IoT at EURO 2024: The Invisible Playmaker in the Stadium

Numerous and varied technical systems help run a soccer match in a modern stadium. The Internet of Things always passes them the perfectly timed ball. We take you beyond the roar of the crowd with a few examples.

Our story starts like this: Lucky Danny Dive secures one of the 2.7 million highly coveted tickets for the 2024 European Football Championships in Germany. On the day of the match, he drives to the stadium, where various IoT services accompany him from his arrival at the grounds to his departure. Meanwhile, other networked systems are running in the background. Click through our interactive picture for details on the individual use cases.

Various IoT solutions are already running in the stadium a few hours before kick-off. For example, ground sensors on the pitch register moisture and solar radiation and send the measurement data to the cloud via mobile radio. Based on this information and current weather data, the greenkeeper can water the pitch as required. Meanwhile, an autonomous lawn mower ensures the correct blade length. It uses high-precision positioning based on mobile radio and satellite data to ensure that the smart service vehicle always stays on track. Another self-driving robot draws fresh chalk lines for the upcoming game.

Fifty thousand spectators naturally want to be fed from the moment they enter the stadium until after the game. Suppliers deliver hectoliters of beer and tons of bratwurst from dawn. The stadium uses IoT sensor technology to receive the goods: self-driving forklift trucks automatically scan and pick up incoming pallets. Once unpacked, autonomous transport vehicles take the supplies to the catering areas and vendor stands.

Our football-loving protagonist, Danny Dive, has now reached the stadium. In addition to his ticket, he has booked a parking space with an e-charging station via his ticket app. As Danny drives into the stadium grounds, the app directs him to his reserved parking spot, which is close to the most convenient entrance for him. Danny connects his electric car to the charging station. He verified his identity at the charging station using the app; the ticket price included the charging costs.

Networked LED lights automatically adjust their brightness in the parking lot and stadium grounds, depending on the lighting conditions. They are equipped with USB charging sockets and free Wi-Fi for visitors; an interactive stadium map is available on an information display. IoT sensors help control the stadium's exterior lighting as required. These measures save the operator up to 40 percent in energy costs. Meanwhile, an autonomous cleaning robot cleans the solar panels on the stadium roof.

Danny hops onto a free autonomous shuttle to take fans from the parking lot to the stadium. The vehicle is equipped with LiDAR technology to maneuver safely around the grounds. Moreover, Precise Positioning ensures accurate navigation to the entrances.

Danny scans his ticket’s QR code using his app at the entrance’s digital terminal. Of course, he is also scanned – by body scanners already familiar to him at airports. An intelligent visitor flow measurement system ensures that all fans can move through the countless corridors and levels as smoothly and safely as possible. Thanks to anonymized signaling data from the mobile network, the stadium operator can see where queues are forming at toilets and food stalls and redirect visitors accordingly using digital signs. This technology means Danny doesn't have to wait long for his stadium sausage. He also uses his app to find the nearest football jersey store, where he can pay via his cell phone using a smart checkout system. Freshly fortified, the app guides him to his seat – and the match can begin!

The operator's building management system collects data from thousands of IoT sensors distributed throughout the stadium. The intelligent system regulates lighting and ventilation as required and coordinates the washroom service. This allows the operator to save energy costs and deploy staff in a more targeted way.

A dedicated 5G campus network provides fast, reliable mobile connections for various systems and facilities, retailers, suppliers, and visitors. No reception in a packed stadium? That was yesterday. Thanks to 5G, spectators can post photos or watch live streams of parallel matches without restrictions.

After the final whistle, the aim is to escort all football fans safely out of the stadium. The security authorities' operations center collects all necessary anonymized data from video cameras and visitor flow measurements. Connected emergency exit signs, defibrillators, smoke detectors, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers ensure visitors’ additional safety. A warning message is immediately sent to the security service if a device needs to be replaced. Meanwhile, Danny uses his app’s guidance system to find the shortest route back to his parking space. With his car battery fully charged, it’s time to head home.

When 50,000 people celebrate a soccer match, they generate considerable waste. Little helpers take care of that: Networked waste garbage cans automatically report to self-propelled waste collection vehicles for emptying. This means that no garbage cans overflow or will be emptied before they are full. Autonomous sweepers clean all areas after the fans have left, saving on personnel. Outside on the stadium grounds, other self-driving robots collect garbage and cigarette butts – so that everything is sparkling and shiny again before the next match. 1-0 for IoT, the secret playmaker in the stadium!