An innovative solution combining artificial intelligence and 5G has the potential to completely change the way fans experience football matches. After successful tests, scientists claim that spectators will finally say goodbye to unstable signal issues and missed key moments in stadiums.

End of signal problems at the stadium

For years, fans have complained that in large sports venues it is almost impossible to use the internet during a match. Thousands of people trying to connect at the same time caused network congestion, which meant traditional mobile connectivity often failed. According to the University of Bristol, this issue became the starting point for developing a new solution.

What is only just emerging in stadiums has long been standard in home entertainment. When we think of entertainment, we often picture carefree internet surfing. For fans of English football, we recommend a site where you can check the best Fulham vs Arsenal odds and claim top welcome bonuses.

The technology was developed in cooperation between the University of Bristol, AI experts from Madevo and network specialists from Weaver Labs, along with other partners. A key role was played by the university’s Smart Internet Lab, which focuses on advanced research into next‑generation networks. As the university stresses, their goal was to create a system that offers fans an unprecedented levels of interaction and connectivity.

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AI and 5G building an “intelligent stadium”

The new platform uses the power of 5G and artificial intelligence to dynamically manage data traffic within the stadium. This should ensure stable and fast connections for fans, even when tens of thousands of people are using their smartphones at the same time. A university spokesperson stated that for football clubs, this technology - could be a game changer and that the innovation could transform traditional sports venues into fully smart-enabled stadiums.

During recent tests at Stadium MK, researchers checked how the system performs in match‑like conditions. The university reported that fans were able to watch four high-quality live video feeds, directly to their mobile devices, all at the tap of a screen. A supporter in the stands can switch between different camera angles, follow replays or access behind‑the‑scenes footage without losing track of the action on the pitch.

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New real-time fan experience

The technology creators emphasise that this is not just about improving signal quality. The app is designed to become a fan’s central hub on the stadium. The system provides live player statistics, exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content and real-time queue navigation, which can shorten waiting times at concessions or entrances.

Prof. Dimitra Simeonidou from the University of Bristol said she is excited to see the new technology in action at live events. She added that thanks to 5G broadcasting capabilities the app offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional cellular solutions, which is particularly important for large sporting venues where mobile connectivity is often unreliable during peak usage. She also stressed that This successful trial also marks a key milestone for Bristol's Smart Internet Lab as we celebrate our 10th anniversary.