered More in the Age of AI |

Bubble Agency

062 Push Beyond Your Imagination | ISE 2026

064 District Intelligence: From Stand-Alone Stadium to Smart City Node | George Vaughan, The Digital Line

Cover Image: RCF

GAME-CHANGING CONNECTIVITY: WHY IP KVM LEADS ON THE FIELD

The broadcast industry is undergoing a significant transformation from Serial Digital Interface (SDI) to Internet Protocol (IP), and live sports broadcasting must keep pace with the latest technological advancements. While many fully IP-based facilities have been launched already, many executives in Head of Broadcast Engineering roles are still navigating this significant change.

The challenge? The transition to IP isn’t as simple as swapping out cables and hardware. It’s about reshaping the entire broadcasting workflow holistically. Undergoing this change enables broadcasters to be able to accommodate unprecedented scale, ultimate flexibility and future-proofed infrastructure.

The Rise (And Limits) of SDI

SDI was an innovation of the 1980s and built for simple, point-to-point video connectivity. SDI was an appealing solution thanks to its one source, one cable and one destination design which was perfect for small and relaxed broadcasting environments.

Nowadays, sports broadcasting has rapidly outpaced the criteria and benefits that SDI is able to offer to these small-scale operations. Live sporting events require a range of cameras, replay servers and graphics systems to capture the action. In many cases, this can

span from dozens to hundreds and even exceed thousands of systems. To connect an endpoint to an SDI network, a single cable per source is required. However, in a modern live sporting event, this could lead to an enormous number of cables that results in an extremely timeconsuming infrastructure.

Inefficiencies in SDI installations within sports broadcasting facilities unfortunately don’t stop there. For every increase in endpoint, there is an associated increase in bandwidth which also needs to accommodate the latest resolutions. These could range from HD or HDR, and up to full 4K requirements.

Why Broadcasters Are Moving On

SDI has been a solid backbone since the early days of small-scale sports broadcasting productions. But the rigidity and inefficiencies of the technology have now rendered the technology ‘unfit for purpose’ due to the restrictive nature in the scale, speed and agility that is required in today’s sporting venues. These limitations are the main drivers behind the move to IP solutions that deliver future-proofed connectivity, flexible setups and scalable solutions to these types of environments.

Taking the Leap to IP

One technology that has already completed this evolutionary journey is Keyboard,

Video and Mouse (KVM). Traditional KVM extenders and switches have been succeeded by high performance IP-enabled KVM solutions, leveraging network technology to deliver superior levels of performance and compatibility on game day.

Adder Technology is a global leader in the design and manufacture of connectivity solutions. For over 40 years, Adder has been at the forefront of technological innovation and in the last 15 years, established high performance IP KVM globally. Adder’s range of IP KVM solutions enable real-time control of local and remote IT systems. Adder’s IP KVM is trusted by some of the biggest sporting stadiums, post-production facilities and more recently, virtual production studios.

Adder has delivered IP KVM within thousands of broadcast facilities including control rooms and outside broadcast (OB) trucks. IP KVM technology is so well established in this sector that sports broadcasting teams no longer question ‘IP or non-IP?’ when selecting a reliable system that can meet all their needs with ease.

The network is the proven transport mechanism that delivers connectivity to every corner of sporting facilities, with IP KVM solutions that are selected and tailored to your specific requirements. The choice now is about workflow optimization, operational excellence, and the performance levels required by

operators to capture the essence of the action.

Keeping Up with the Game

The nature of live sports broadcasting sees teams of broadcast engineers, remote production operators, sound supervisors and network technicians evolve live production connectivity based on several variables. These changes can occur in response to the significance of the event and the size of the location. This is exactly where Adder brings the ‘A game’ to live sports broadcasting, enabling systems that scale with the needs of the team. Whether there is a requirement for an IP KVM matrix with the ability to scale, or traditional point-to-point connections, utilizing analog interface cables, Adder’s IP KVM is a reliable addition to have on the team.

Leveling Up the Game with IP

Adder leads on the field in enabling secure access to virtual machines, allowing broadcast teams to leverage cloud-based resources whilst maintaining the control and responsiveness required for live production. The seamless integration between enterprise IT and broadcast control systems eliminates

the need for traditional and restrictive siloes that can hinder operations. This paves the way for the creation of responsive workflows that stay ahead of the action.

The requirement for security-first operations is becoming increasingly more critical as facilities become even more connected and cyber threats rapidly evolve. Advanced security protection is incorporated into every solution, ensuring that sensitive broadcast content and systems remain protected with no compromise to optimal performance.

The agile switching capabilities of Adder’s IP KVM solutions enable operators to move dynamically between multiple sources without delay, so every live action moment is captured in real-time. Adder solutions bring finely tuned pixel-perfect video quality across all formats, including standard HD, UHD, HDR and other high frame rate content. This enables sports broadcasters to transmit every detail of the action flawlessly, every time.

Building Tomorrow’s Infrastructure Today

Upgrading from more traditional cabled broadcast setups to innovative IP installations isn’t only a substantial change, but it also

enables future technological developments to be implemented as they arise.

In recent years, the adoption of adaptable APIs, 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI), amongst many other developments, has seen significant change and flexibility for live sports broadcasting teams, and it’s only continuing to grow. The companies that are quick on the uptake to adopt these technologies, are the ones with resilient infrastructures and efficient workflows, powered by IP.

Overcoming Common Migration Challenges

Many broadcast facilities face similar hurdles when transitioning to IP-based workflows, and understanding these challenges is crucial for successful implementation. Legacy system integration often presents a complex technical puzzle, requiring solutions that can bridge traditional broadcast equipment with modern IP infrastructure while maintaining signal integrity and timing precision.

Adder solutions are backed by a team of engineers who build with users in mind. So, whether you’re capturing the largest live sporting events of the season or creating workflows that support a mix of hybrid

working styles, Adder’s IP KVM enables users to build a matrix of any size and scale which can grow in line with business needs for future-proofed connectivity.

Bandwidth management is an essential factor in IP environments, where multiple high resolution video streams compete for valuable network resources. Modern IP KVM solutions incorporate intelligent and responsive compression, supported by a team of prioritization algorithms that ensure critical control signals maintain the priority over less time-sensitive data streams.

What this means in practice is that when an operator needs to switch camera angles during a crucial play, the command is executed instantly, even when the network is simultaneously handling 4K video feeds, file transfers and data communication. Similarly, the system ensures that the director’s switching commands never get stuck in a queue behind less urgent traffic. This can help to prevent network congestion that could otherwise comprise operator responsiveness and effectivity during live productions and

broadcasting.

As with many other technological transformations, moving from traditional SDI to forward-thinking IP networks brings a requirement for new skillsets, workflows and technologies to support this considerable shift. Staff training and workflow adaptation represent equally important considerations. The shift to IP-based systems requires operators to develop new skills and adapt to different control paradigms. However, intuitive IP KVM interfaces minimize this learning curve by maintaining familiar operational concepts while adding powerful new capabilities. The result is faster adoption and reduces resistance to technological change.

Ready To Level Up?

If you’re looking to keep up with the action and adapt to new challenges as they arise, look no further than your infrastructure. Working from traditional SDI setups in a modern sports broadcasting environment can significantly hinder performance when it has not been designed to be an agile system.

Moving to IP in sports broadcasting environments enables production teams to scale beyond the restrictive, cable-limited infrastructure that SDI brings to the field. IP workflows leverage standard networks to transport and deliver high-resolution live feeds, bringing flexibility, efficiency and agility to the game. Adopting an IP-first infrastructure reduces costs and complexity in systems whilst offering the opportunity to expand operations with the requirements of the live action.

From scaling up for season-defining games, to refining everyday coverage with responsive workflows, IP KVM solutions from Adder Technology offer the resilience that is required on the field and in sports broadcasting to keep you ahead of the competition.

Speak to an expert today to explore IP KVM solutions that match your requirements.

adder.com

Bring High Performance to Your Game

Capturing winning and game-defining moments is an essential part of live sports broadcasting. Seamless production workflows enable broadcasters to ensure each moment reaches the fans with ultra-low latency.

Experience real-time access and pixel-perfect video control with the multi award-winning ADDERLink® INFINITY IP KVM range. Setting the standard for unmatched performance and superior quality. Scan me

INTERVIEW

“Our core design philosophy was centred on integration rather than separation. We approached Fulham Pier not as a stadium extension with add-ons, but as a unified waterfront destination.”

Stuart Forbes Owner Stuart Forbes Associates

STUART FORBES

How do you introduce pioneering design and state-of-the-art hospitality into one of English football’s most historic grounds? This was the challenge facing Stuart Forbes Associates with the landmark Fulham Pier project. Moving far beyond the traditional stand, their work on the Riverside Stand has delivered a multifaceted venue that is as much a premium leisure destination as it is a place to watch football. From destination restaurants and bars, to a boutique hotel and spa, the design is a game-changer for stadium utilisation. MONDO | STADIA spoke with owner, Stuart Forbes, about the groundbreaking concepts that brought this landmark London venue to life.

The brief for Fulham Pier was incredibly complex: a premier match-day destination that also had to serve as a vibrant, year-round public space. What was the core design philosophy your team adopted from day one to reconcile these two seemingly different identities?

From day one, our core design philosophy was centred on integration rather than separation. We approached Fulham Pier not as a stadium extension with addons, but as a unified waterfront destination that seamlessly blends the energy of match days with the rhythm of everyday community life. The goal was to design adaptable spaces—areas that could transform from lively fan zones during games to welcoming public spaces for leisure, dining, and social connection throughout the year. By emphasizing openness, accessibility, and flexibility in our design, we ensured that Fulham Pier would feel equally authentic as both a football landmark and a vibrant civic hub.

Fulham Pier was conceived as a new model for sport-led placemaking—a destination where football, culture, hospitality, and community coexist seamlessly. The reopening of the Thames Walk, the creation of public markets and restaurants, as well as corporate and cultural spaces and the integration of a members’ club, hotel and spa were all driven by a single ambition: to give back to London a space that belongs as much to the city as it does to the club.

At its core, the project is about legacy and connection—honouring Fulham’s heritage while setting a benchmark for what modern stadiums can offer. Fulham Pier demonstrates that sport can be a platform for civic generosity, creating a place that inspires pride, inclusion, and a sense of belonging— on match days and every day in between. It was an opportunity to create a living destination.

The transition between a frenetic, high-energy match day and a relaxed, non-match day for local residents is a significant operational and atmospheric challenge. Could you walk us through some specific architectural or interior design decisions that allow the space to adapt so effectively?

Architecturally, the building has two distinct sides: one facing the football pitch with stadium seating, and the other opening onto the River Thames with long-distance views. This created dual-purpose

interior spaces. So, we carefully zoned circulation with prominent vertical connections like the central elliptical stair and end-of-building cores, ensuring smooth movement for both large crowds and everyday visitors.

Flexibility is embedded in multi-functional spaces. Level 2 premium lounges feature sliding partitions and concealed bars, transforming from matchday hospitality hubs into venues for weddings, corporate events, or private dining. The Orange Box combines retractable seating, curtain systems, and a 10.8m LED wall enabling the space to shift from a 245-seat theatre, to a live performance space, a 480-person matchday venue and a 350-person everyday event space. Technology - including retractable screens, hidden AV systems, and building-wide IPTV – further enhance adaptability.

From a practical standpoint, how did you design the ‘bones’ of Fulham Pier - things like circulation routes, service access, and structural layouts - to support this without compromising the experience for either type of visitor?

The “bones” of Fulham Pier — circulation routes, service access, and structural layouts — are designed to support rapid transitions and diverse uses. Back-ofhouse operations, tucked under the Stadium seating, enable the floor plates to be split horizontally by a circulation spine through the length of the building, defining compact service areas, and a range of flexible floor plates and terraces, all of which enjoy obstructed riverside views.

Through zoning, adaptive technology, flexible spaces, and thoughtful structural and service planning, Fulham Pier delivers a 365-day hospitality ecosystem that works equally well for fans and the community. Interior design amplifies this sense of versatility while maintaining intimacy and luxury. Bespoke joinery, tactile materials like burled elm, rosewood, and quartzite, and curated artworks provide a human scale that feels personal, whether the room is filled with fans or quiet diners. Sightlines connect guests to both the pitch and the river, reinforcing the dual identity of Fulham Pier as both a stadium and a community destination.

Technology is seamlessly integrated to enhance flexibility: retractable screens, hidden AV systems,

and building-wide IPTV allow content to shift from highimpact matchday displays to subtle, everyday backdrops. Operationally, every element — from the Level 0 concourse merging with the Riverside Market and boardwalk to the activation zones with sweeping video walls — is planned to support rapid mode changes, efficient visitor flows, and a smooth guest journey.

Ultimately, Fulham Pier is not merely a stadium extension; it is a 365-day hospitality ecosystem where architecture, interior design, and operations converge to create a space that is both dynamic and elegant, capable of thrilling on match days while remaining a refined, welcoming destination for the community year-round.

How did you approach the design process to specifically address the needs of, for example, a corporate event booker versus a local family looking for a weekend lunch spot? What are the different design cues aimed at each?

The design of Fulham Pier deliberately caters to a wide spectrum of users. For corporate event bookers, spaces like the Orange Box Entertainment Venue offer retractable seating, professional-grade AV, and configurable layouts for conferences, live performances, or product launches. These spaces are supported by seamless circulation, service access, and discreet technology, ensuring efficiency and a premium experience. In contrast, local families are drawn to Level 0’s Riverside Market and Boardwalk, where cafés, kiosks, interactive artworks, and community events create an inviting, playful, and casual environment. Similarly, the Lighthouse Social Members’ Club and restaurants like Brasserie Constance and Water’s Edge balance sophistication with comfort, offering layered experiences that appeal across demographics.

A major goal for modern venues is to increase ‘dwell time.’

Beyond the obvious draws of food, drink, and the riverside view, what subtle design choices did you intentionally make to encourage people to linger, connect, and feel comfortable?

A key objective of the client was to create a destination which fundamentally changes the mindset of its users into believing that the ‘offer’ was no longer concentric to the one activity of football and encourages them to consider a trip as a whole day out, extending and encouraging dwell times and repeat visits.

To enable this to happen, it was essential that we developed the functional areas of the building with the following in mind:

A changing programme of activities to create a lively and vibrant community of users, which actively participate in a programme of events that engage, support and stimulate the audience and encourage repeat visits.

The experiences had to be layered, allowing visitors to move seamlessly between casual riverside walks, premium dining, wellness at the boutique spa, and cultural programming in the Orange Box.

We focused on comfort and ambience, using high-quality materials - European oak, artisanal ceramics, natural light, and curated art - to create warmth and a sense of place, encouraging guests to linger.

We used empathic design, furniture layout and lightingto maximise river views from the inside, too. Additionally, interactive and cultural features are used in the venue, such as motion-sensitive artworks, rooftop terraces, panoramic views, and family-friendly spaces. These provide points of engagement beyond dining or watching a match. Finally, we utilised advanced technology, with screens, LED walls, and AV all integrated discreetly so spaces can feel lively on event days, but relaxed and inviting on ordinary days, allowing visitors to stay longer without sensory overload.

Signify has been selected as a FIFA Preferred Provider for Floodlights, recognizing the quality, performance, and reliability of our systems

Our ArenaVision and OptiVision LED solutions transform stadiums worldwide—enhancing play, supporting VAR and goal-line technology, and creating unforgettable light shows. With remote venue-wide control, they also streamline operations and deliver major energy savings, such as the 63%* achieved at Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam.

In sum, Fulham Pier’s design fosters both efficiency and leisure, giving corporate users functional, impressive spaces while offering local families and casual visitors an environment that is welcoming, engaging, and conducive to extended stays.

Within the overall space, you’ve created several distinct zones. What was the strategy behind defining these areas? How did you use design elements to give each zone a unique identity while maintaining a cohesive feel throughout?

At Fulham Pier, the strategy for zoning focused on layering experiences while respecting the overall cohesion of the space. Each area has a distinct character that responds to its function and audience.

The Riverside Market and Boardwalk is casual, open, and animated for families and everyday visitors, with kiosks, cafés, interactive artworks, and community events. Then, there’s the Lighthouse Social Members’ Club, which is a multi-level sophistication with multiple interconnecting rooms, each individually designed: the Conservatory with its greenhouse motifs, the Library’s David Hicks-inspired elegance, the River Bar’s energetic heart and even a uniquely

designed creche for young children to play and learn. In his brief to us, Jamie Caring beautifully described the design narrative as: a home from home, but the home of your coolest, most stylish friend, that you love spending time in. A part of you wishes your home could be this cool!

In the basement, there’s the Orange Box Entertainment Venue: flexible, tech-enabled, and adaptable for sports, live events, or conferences, with retractable seating and professional-grade AV.

The restaurants, spa and boutique hotel offer hospitality experiences that balance luxury, accessibility and unique engagement with this stretch of the River Thames. Throughout the venue, technology has been used as a tool for adapability and expierence, with everything integrated subtly to enhance both adaptability and visitor engagement. There’s real flexibility for events, with retractable screens, 135 displays, 16 LED screens, and IPTV/AV integration to allow spaces like the Orange Box, lounges, and meeting rooms to switch between football, conferences, and cultural programming.

With a real focus on the visitor experience, there’s motion sensitive digiral artworks and discreet interactive

Create the ultimate fan experience.

Streamline match-day production while delivering a truly immersive experience for fans with the Unified Venue Control solution from Ross.

Our tailored end-to-end production solutions combine the power of production control room technology with LED content management systems to enable sports venues to deliver the best possible fan experience.

Explore the solution by visiting: rossvideo.com/sports-venue

installations to animate public areas without overwhelming the space. Those LED walls, screens and content management systems energise match days, but can also be hidden to preserve calm and ambience on non-event days.

Looking back on the completed project, what design element or specific solution are you most proud of, particularly in how it solved one of the core challenges of making Fulham Pier a truly multi-purpose destination?

The design element I’m most proud of is the Riverside Market and Boardwalk at Level 0 — the heart of Fulham Pier and the embodiment of the project’s ambition to create a space that is both civic and club. Its layout transforms what might have been a simple circulation route into a layered public environment that thrives on flexibility, atmosphere, and connection.

The concourse straddles the historic river wall and extends over the Thames, creating a sweeping, open boardwalk that restores a continuous riverside walk between Putney and Hammersmith Bridges for the first time in more than a century. This linear form naturally draws people along the water’s edge, while the alternating rhythm of internal “street” and external terrace establishes zones for movement, gathering, and pause. On match days, wide bays open fully to the pier, allowing nearly 5,000 fans to circulate seamlessly while still enjoying open views of the river. On non-match days, those same areas transform into a lively

civic promenade animated by cafés, kiosks, and community events.

The food-led design reinforces this duality. Rather than traditional concession stands, a central “internal street” lined with kiosks, market stalls, and a large dual-aspect bar creates a marketplace atmosphere — bustling, social, and rooted in the sensory experience of good food. The quality and diversity of offerings rival London’s best street markets, inviting visitors to arrive early or linger long after the final whistle.

At the centre of the space, a curved 10.8-metre video wall framed by a ribbed timber staircase anchors the concourse visually and experientially. It acts as a beacon and gathering point — pulsing with live content, artwork, and community programming that bring the space to life year-round.

The combination of natural materials, layered light, and interactive technology ensures that the environment feels warm, contemporary, and distinctly Fulham.

Ultimately, the Riverside Market and Boardwalk resolve one of the project’s core challenges — to make a football concourse a true destination in its own right. Its design invites both fans and Londoners to experience the same riverside stage, blending heritage and innovation in a space that feels equally at home hosting football crowds, weekend markets, or evening events. It’s this seamless transition — from stadium to city, from match day to every day — that makes it such a defining achievement.

OUR NEW STARTING LINEUP.

A team is only as good as its players. That’s why Hussey, a 190-year-old, family-run legend in the bleacher biz has added Camatic, the company who seats places like SoFi Stadium and Wimbledon. It’s a Dream Team lineup built to dominate the sports and entertainment world one seat at a time. With this move, Hussey’s goin’ full stadium mode, bringing rail-mounted exterior beam seating, the gold standard for modern venues, into its playbook, leveling up their chair game across arenas, auditoriums, campuses, even churches. It’s the perfect blend of Camatic’s top-tier designs with Hussey’s manufacturing muscle creating a 1+1=3 kind of synergy, like mixing peanut butter and chocolate... but for your seats. It’s engineering elevated by design, and we’re literally changing the game, or at least how we sit and watch it. Hussey Seating. Engineering elevated by design.

QUANTUM SERIES

FORTE SERIES

CLARITY SPORT SERIES

THE FULL PITCH

022 MHP Arena | Stuttgart, Germany

MHP ARENA

Stuttgart, Germany

Images: RCF Germany GmbH

n the modern era, a stadium must be a multifunctional - one weekend, it’s the cauldron of Bundesliga football for VfB Stuttgart; the next, it’s a concert hall for up to more than 60,000 fans of Ed Sheeran or P!nk. The MHP Arena in Stuttgart embodies this multi-purpose reality. Tasked with delivering an immaculate experience for everything from the UEFA EURO 2024 finals to the European League of Football Championship, the venue’s management knew that a onesize-fits-all audio solution was no longer an option. This meant that a strategic, multi-faceted audio installation was needed to transform the MHP Arena into a venue capable of meeting the highest acoustic expectations of any event. With the eyes of the world on the MHP Arena for UEFA EURO 2024, the life-safety systems had to be infallible. At the heart of the stadium’s new safety protocol is the EN54-16 certified AtlasIED 5400, a Voice Alarm Control and Indication Equipment (VACIE) system that serves as an intelligent

guardian for the venue. Its primary role is emergency management, where it can deploy clear, pre-recorded instructions to facilitate rapid and orderly evacuations. However, its intelligence extends to more nuanced situations and non-emergency functions, allowing operators to route live and recorded announcements to specific zones and groups with pinpoint accuracy.

This robust functionality is assured by a continuous self-monitoring feature, ensuring the system is always operational. The entire platform is a controller-driven, fully digital ecosystem built on Audinate’s Dante protocol, which provides uncompressed, low-latency audio transmission over a flexible IP network. This use of standard 100Mb, 1GB, or 10GB Ethernet infrastructure not only allows for a direct, simple connection to the stadium’s ProAudio network, but also enables a true plug-and-play configuration with automatic device detection for seamless setup and management.

The core of the VACIE system is a digital IED5400ACS Announcement Controller with built-in message server capability. “The unit contains all of the intelligence to manage and control an entire system of AtlasIED 5400 digital emergency communication stations, digital zone manager units, amplifier units, and other network peripherals, including audio switching according to priorities”, explains René Manke, Project Engineer from AtlasIED´s German distributor, MediasPro, who supplied the pre-assembled and configured AtlasIED 5400 system and provided support during commissioning and approval of the VACIE system.

The IED5400ACS manages the system in compliance with the EN54-16 standard, performing overall supervision and reporting of equipment faults plus any ongoing alarm conditions.

In addition, a further IED5400ACS is used as a Lifeline Controller to ensure long-term reliability and maximum operational safety. This backup controller actively monitors the system, too. The system is designed to be fully redundant, meaning that it can continue to operate without

interruption even if one controller fails.

“The configuration of the main 5400ACS Controller is mirrored in the backup Lifeline controller”, adds Manke.

“If the main IED5400 ACS fails, the system automatically switches to the backup controller and ensures continuous operation.”

In the MHP Arena, several hundred speaker lines in the ancillary and outdoor areas are assigned from the main IED 5400ACS Controller. To process and manage the signals of these zones, IED5432DZM and IED5404DZM Digital Zone Managers are being used. They are responsible for up to 32 resp. 4 paging zones each.

Each DZM Zone Manager can control and manage up to four amplifier channels. In the MHP 4x 300 watts IED5434AMP power amplifiers are being used. The DZMs are responsible for EN54-16 compliant line monitoring and pilot tone monitoring of the connected amplifiers with error reporting to the 5400ACS Controller. DSP processing of the amplifier channels is also integrated in the DZMs. It includes 7-Band parametric EQ filters, low-pass and high-pass filters, and

delay, adjustable per channel.

To achieve additional reliability, backup amplifiers have been installed, that are also continuously monitored.

Several fully programmable 5450CS Touch Screen Communications Stations are avialable for security personnel and stadium announcers. They can be used for individual live announcements into a wide variety of zones. Furthermore they can be used for evacuation alarms. In addition a fire brigade paging station IED5416CS has been installed. In case of an emergency, announcements and alerts from this station will have first priority.

The reach of the AtlasIED 5400 system extends across the entire MHP Arena complex, with its dedicated amplifiers and loudspeakers providing comprehensive coverage for all ancillary and outdoor areas. To maintain pristine audio integrity across the venue, the system architecture cleverly separates the critical life-safety network from the eventday ProAudio network. This is achieved using a Dante audio bridge, which acts as a digital gatekeeper, physically isolating the two Dante networks to eliminate any risk of feedback or interference. This bridge allows only specific, pre-defined audio channels to pass between the systems, ensuring show audio and safety announcements never clash. In an emergency, however, there is no debate: the system is programmed to give VACIE alerts absolute priority, automatically muting all other audio signals to guarantee

life-safety instructions are delivered with unwavering clarity. The physical installation was a strategic, large-scale project targeting both existing and new structures. In the stadium bowl, three legacy VACIE systems in the Cannstatt Curve, the Untertürkheim Curve, and the opposite grandstand were decommissioned and replaced. Each of these three key areas is now powered by its own dedicated AtlasIED 5400 system, providing 6,000 watts of amplifier output distributed across a sufficient number of continuously monitored loudspeaker lines. The project’s centerpiece, however, was outfitting the newly constructed main grandstand. This flagship structure was equipped with a significantly more powerful system, boasting 12,000 watts of amplification to drive approximately 150 monitored loudspeaker lines, ensuring flawless coverage for the arena’s premier seating area.

The selection of this technology for a high-profile venue like the MHP Arena is underscored by its proven track record in the world’s most demanding environments. The AtlasIED 5400 is trusted in critical infrastructure where failure is not an option—including airports, industrial sites, and even nuclear power plants—as well as in public assembly spaces like congress centres, theatres, universities, and other major international sports stadiums.

RCF

When 60,000 fans are on their feet, the roar inside the MHP Arena is immense. Delivering audio that not only cuts through that energy but enhances it is the ultimate challenge. To achieve this, the arena entrusted its in-bowl experience to RCF, deploying a new, cutting-edge sound system designed for maximum impact and intelligibility. This powerful installation provides coverage for all 60,000 seats, standing places, and surrounding public areas, ensuring every spectator is immersed in unparalleled sound quality, from the pre-game music to the final whistle. Meeting UEFA and FIFA standards, the system has received high praise since its debut in August 2023. Over 11 tons of equipment, featuring more than 400 speaker modules that deliver over 1 megawatt of continuous power. The audio

system also functions as a voice alarm system to bolster safety protocols.

Stuttgart is renowned as the first regional stadium to host 1,000 Bundesliga matches. Established in the 1930s, it has been a cornerstone for Bundesliga sporting events since 1963. The renovation project, which includes a new media infrastructure, signifies a leap towards enhancing Stuttgart’s position on the global stage for all sorts of events. After rigorous demonstrations and assessments, RCF was chosen for its superior performance.

Ebert Ingenieure’s Managing Director, Matthias Zorn, led the project, while Richard Merget of RM Audio Engineering ensured adherence to all specifications. AVEO GmbH, a leading firm in media technology, managed the installation,

WORLD-CLASS SPORTS LIGHTING FROM PARTNERS YOU CAN RELY ON

Musco’s sports lighting systems continue to be the solution of choice at major stadiums and arenas around the world, including Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They partnered with Musco to add superior light control technology, system reliability, and special effects capabilities to create unforgettable experiences for players and fans alike.

Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

working closely with Marcus Bretschneider, Senior Manager Arena Operations and, in this role, Operator at the VfB Stuttgart Arena Betriebs GmbH.

“The roof structure of the MHPArena is based on ringshaped and radial steel cables. Both the attachment and the dimensioning of the loudspeaker systems and their mounts were therefore subject to considerable restrictions. The use of standard rigging components was not possible.” comments Wolfgang Huber from AVEO, as he describes a few of the challenges during the early stages. “Despite this, the installation was worth the effort, we developed special components for rigging and our collaboration with the RCF ESG team made the integration much easier. The focus was on optimizing the weight of the overall system.”

Georg Hofmann of RCF Germany’s Engineering Support Group offered his expertise in planning and implementing logistical and technological requirements. Hofmann noted the need for a system capable of handling extreme sound

levels while ensuring clear speech intelligibility throughout the stadium. “The dual use of the system as a voice alarm plays a crucial role, as it aids in the efficient evacuation of the stadium during emergencies without the need to install a secondary audio system,” Hofmann explained, highlighting the importance of tailored solutions.

The installation includes [187] HL 40WP line array modules, [36] HL 38-S subwoofers, [16] HL2290/HL2260 horn speakers, [73] P 4228W speaker modules, and [32] Compact C45. Powered by [66] RCF’s XPS 16KD amplifiers connected on a Dante™ network, the system boasts 264 channels, each with 4,000 Watts of continuous power. Specifically designed Q-Sys plug-ins allow sound system control and monitoring for seamless media management. Since being operational, the new RCF system has garnered positive feedback for its exceptional coverage and sound quality.

Energy saving

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A25 Series

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Power box modular design enables reuse of the cabinet frames 10 second module

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Install or dismantle Centerhung Display

& Vomitory

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NBA-Golden 1 Centerin Sacramento, USA

Entrance & Vomitory

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FIFA World Cup 2018，Russia

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FIFA World Cup 2018，Russia

play Belarus National Football Stadium, Belarus

Message Display

Belarus National Football Stadium, Belarus

MYKONOS, GREECE | 12-15 MAY 2026

THE ORIGINAL TURF PROTECTION FOR STADIUMS

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VENUE FOCUS

HILL DICKINSON STADIUM

Liverpool, England

Images: Everton, Tony McArdle, Populous

The birth of a new stadium is always a monumental occasion for a football club, but when that new beginning means leaving behind a home as iconic and steeped in history as Goodison Park, the challenge becomes twofold. It’s not just about building a state-of-the-art venue; it’s about transplanting the soul of the club into a new brick-and-steel structure and, most importantly, making it feel like home from the very first match. This was the task facing Everton with their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, and to achieve it, they enlisted the expertise of Populous’ EMEA Brand Activation team to craft a visual narrative that would resonate with every Evertonian.

Everton’s new 52,769-seater home on the banks of the River Mersey is set to become a new destination for Liverpool, hosting not only Premier League football from the 2025/26 season, but also a variety of major events and concerts. To

ensure the stadium felt unmistakably Everton, the club’s marketing team worked in close collaboration with Populous to develop a distinctive visual language throughout the entire venue.

“Our connection with Everton goes back years - and Goodison Park made a profound impact on me. That image of English football being so embedded in the community - fans literally stepping out of their front doors and walking into the stadium - was incredibly unique. It’s an atmosphere built up through layers upon layers of history, and it’s very difficult to replicate,” said Simon Borg, Principal, EMEA Brand Activation Lead at Populous.

“So, when Everton asked us to help bring their brand to life at Bramley-Moore Dock, that was the core challenge we discussed as a team. How do you transfer the history, tradition, and authenticity of Goodison to a new home?”

The foundation of this project was an intensive heritage study

undertaken by the Populous team. This deep dive into the club’s history, the local area’s heritage, player stories, and feedback from fan surveys led to the creation of a unified design strategy, conceptualised as ‘The New Authentic’.

This narrative is woven into every aspect of the stadium, with bespoke branding prominent throughout the exterior, interior, and movement spaces, from the players’ areas to the general admission concourses and premium hospitality lounges.

“We concluded that we needed to tread carefully. The key question became: can you truly design authenticity from day one, or do you create the building blocks - the ‘green shoots’ - and allow the fans and the stadium to develop their own authentic identity over time? We were clear that our role was the latter. We wanted to avoid simply creating a ‘history book on a wall,’” added Simon.

The design strategy is built on several key elements,

including fan engagement, with fan stories, quotes, songs, and memories of both the club and the city featured throughout. The club’s DNA is also at the forefront, with Everton legends, iconic moments, and club chants and phrases celebrated.

Ciara Olive, Senior Designer at Populous, explained further:

“Our process began by defining what ‘authenticity’ means for Everton specifically. The word is used so often, but we wanted to anchor it in something tangible. We knew from our research that Everton is nothing without its fans, so the goal became creating an authentic, sensory experience that would resonate with generations of supporters. The biggest challenge was bottling the legacy of Goodison and carrying it to a new site, knowing that the fans are the ones who will ultimately determine if the stadium feels like home.

“To achieve this, we designed the fan experience as a journey of discovery, not a space where you see everything at once.

We wanted to create distinct moods and stories in each of the four stands.”

Reflecting Everton’s history, the dock heritage of Liverpool, and the stadium’s unique riverside location, each of the four stands has been given its own unique personality:

- North Stand: The Industrial Neighbour, focusing on the craft before the voyage, with imagery of ship preparation, sails, rope, shipping containers, and a nod to the city’s famous Tall Ships Race.

- East Stand: The Goodison Essence, blending the materiality and feel of the club’s former home with the urban diversity of the city.

- South Stand: A focus on fan quotes and generational heritage, connecting the stories of Evertonian families and their journeys with the club to the new stadium’s location.

- West Stand: The Pulse of the Mersey, a celebration of bringing the Blues back to the river in their iconic Royal Blue jersey, representing the choir of the fans.

This brand strategy is intricately interwoven with the stadium’s architecture and operations. The zoning of each stand’s personality provides a unique voice to each space,

while maintaining a cohesive brand narrative across the stadium. Consistency in colour and typography acts as a common thread, and the inclusion of fan stories throughout the concourses creates a sense of discovery for supporters.

The use of textured materials such as brick, steel, and concrete ties the interiors to the site’s maritime heritage and the individual stand personalities, while lighting and surface flexibility ensure the branding is adaptable for year-round operations.

Steph Hughes, Director of Marketing at Everton, added: “This is about more than just football; we’ve included graphics that call out key cultural locations like Mathew Street to add another level of depth. We want visitors to engage not only with the club, but with what Liverpool is all about.

“A core theme was connecting the site’s past with its present. We have imagery that directly reflects the dockworkers, and we tried to find the links between their world and the fans’ world. For example, there’s a quote, ‘meet you down at Scottie Road,’ which is something Evertonians have said for years, but it was also a phrase the dockers would have used. It’s a beautiful, authentic connection between two

communities in the same place.”

The focus on ensuring Everton fans are part of the stadium is an ongoing commitment. As Steph discussed, it’s the start of a broader initiative to create a living legacy within the stadium: “The words from the fans mean so much, so we plan to encapsulate that sentiment and install more examples of it permanently across the stadium. To build on this, we will be launching a project to invite local collaboratorswhether they be sculptors, photographers, poets, or artiststo become part of the fabric of the stadium.

“This speaks directly to our core brand narrative of authenticity. We’re not looking for big names, but for people who have a genuine connection to the city and represent the diverse individuals we’ll see here, both on matchdays and year-round. It’s all part of our wider strategy to touch on elements of culture that are important to the city, from music to people. By including imagery that resonates with different

demographics, we ensure the stadium reflects the entire community.”

A key consideration for the project was also the 365-day experience at Hill Dickinson Stadium, which Steph explained further: “We wanted the graphics and stories to resonate with everyone who visits, not just Evertonians on a matchday, but also tourists and city residents. Everyone should be able to find meaning here. This works in connection with the openplan concourses, which create an evolving narrative as you move through the space.

“We have a responsibility to educate people about the club’s legacy, and the stadium itself is a powerful tool to bring that to life. This is the crucial point: it’s not just a matter of placing history on a wall. Every story is woven into the context of this specific place.”

A further testament to the depth of this branding project is the creation of ‘The Arch’, a private, invitation-only space

within the stadium’s premium offerings. The Populous Brand Activation team worked with the club to create a clear visual identity for this exclusive lounge that respected Everton’s heritage and its former home. The result is a space inspired by the iconic criss-cross steel hallmark of the Bullens Road, Gwladys Street, and the former Main Stands at Goodison Park, all designed by the celebrated stadium architect, Archibald Leitch.

“Our number one priority was the emotional connection. We had to nurture the deep bond fans have with their historic home, while also being sensitive to the fact that this move would be difficult for some. Our approach was to gently ease them into the new venue, acknowledging the mixed feelings and, ultimately, making it feel like home,” Ciara furthered.

“To achieve this, we wove in fan stories, historical touchpoints, and hidden nuggets of information throughout the design. The idea is that you won’t discover everything on your first visit. These details, many of which will be highlighted on stadium tours, are there to create a longterm, evolving emotional connection between the fans and their new ground.”

Steph elaborated on the club’s vision: “From the very

beginning, our ambition has been to ensure Hill Dickinson Stadium feels unmistakably Everton. Working with Populous, we’ve been able to capture the spirit of our history, our fans, and our city in a way that is both authentic and modern. Every space – from the concourses to the players’ tunnel – has been designed to tell our story, creating a home that supporters will instantly recognise as their own.”

From the echoes of Goodison to the vibrant pulse of the Mersey, Hill Dickinson Stadium stands poised to become far more than just a place to play football - it’s a dynamic cultural hub that not only champions its past and present, but actively invites its future to unfold.

VORTIS 2

EN 54- COMPLIANT HIGH PERFORMANCE

With the new SI SERIES HK Audio has unveiled a family of speakers tailored to meet the needs of today’s installation market.

VORTIS 2 is particularly suitable for applications where high-quality music and voice transmission is required in addition to standard-compliant (voice) alerting. All models are certified to EN 54-24:2008 for this purpose.

Certified for voice alarm (EN 54-24:2008)

Certified protection class IP 55 (EN 60529) optional

Certified for outdoor use

Certified temperature range (-25° C - 70° C)

High transmission quality for music and voice

Visual customisation with over 30 colours

Certified ball impact proof (DIN 18032-3)

2, VORTIS, SI SERIES and LSUB

Merck Stadion am Böllenfalltor Darmstadt

VORTIS

HK AUDIO | GERMANY ROUND-UP

Germany

Images: HK Audio, MONDO | STADIA

The football season in Germany has now kicked off across all three of the country’s professional leagues. Once again, HK Audio sound systems will be in use by teams playing in every division this season, with clubs across the Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga and 3. Liga relying on the brand for parts of their stadium sound system.

In the Bundesliga, Germany’s top league, Millerntor Stadion in Hamburg, home of FC St. Pauli, benefits from HK Audio loudspeakers to ensure clear sound and an enhanced matchday experience for the tens of thousands of fans who pack the ground every week. The 2. Bundesliga, the country’s second division, will see several sides field the superior performance of HK Audio stadium systems. SV Elversberg is one of the modern success stories of German football, rising from the Regionalliga Südwest to the 2. Bundesliga over the last four years, narrowly missing out on promotion to the Bundesliga last season. Their Ursapharm Arena relies on VORTIS 2 and INSTALLATION LINE loudspeakers to cover the 10,000-capacity venue and has been upgraded many times to keep up with the team’s progression on the pitch.

Böllenfalltor Stadion, home of SV Darmstadt 98, relies on an EN 54-24 certified VORTIS 2 system to provide clear announcements as part of the critical voice alarm system as well as VORTIS 2 and SI SERIES. Hertha BSC’s Olympiastadion in Berlin also benefits from HK Audio’s powerful and flexible VORTIS 2 loudspeakers, which provide life-safety announcements across the outdoor areas of this historic venue. In addition, at Vonovia Ruhrstadion, home of VfL Bochum, HK Audio systems support clear announcements and reinforcement across the venue.

Following its relegation at the end of last season, SV Wehen Wiesbaden’s Brita Arena will be one of three 3. Liga stadiums equipped with HK Audio systems. The venue is currently undergoing expansion with a new north stand, which will significantly increase capacity once complete. For now, HK Audio systems cover one of the four stands. Another 3. Liga side to rely on HK Audio is FC Ingolstadt 04, which benefits from VORTIS and CADIS systems at the 15,200-capacity Audi Sportpark. VORTIS 2 is also the choice for FC Saarbrücken at Ludwigspark Stadion, again selected due to its life-safety capabilities. With life safety

and musical performance seen as the main priorities, the EN 54-24 certified VORTIS 2 system provides the ultimate PA/VA solution, ensuring premium sound quality to every seat. Of course, it is not just the professional leagues that are benefitting from HK Audio sound systems. Several historic multi-use stadiums across the country are also taking advantage of HK Audio’s pristine sound quality. The historic Grotenburg Stadion in Krefeld once hosted international football, but after a fan-led rebuild is now home to KFC Uerdingen in the Oberliga Niederrhein and the Krefeld Ravens American Football team. A recent installation here has seen high-quality HK Audio VORTIS 2 loudspeakers added to help bring the stadium back to its former glory.

“Football is our national sport, so we take great pride in playing an important role for so many clubs in every professional division,” says Christian Jordan, CSO & CMO at HK Audio. “Every week, millions of people fill stadiums to support their teams, and we are there alongside them with our sound systems helping to build the atmosphere, enhance the matchday experience and, most importantly, keep them safe.”

“The days when a stadium was only in use for matches once or twice a week have long gone,” notes Fabian Reimann, Senior Application Engineer and Product Manager Installation at HK Audio. “Modern stadium systems must meet strict acoustic requirements, including SPL and STI values, to guarantee intelligibility. But beyond that, they need to be versatile enough to match the multi-use nature of today’s facilities.

“Our systems deliver the clarity and power required for safety announcements, and the musicality needed for concerts and other live events,” he continues. “We back this up by supporting planners and installers with detailed simulations, consulting and on-site commissioning. Our Application Engineering team is available for last-minute acceptance measurements to ensure every system performs exactly as intended. It’s about giving our customers confidence that their stadium is ready for anything.”

With HK Audio sound systems being the choice for one in seven football teams in Germany’s professional leagues, supporters across the country will hear the difference premium sound quality makes to the matchday experience this season.

ISE 2026

Fira de Barcelona I Gran Via I 3 - 6 February 2026

The world-renowned annual tech show is back. At our last edition, 20,495 leading Venues & Live Events affiliated professionals joined us for a taste of state-of-the-art industry tech. This year, that number’s set to grow as we Push Beyond.

So don’t miss seeing, hearing and feeling it first. Test what’s next – and what’s possible – in the world of Venues & Live Events.

GET YOUR FREE TICKET

A joint venture partnership of

EXTRA TIME

IN DETAIL

054 Renkus-Heinz | IC Live X Series

056 Riedel Communications | Bolero Mini COLUMN

058 Performance-Enhancing Light for Athletes | Signify

060 Why PR Has Never Mattered More in the Age of AI | Bubble Agency

062 Push Beyond Your Imagination | ISE 2026

064 District Intelligence: From Stand-Alone Stadium to Smart City Node | George Vaughan, The Digital Line

RENKUS-HEINZ | IC LIVE X SERIES

Redefining & Future-Proofing Stadium Sound with Precision Coverage

Stadiums are no longer single-purpose venues. A modern arena might host a football match one night, a rock concert the next, and a global conference just days later. With such a large range of events happening under one roof, it’s important that the sound system can be equally as flexible, delivering precise sound and an exceptional experience for every attendee.

Legacy systems built purely for sports often struggle to keep up with the need to transform overnight. The result is overcompensated systems – too many components, high costs, and inconsistent experiences for fans. For integrators and contractors, adaptability is equally as important as sound performance. A stadium sound system must be able to scale and change without costly redesigns. This is where modular, digitally steerable systems like the Renkus-Heinz IC Live X Series come in. Designed from the ground up to be the most scalable sound system ever created, IC Live X brings a new level of flexibility for integrators and contractors to provide the best solution for any stadium.

Rethinking Stadium Audio with Steerable Sound

The IC Live X Series is a culmination of over two decades’ experience in steerable line arrays: a complete system consisting of three freely combinable, steerable array models—the ICLX, ICLXL, and ICLLX—plus two matching subwoofers, the 18-inch ICLX-118S and the all-new ICLX-48S column subwoofer. With digitally steerable beams, integrators can direct sound exactly where it’s needed, reducing guesswork

and eliminating overcompensation with extra hardware. Fewer components mean faster installations, lower costs, and simpler long-term upkeep.

Each ICLX module uses a proprietary Acoustic Source Multiplier waveguide, placing high-frequency compression drivers coaxially in front of 8-inch woofers to deliver excellent clarity and tightly controlled dispersion – even at long distances. Arrays can scale up to 12 modules in a single vertical column, offering performance comparable to traditional mid-size line arrays, but with much more precise control and less visual impact.

The ICLXL and ICLLX modules also extend steerability into lower frequencies, allowing integrators to target bass coverage just as precisely as mids and highs –particularly valuable for installed systems in stadiums where off-axis containment matters.

What truly sets IC Live X apart is its hybrid design — a cross between point-source, line array, and beam-steering technologies. This flexibility makes it the ideal “one-size-fits-all” solution for challenging large venues. RHAON II beam-steering and control via Ethernet are standard, ensuring that setup, configuration and commissioning is fast, efficient, and painless.

Sustainability Meets Sound Design

Designing audio for a large, complex space is a huge challenge. Variables like sightlines, acoustics, and multipurpose layouts make traditional system design a balancing act.

The IC Live X Series reduces this guesswork. Its steerable beams provide predictable, model-driven coverage, ensuring that what’s promised in the design phase is delivered in the installation. For integrators, this translates to greater confidence, smoother project execution, and better outcomes for clients.

In today’s world, it is also imperative that stadiums and venues are built to be as sustainable as possible, and audio can be a big part of the sustainability equation.

The IC Live X Series is engineered with efficiency in mind, featuring energyefficient multi-channel Class D amplifiers and intelligent DSP control for optimized performance. Additionally, beam-steered loudspeakers are based around higher impedance loads with greater voltage swing, so they pull less current for the same power output. Because of this greater electrical efficiency, they often generate significantly less heat, greatly reducing electricity and HVAC demands. Additionally, beam-steered sound systems often require significantly fewer loudspeakers, leading to even greater energy reduction.

By choosing the IC Live X, venues can future-proof against ever-stricter sustainability requirements while delivering world-class performance.

Sound That Builds Loyalty

Sound directly shapes how audiences engage with an event. By putting sound only where it belongs – on the audience – the IC Live X ensures that every attendee has the same premium experience, whether they’re in the front row or the upper stands. This consistency elevates perceived ticket value, strengthens loyalty, and drives repeat attendance. A better audio experience translates directly into better fan engagement.

Another major benefit to using steerable sound in stadiums and any outdoor venues is the ability to ensure sound is directed towards the audience and away from nearby neighborhoods. Unlike traditional loudspeakers which disperse the audio more broadly, the IC Live X employs digital beam-steering for custom-tailored precision, ensuring even, intelligible coverage across all seating areas. In a stadium environment, uncontrolled loudspeaker output can spill onto the playing field, creating distractions for athletes, or project into nearby neighborhoods, leading to complaints and regulatory issues. Steerable sound allows stadiums to contain audio within the audience areas, minimizing noise pollution and improving the overall experience for both fans and performers. The IC Live X not only enhances clarity and consistency but also helps venues comply with noise ordinances, maintaining better community relations.

Real-World Example: Immersing Fans Outside Scotiabank Arena

The IC Live X’s steerable sound technology has already proven its worth in many real-world stadiums, including Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The arena boasts a

public viewing area where up to 5,000 fans can gather outdoors to watch games on a giant LED screen. It was imperative that sound could be projected over 200 feet, whilst respecting nearby offices and residential properties. The system also needed to be narrow enough to fit around the screen and withstand Toronto’s unpredictable weather. This balance was only possible with digitally steerable arrays. 10 IC Live X loudspeakers were installed, using beam-steering technology and RHAON software to digitally direct sound towards the crowd. The result ensures fans receive consistent, clear audio – whether 30 feet or 300 feet from the screen – whilst still meeting strict sound-containment requirements. Whatever the weather, fans outside the arena can feel immersed in the action.

New ICLX-48S Subwoofer: Low Frequencies, High Impact

Renkus-Heinz recently announced the expansion of the IC Live X Series with the ICLX-48S, an all-new column subwoofer — a powerful, discreet solution for lowfrequency support hidden in plain sight.

The ICLX-48S is designed to perfectly match the form factor of existing IC Live X modules, allowing integrators to fly or wall-mount the sub alongside ICLX arrays in a single, cohesive column using standard hardware. This streamlined setup allows system designers and audio professionals the freedom to tailor steerable solutions to each stadium’s size, layout, and use case. With its slim column form factor, the ICLX-48S delivers uncompromised aesthetics and consistent performance in even the most challenging acoustic environments or tight spaces where other subwoofers may not fit.

Equipped with Renkus-Heinz’s state-of-the-art transducers and a proprietary amplifier, the ICLX-48S features four 8-inch woofers and 2000 watts of power for impressive low-frequency extension and musicality — meaning crowd experiences feel more immersive, without sacrificing speech clarity or consistent coverage.

The slim vertical cabinet has been designed to optimize interior volume with purpose-engineered ports to reduce turbulence, enabling high-output sub-bass performance in a very compact package. The ICLX-48S will be available Fall 2025.

Designing the Future of Live Experiences

As venues continue to reinvent themselves, audio must do the same. The future belongs to systems that are flexible, sustainable and designed for the evolving expectations of audiences.

The IC Live X Series provides a future-ready platform to meet the needs of stadium designs of today and tomorrow. Renkus-Heinz’s forward-thinking solutions prove that exceptional audio is not about being louder–it’s about being more precise, more adaptable and built to last.

RIEDEL COMMUNICATIONS

Riedel Communications has unveiled Bolero Mini, the company’s lightest and flattest wireless intercom beltpack to date. Designed to deliver maximum mobility with minimal footprint, Bolero Mini combines Bolero’s unmatched wireless performance and audio clarity with a discreet form factor that weighs less than a smartphone — making it ideal for stage talent, rigging crews, and anyone who values freedom of movement without compromise.

“With Bolero Mini, we’re answering a growing demand from production professionals who need a beltpack that’s lighter, thinner, and easier to wear — without sacrificing capability,” said Wolfgang Fritz, Senior Product Manager, Riedel Communications. “Leveraging the heritage and innovation of Bolero, it is powered by our exclusive ADR technology ensuring reliability in challenging RF environments and optimal performance in high-pressure, visibility-sensitive settings like theaters, live music venues, and broadcast facilities. In addition, it incorporates advanced 5G filter technology for greater resilience in today’s crowded spectrum, mitigating interference from high output 5G cell towers.”

At just 165 grams and 28 millimeters thin, Bolero Mini is a marvel of intercom miniaturization. Whether clipped to a costume, worn under a jacket, or strapped to a harness, its low-profile silhouette and blackgrey housing help it stay out of sight and out of the way.

Despite its compact size, Bolero Mini delivers the full Bolero experience and can be deployed in all three network modes for maximum versatility. In Bolero Integrated mode, it operates seamlessly within Artist intercom environments, unlocking the flexible routing, intelligent

redundancy, and extensive I/O connectivity that power some of the world’s largest productions. This mode supports networks with up to 250 beltpacks, accommodating up to 10 beltpacks per antenna through intelligent bandwidth management. Bolero Standalone Link offers plug-and-play simplicity, ideal for smaller productions, temporary projects, or when Bolero needs to connect to other systems without an Artist matrix. For standards-based IP workflows, Bolero Standalone 2110 (AES67) allows users to build an SMPTE ST 2110/ AES67 network with no Artist required. Connecting to standard Bolero IP-networked antennas, Bolero Mini integrates effortlessly into any Bolero wireless system and is available in both 1.9 GHz DECT and 2.4GHz versions.

This streamlined Bolero features four programmable buttons, dedicated volume controls, and a small push-pull connector. It also includes Bluetooth for headset or smartphone connectivity, as well as intuitive Touch&Go NFC registration.

“In many ways, Bolero Mini has been shaped by real-world feedback,” said Jake Dodson, Executive Director Product Management, Riedel Communications. “Based on the trusted architecture of the Bolero S, our specialized Managed Technology solution used globally by referees in professional sports, Bolero Mini brings that compact power to a broader range of live production environments.”

riedel.net

Bolero Mini

REPLAY FOR EVERYBODY, EVERYWHERE.

RiMotion is an easy-to-install replay solution that can be implemented almost instantly in broadcast environments of any scale. It streamlines traditional and modern workﬂows and provides real-time performance, even when working remotely.

• Intuitive touchscreen UI

PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING LIGHT FOR ATHLETES

How exposure to the right light at the right time can give Formula 1 drivers a competitive advantage

Megan Tepo, Marketing and Product Manager, Signify

Even if you’ve never flown on a jet before you’ve probably experienced some of the symptoms of jet lag: trouble falling asleep or waking up at the right time, general fatigue, lack of concentration, unpredictable spikes in hunger, and quite often irritability.

None of these are caused directly by flying. Instead, they’re the result of your body clock falling out of sync with the environment, which very often happens when you change time zones. Fortunately, jet lag usually goes away after a few days, as your internal body clock readjusts to the new time zone.

Unfortunately, professional athletes don’t usually have the luxury of being able to wait a few days for their jet lag to wear off. If not addressed effectively, unsynchronized sleep/wake cycles (caused by jet lag or otherwise) can put athletes at a serious competitive disadvantage. This is as true for Formula 1 drivers as it is for athletes in any sport.

The challenges faced by Formula 1 drivers

Since entering into partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team in 2024, Signify has learned a great deal about the intensity of the Formula 1 racing schedule and the unique challenges that drivers face to achieve and maintain peak performance.

Every year from March to December, drivers compete in 24 races across five different continents. With all the shifting time zones, long international flights, and races taking place at night, as well as during the day, jet lag is bound to occur.

But in a sport where racers can hit speeds of 378 km/h (234.9 mph), milliseconds can mean the difference between winning and losing—so feeling sleepy at the wheel isn’t an option. Drivers and teams are therefore always on the lookout for ways to sharpen their focus and reflexes to gain an extra 1% or 2% in performance. Through the partnership with Signify, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is experiencing firsthand how exposure to the right light at the right time can minimize the effects of jet lag and help drivers maintain their sleep/wake cycles effectively, no matter where in the world they find themselves.

“I’ve learned to recognize that seeking light at certain times of the day and avoiding light before bedtime always helps me sleep better,” affirms Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Driver, George Russell. “Having cool bright light during working hours around the engineering office and in my driver room before races keeps me awake, sharp, and ready to perform.”

The role of the human circadian rhythm

George Russell’s words highlight the intimate relationship between light exposure,

sleep quality, and performance, all of which are related to the human circadian rhythm.

The circadian rhythm is the result of millions of years of evolution, over which time human beings have adapted to live in sync with the planet’s 24-hour day-to-night cycle. Before the very recent era of artificial light, humans used the hours of natural daylight to perform all their necessary tasks before sleeping through the darkness.

A structure in the brain known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), located in the hypothalamus (just behind the eyes), plays a key role in keeping bodily processes, cells, and organs in sync with this natural day-and-night cycle.

The SCN is largely responsible for keeping the circadian rhythm in sync with the planet’s 24-hour cycle, but it depends on receiving the right signals at the right time. These signals are received when a certain type of light enters the eyes.

For healthy circadian rhythms and sleeping patterns, you need different kinds and quantities of light throughout the day, coupled with darkness at night. Specifically, you need bright, high-CCT light in the morning and dim, low-CCT light in the evenings. In fact, the light you experience throughout the day could affect your circadian rhythms more powerfully than any drug.

The key to waking up rested and ready to perform

Modern indoor lifestyles have profoundly changed people’s work and social schedules, disconnecting them from the natural solar cycle and pushing their circadian rhythms out of sync, making it harder to get a good night’s sleep. But sleep is such a fundamental part of life on earth that it can be observed in all studied animals, from jellyfish to worms. Sleep enables restoration processes in the brain which are essential for its healthy functioning. Poor sleep, both in terms of duration and quality, impedes these processes and leads to a drop in cognitive performance the following day.

By starting your day with exposure to bright shortwave light, you can strengthen your circadian rhythm to improve the regularity, duration, and quality of your sleep. This ensures your brain can get the rest it needs at night, making it easier for you to wake up the next morning, feeling better prepared for the day ahead, with a positive mood and higher mental engagement.

Signify circadian lighting for athletes

Signify has been at the forefront of circadian or human-centric lighting since its beginnings, offering a range of solutions that are specifically designed to support circadian rhythms and sleep/wake cycles by mimicking the spectrum, brightness, and color temperature of natural sunlight.

The power to bring the benefits of natural light indoors is already a game-changer in education, healthcare, and office environments—minimizing circadian disruption and its negative effects, which can reduce people’s productivity to such an extent that the economy feels it.

Now, Signify’s partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has brought circadian lighting to the world of racing. While raw talent and cuttingedge engineering dominate the headlines, elite performance isn’t just about what happens on track. It’s about preparation, focus, and the ability to sustain peak conditions across a relentless season.

Adapting and maintaining peak performance isn’t just a challenge —it’s a science.

“It’s been a journey for me, learning the impact that light has on your own personal performance, but also on your sleep,” says George Russell, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1Team Driver.

As the team’s Official Lighting Partner, Signify delivers cutting-edge lighting solutions on and off the track. At the team’s UK headquarters, for example, Signify’s NatureConnect technology mimics natural daylight cycles in windowless areas, keeping engineers focused during long simulator sessions.

Drivers and engineers also have portable travel lamps with adjustable light levels like the Hue Twilight sleep and wake-up light to control their exposure to stimulating blue light. As part of the scientifically designed jet lag plan, developed with the team doctor, light exposure is managed precisely to aid sleep, speed up recovery, and optimize cognitive function.

“I recently discovered how light can help me be at my best when I need it the most,” says Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Driver, Kimi Antonelli, who is also learning about the benefits of circadian lighting. Kimi believes that exposure to the right light at the right time boosts his reaction times and precision, helping him to perform at 100% in terms of his mental clarity.

Given the proven benefits of circadian lighting, it has the potential to become the next big thing in sports. And as the world leader in lighting, Signify is perfectly positioned to educate professional sports teams and athletes on how to use the technology to support healthy circadian rhythms and sleep/wake cycles.

Just like a race car needs to warm its tires before a race, drivers need to rest properly to perform at their best, regardless of the time zone they’re in. Formula 1 driver, George Russell is already aware of the huge competitive advantage that stands to be gained, “Sleep is free performance. If you can have a good nine hours’ sleep, you’re not putting hard work into that, and that makes you feel better. When you get into the right rhythm, that really has a positive impact.”

Why PR Has Never Mattered More in the Age of AI

Louise Wells, Bubble Agency

or as long as I’ve been in the PR industry (and yes, it’s been a while), the demise of my profession has been declared with surprising regularity. Fifteen years ago, we were told: “PR is dead! SEO is the only thing that matters.” Then came the rise of social media: “PR is dead! Find the influencers!”

Three years ago, with the launch of ChatGPT, the chorus grew louder: “PR is dead. Now the robots will write everything for us, for free!”

And yet, here we are. The robots are very much among us—and PR has never mattered more.

From keywords to credibility

In the old search world, visibility meant mastering SEO. Entire industries grew up around backlinks, keyword density, and metadata, with marketers pouring tens of thousands of dollars a month into clawing their way onto page one of Google, or paying for the privilege. But that playbook is already going out of date. Gartner predicts that by 2028, traditional search will lose half its share to AI tools, as people increasingly turn to chatbots and generative platforms for answers. Instead of ten blue links, users now receive polished, easy-to-read, and (mostly) well-researched responses.

And here’s the crucial shift: those answers aren’t pulled from your “About Us” page or that blog post ghostwritten by an eager intern masquerading as thought leadership. They’re stitched together from credible, third-party sources, content that’s timely, fact-checked, and subject to editorial oversight. In other words: news outlets, analyst reports, and trade publications. Because here’s the reality: LLMs don’t care what you say about yourself. They care what others say about you.

The numbers don’t lie

- A 2025 Muck Rack study of more than one million AI citation links found that 89% came from earned media—journalism, trade press, and independent reporting—while branded content barely registered. -Another analysis showed that editorial media drives 61% of all LLM content about brand reputation, while corporate websites were cited in fewer than 5% of cases.

- Research by the Content Marketing Institute found that up to 84% of B2B decision-makers consult trade publications.

The takeaway is simple: if you want to show up in AI-driven search results, or on a procurement officer’s shortlist, you need third-party validation. That blog post you spent weeks polishing? It might boost your CEO’s ego, but it’s unlikely to move the needle on your relevance with LLMs.

Trade media: the unsung hero of the AI era

Trade publications may not dominate social media feeds, but in the AI age, they’ve emerged as unlikely power players. They are trusted, respected, and, most importantly, indexed heavily by AI systems looking for credible voices.

This is especially true in B2B markets. In industries from security and IT to media technology and AV, decision-makers rely on trade press not just for product updates, but for context, analysis, and independent validation. These outlets provide the “receipts” that algorithms and executives alike recognize as proof of credibility.

Take the physical security industry as an example. Trade publications may not have the mass reach of The Wall Street Journal. But within the industry, they are read religiously by integrators, consultants, and end users making multimillion-dollar decisions. When AI models scan for “trusted voices” in the sector, those same outlets feed into the knowledge base.

Why owned content falls short

None of this means you should abandon your corporate blog or branded content efforts. They still matter for brand voice, customer education, and SEO in the near term. But let’s be honest: branded content often reads like… well, branded content.

AI knows this. Studies of LLM outputs show that corporate blogs and promotional sites are cited in fewer than 5% of brand reputation queries. Why? Because algorithms, much like humans, can smell the spin.

The website content you lovingly polished may charm your CMO, but since it wasn’t published or validated through a credible third party, it won’t shape the answers people are reading, or the models generating them. So what’s the practical takeaway for marketers staring down this AI-driven future?

1. You can’t buy your way into authority. AI rewards credibility, not ad spend. To show up in AI answers, you need earned visibility across trusted outlets.

2. Newsworthiness matters more than noise. LLMs are trained to filter out puff pieces. If your announcement isn’t genuinely newsworthy, it won’t stick.

3. Storytelling wins over keyword stuffing. Both people and algorithms respond to real narratives. Boring feature lists won’t get you far.

4. Repetition builds repetitions. A steady drumbeat of credible mentions builds the kind of reputation equity that both machines and humans respect.

5. Think audience and algorithm. Write stories that engage real readers and stand up to algorithmic scrutiny.

The PR Imperative

The future of search won’t be won by louder self-promotion. It will be won with credibility. If you’re responsible for brand visibility, the mandate is clear: show up in the outlets your audience and the algorithms trust. That means investing in real PR. Work with professionals who cultivate journalist relationships, pitch meaningful stories, and translate jargon into narratives worth reading. Because in the end, the future of search will belong to the brands trusted enough to be cited.

We specialise in delivering PR, marketing, and event solutions tailored to the dynamic and innovative world of sports tech, working with brands such as ASB Glassfloor, Pixellot, Relo Metrics, Ross Video, d&b audiotechnik, and Clear-Com.

Are you prepared to miss out on being searched online due to AI? Read the article.

PUSH BEYOND YOUR IMAGINATION: ISE 2026 SETS THE STAGE FOR THE FUTURE OF LIVE EVENTS

Step into the spotlight at ISE 2026, the world’s unmissable event for the live events community, to ‘Push Beyond’ the boundaries of technology, production, and creativity. Taking place from 3-6 February in Barcelona, ISE 2026 invites lighting designers, event producers, venue operators, and technology suppliers to immerse themselves in a showcase unlike any other.

Where Professionals, Technology, and Creativity Converge ISE 2026 stands at the epicentre of global event innovation, setting new standards for audio, video, lighting, staging, and control systems that power unforgettable experiences. Join the movers and shakers of the live events world as they come together to witness and shape the next chapter in event production. Dive into interactive showcases, immersive live demonstrations, and insightful talks by leading figures, all designed to place you at the cutting edge of show-stopping event technology.

Why Live Events Professionals Can’t Miss ISE 2026

The live events landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, driven by intelligent lighting, immersive sound, dynamic video, and seamless staging solutions. At ISE 2026, discover the latest technologies and innovations transforming concerts, festivals, corporate gatherings, and spectacular venue installations. Explore dedicated zones curated specifically for the live events sector, where you’ll find everything from advanced control systems to the newest in rigging and stagecraft. Industry-Leading Technologies and Dedicated Spaces

From state-of-the-art audio arrays and dazzling lighting rigs to advanced video mapping and show control, every facet of live event production is represented. The popular Live Events Stage returns, serving as a vibrant hub for hands-on demonstrations, expert panels, and real-world case studies. This is your chance to see, hear, and test

the technologies shaping the future of live events, whether you’re sourcing the latest moving lights, exploring immersive audio solutions, or discovering next-gen control platforms.

ISE 2026 also brings together the industry’s most notable brands, such as ETC, Clay Paky, Robe, and Elation, providing a rare opportunity to connect with global innovators and suppliers at the forefront of live event technology. Meet the brands and visionaries setting the pace and join a thriving community of professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences.

Introducing Spark: A Catalyst for Innovation

At the very heart of ISE 2026 is Spark, a dynamic new initiative dedicated to fuelling creativity, collaboration, and breakthrough thinking across the creative industries. Spark is where trailblazers and pioneers converge, driving fresh dialogue and forging new pathways for the future. More than just a feature, Spark is a central platform for discussion and inspiration, uniting diverse voices to catalyse the next big leaps in event technology and experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique, cross-vertical exchange, where innovative ideas set the stage for tomorrow’s live events.

Be Part of the Next Evolution in Live Events

ISE 2026 is your gateway to hands-on learning, networking, and growth. Delve into a content-rich programme, test-drive tomorrow’s tools, and gain inspiration from peers and experts alike. Whether you’re focused on lighting design, audio engineering, video production, or venue management, this is where your next big event begins. Don’t miss your chance to be at the heart of innovation in live events. Join us at ISE 2026, where Spark, technology, creativity, and imagination unite to set the stage for what’s next.

Register for FREE with the code ‘mondostadia’ and secure your place at the industry’s most anticipated event: www.iseurope.org/.

DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE: FROM STAND-ALONE STADIUM TO SMART CITY NODE

George Vaughan, The Digital Line

For decades, arenas and stadiums have been viewed as self-contained environments - carefully engineered spaces that come to life when the lights go up and the crowds pour in. They have become ever more connected internally, boasting seamless digital entry, cutting-edge AV systems, cashless operations and AI-driven crowd management. Yet, as cities evolve into smart ecosystems and digital infrastructure becomes as fundamental as roads or power lines, the next frontier for venues lies not just within their walls but also very much beyond them.

We are entering an era where the arena is no longer an island but a node in a living, breathing urban network, a distributed venue ecosystem that extends the event experience across the entire cityscape. It requires operators to think more expansively but also promises opportunities to engage with sponsors and partners in completely new ways.

From Smart Venue to Smart District

The modern stadium has already embraced technology to optimise many of the things that happen within its walls: dynamic lighting, cloud-managed video distribution, advanced acoustics and intelligent building management. But the true potential of these systems is only realised when they’re connected to the world beyond the turnstiles.

In a genuinely connected city, the arena becomes a participant in a wider digital conversation. Its data feeds can inform - and be informed by - transport systems, local businesses and civic infrastructure. Imagine an event day where the venue, public transport, hotels and even restaurants collaborate in real time to enhance and elevate the visitor journey.

As traffic builds on approach routes, adaptive signal systems adjust timings to ease congestion. Train and bus networks receive live crowd density forecasts from the stadium’s digital twin, triggering extra capacity where needed. Hotels dynamically update check-in resources as fans return post-match, while hospitality partners push context-aware offers directly to visitors’ phones as they move between zones. This is the distributed venue ecosystem: not a place that ends at its boundary fences but a district-level experience network where technology aligns operations, sustainability and customer satisfaction.

The Digital Twin as Urban Translator

To make this vision real, data must flow seamlessly between stakeholders who traditionally operate in silos. This is where the concept of the digital twin can become a transformative aid.

Digital twins - essentially detailed, virtual replicas of physical environments - are already common in large venues, used to simulate crowd movements, test emergency procedures and optimise operations. The next step is to connect these venue twins with those of neighbouring assets, including transport hubs, utilities and city blocks.

When integrated, these digital twins form a multi-layered simulation of the event district, enabling predictive coordination that benefits fans and staff in equal measure. For instance, if a venue’s twin detects unusually fast entry rates, nearby restaurants could be notified to expect earlier peaks in demand. If a sudden downpour shifts fan movement patterns, the system might re-route pedestrian flows via covered pathways, lighting routes dynamically and alerting city cleaning teams to potential slip hazards.

The result is not just better event management but a shared intelligence that aligns municipal priorities with the commercial aims of venue operators. The arena becomes an anchor point in the city’s digital nervous system - one that senses, reacts and collaborates.

Data Without Borders: The Infrastructure Enablers

Technologically, this level of interconnection relies on several enablers that are now maturing simultaneously:

• 5G and emerging 6G mesh networks: These provide the ultra-low-latency communication needed to synchronise thousands of data points across venues, city systems and edge devices. In practice, this means real-time crowd analytics influencing road traffic light sequences or public transport schedules.

• Edge computing: By processing data locally, either at or near the venue, decisions can be made instantly without relying on distant cloud servers. This is vital for timesensitive operations like pedestrian redirection or instant reallocation of exit routes.

• Urban IoT sensor grids: Smart lamp-posts, surveillance cameras, weather stations and environmental sensors feed continuous data into the ecosystem. A connected venue can use this to fine-tune ventilation systems, optimise lighting for safety, or even manage sound dispersion to reduce neighbourhood impact.

• Interoperable data standards and open APIs: For this ecosystem to function, stakeholders must agree on how data is shared and secured. Cities like Singapore, Copenhagen and Dubai are leading examples, where civic digital platforms allow venues to connect securely into broader networks. These technologies form the invisible scaffolding of the distributed venue ecosystem, a mesh of connectivity that makes what was once considered science

fiction a modern day reality.

The Human Journey: Hospitality Without Hurdles

For fans and guests, the implications are transformative. The event experience no longer begins at the gate; it starts the moment they purchase a ticket.

A connected arena might push personalised travel recommendations based on live traffic and public transport data. Parking systems reserve spaces dynamically, while digital wayfinding routes visitors along less congested paths. Upon arrival, ticketless entry systems link directly with hospitality profiles, ensuring a seamless transition from seat to suite to nearby restaurant.

More importantly, the post-event experience also evolves. A customer leaving the venue could receive curated suggestions for late-night dining or transport options, drawn from aggregated city data. For visiting supporters, the hospitality ecosystem extends into local hotels and attractions, turning a single matchday into a weekend experience, something that benefits not just the venue but the entire local economy.

This blurring of boundaries creates what could be described as “hospitality without hurdles”, a model where technology orchestrates continuity between different operators to deliver an integrated guest journey.

Sustainability Through Synchronisation

Beyond convenience, distributed venue ecosystems offer a powerful path toward sustainability, both environmental and social.

Energy use in large venues is notoriously complex. Yet when connected to city smart grids, arenas can operate as both consumers and contributors, adjusting

demand dynamically to stabilise loads or feeding surplus solar energy back into the network. Similarly, waste management can be coordinated with municipal systems, optimising collection routes based on real-time fill levels of bins and recycling points.

Transport synchronisation also reduces emissions by minimising idling traffic and improving public transit efficiency. Moreover, by spreading the visitor footprint more evenly across the district, encouraging guests to arrive earlier, linger later and explore nearby areas, the economic benefit of major events becomes more inclusive for surrounding businesses.

In short, connected venues are sustainable venues - not because they use less energy but because they employ intelligence to use that energy in a more productive and cost-effective way. Modern audiences expect their spaces to be sustainable and operators need to deliver in an authentic fashion.

Governance, Trust and Empathetic Data

Of course, the flow of data between public and private entities introduces new challenges. Who owns the data? Who ensures privacy? And how can we build trust among the various parties involved, from local authorities to private operators to individual citizens?

The answer lies in transparent governance and clear data frameworks. Cities experimenting with open data exchanges, such as Amsterdam’s “TADA” principles or Helsinki’s MyData model, demonstrate how individuals can retain control while still enabling innovation.

For venue operators, participating in such ecosystems means adopting ethical data practices and prioritising security. It’s not enough to collect information; it must be used responsibly, ensuring that every connection adds value for both the business and the community.

The good news is that public perception is shifting. Visitors are increasingly comfortable sharing data when the benefits are tangible: smoother access, faster journeys, or personalised hospitality. Trust will be the currency of this new ecosystem and those who earn it early will reap the rewards. It is the emerging potential of empathetic data.

Lessons from Early Adopters

While the fully realised distributed venue ecosystem remains on the horizon, glimpses of it are already visible.

At SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, partnerships with local transport authorities have led to integrated travel apps that merge ticketing, parking and navigation data. In Copenhagen, the Royal Arena’s operations feed directly into city mobility platforms, enabling predictive crowd flow management. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s smart city initiatives surrounding the Olympic venues demonstrated how multi-layered data systems could manage millions of visitors with minimal disruption. These examples are not isolated experiments but early indicators of a wider shift. As cities continue to digitise, the cost and complexity of integration will fall, making connected operations not just feasible but expected.

Rethinking Ownership and Collaboration

Traditionally, a stadium’s influence ended at its perimeter fence. But as digital and physical infrastructures converge, ownership of the visitor journey becomes shared. The venue, transport provider, hotelier and restaurateur are all co-authors of a single, continuous narrative, each invested in a positive outcome for every individual at every touchpoint.

This requires a change in mindset, from competition to collaboration, from protecting data to connecting it. The hospitality sector, in particular, stands to gain by aligning with venues and cities by adopting a new approach. Shared insights can reveal patterns of behaviour that no single organisation could detect alone, unlocking new value streams across marketing, logistics and operations. In practical terms, we might soon see integrated service layers: city-wide loyalty schemes, district-level hospitality apps, or unified visitor dashboards where fans manage every aspect of their experience, from ticket to transport to table reservation, all through one interface.

Looking Ahead: The Arena as Experience Infrastructure

Ultimately, distributed venue ecosystems redefine what a stadium is. It becomes less a structure and more a piece of experience infrastructure - an intelligent node within a larger digital landscape that spans city, culture and commerce.

This transformation challenges the industry to think differently about design, technology investment and operational strategy. Future projects will require architects, IT specialists and urban planners to work hand-in-hand from conception, ensuring interoperability is baked in rather than bolted on.

It also invites a new kind of hospitality philosophy, one that recognises the guest journey as a continuous thread woven through the urban fabric, rather than a single episode contained within a venue. When viewed through this lens, the arena ceases to be an isolated entertainment space and instead becomes a district engine, catalysing economic activity, enhancing quality of life and embodying the true spirit of the smart city.

A Call to Connect

The future of live experience will not be defined by the biggest screens, the loudest sound, or the most luxurious suites but by the invisible networks that connect them all. The distributed venue ecosystem represents a shift from isolated excellence to collective intelligence - from the building to the city, from the event to the experience.

As our cities become smarter and our audiences more connected, the most successful arenas will be those that recognise their new role, not as endpoints but as hubs in an ever-expanding digital ecosystem.

In the smart city of tomorrow, the true measure of innovation won’t be how well a venue performs on its own but how seamlessly it performs as part of something much bigger.

“The main target is to provide a new experience for the fans. To provide that sensation that you are entering not only a venue where you are going to watch football, but you’re going to experience something else.”

Enrique Uriel - Real Madrid CF IT Director