Real Madrid is not content only with modernizing its stadium in terms of infrastructure. Thanks to the cooperation with the technology partner Cisco, the comprehensive implementation of the intelligent network will take place at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

‘Los Blancos’ have been modernising one of the most famous football venues in the world for several years now. During the redevelopment of the Bernabeu, the 13-time Champions League winners had to play their matches at Estadio Alfredo di Stefano in Valdebebas, a suburb of Madrid. Real have returned to their home ground recently, but in addition to the installation of a roof on the 80,000-seater, the Wi-Fi 6 network will also be implemented.

© Nuevo Estadio Bernabeu

More than 1,200 access points are to be located in the stands, which will make the applications, including the online casino, run much faster. Network capacity and reliability will also be improved over the previous Wi-Fi standard. In addition, 1,000 screens supported by a comprehensive IPTV solution that combines high-definition video with digital signage technology will allow the club from the Spanish capital to increase revenue and fan engagement throughout the venue.

Cisco solutions have been used at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu for many years, and the extended partnership should allow the 'Galacticos' to reinforce their image as a global leader in innovation in the world of football. Real Madrid will now benefit from the company's full portfolio of products - from enterprise-class networking solutions, data centres, tools to enable digital security, digital signage and more.

© Nuevo Estadio Bernabeu

For Cisco, this is not the first such investment in the world of sport. Venues that have deployed Wi-Fi 6 technology have seen record-breaking data packet transfers and content consumption by fans that previously only occurred at the world's biggest sporting events.

For over a decade, organisations in the sports industry have benefited from Cisco's solutions and expertise. Examples of other projects in this area include: network deployment at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the arena for this year's SuperBowl as long as partnerships with clubs affiliated with the City Football Group (including Manchester City) and the National Football League.

© Nuevo Estadio Bernabeu

The upgrade of Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is expected to cost more than the planned €575 million in 2019. The extended scope of the work, as well as the rise in the price of construction materials on global markets, will most likely not allow it to fit within the previously set budget. Real Madrid would like to show off the upgraded Santiago Bernabeu as early as 2022, but in all likelihood the work will not be completed until 2023.