News
17th May 2024
In a ground-breaking move set to transform the landscape of live sports and esports, and other events including concerts, Sunderland announced that the city had secured over £5.7M in grant and match funding from the Open Networks Ecosystem (ONE) competition last year, which includes £3.4M from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
The project, named Sunderland Open Network EcosysTem (SONET), is poised to revolutionise the way people experience events at the iconic Stadium of Light and the new British Esports Arena, part of it’s multi-site National Esports Performance Campus.
SONET project partners are: Sunderland City Council, Boldyn Networks, Sunderland AFC, the British Esports Federation and Perform Green.
Read on to find out more about this ground-breaking technology and what the SONET project means for Sunderland’s residents and visitors to the city.
Liz St Louis, director of smart cities and enabling services at Sunderland City Council welcomed guests to an update event on 24th April at the Stadium of Light.
Setting the scene as the event commenced, Liz explained how, with a focus on next-generation connectivity, SONET will extend ambitions to evolve the visitor experience at the Stadium of Light and the British Esports Arena, part of its’s multi-site National Esports Performance Campus.
Through zero-touch automation, improved cybersecurity measures, sectorisation for enhanced connectivity, and Boldyn Networks’ Cloud Native Data Analytics Platform, visitors can expect seamless interactions, robust protection of their data, uninterrupted connectivity and real-time insights to optimise experiences.
SONET is not just about upgrading infrastructure; it’s about enhancing the lives of those who live, work and play in the city.
The project will extend ambitions to revamp the stadium and the Esports Arena with next generation connectivity, promising a remarkable difference in visitor experiences.
Steve Davison, chief operating officer at Sunderland AFC, explained three key benefits for visitors to the stadium:
From day one, fans attending football matches or gigs at the stadium will be able to make phone calls, access social media, check scores online, share video footage on reels and more.
Other instant benefits include in-seat ordering to collect at bars or kiosks, as well as personalised experiences by tech-enabled push messages to mobile phones sending offers during the course of a game or gig.
During concerts, customers will be able to access real-time information about their experience from the moment they arrive. This not only symbolises a great way to present relevant opportunities to customers, it represents a significant revenue opportunity and return on investment for the Football Club and Esports Arena.
There are exciting added value elements that will elevate customers’ experiences from the moment they arrive at a sporting or music event. This ranges from improved service information to interactive overlays offering attendees additional context or details about what they’re watching.
Collected data (shared information from across the city) will enable a better service offer for visitors, as well as enabling improved decision making and more effective event management for organisers and vendor partners.
Sunderland AFC and the Esports Arena are the first in their respective industries, in the country, with this type of connectivity as a result of Boldyn Communications’ first in the world technology – this is a key strength of the SONET project.
Positioned in the heart of the city, SONET represents a critical opportunity to showcase the power of technology and how Sunderland’s leading smart city infrastructure is enabling this project to go ahead.
Rui Inacio, Director of Technology Architecture at Boldyn Networks UK&I, explained how open RAN and advanced smart city technology will replace traditional methods – this could include things such as ticketing or crowd control. The new technology will enable the development of processes to enhance performance and capabilities at the venues (the stadium and the new Esports Arena).
There are some substantial benefits resulting from the implementation of this new technology, which include improved performance and quality of experience, as well as efficiencies for mobile operators to leverage from this proof of concept into future systems and solutions.
Lower costs would allow mobile operators to offer more solutions to their customers at events and venues. Finally, the project outcome should be a higher performance, faster to deploy solution that has a reduced operational cost versus traditional systems.
Open digital technology lies at the heart of the SONET project, bringing many benefits that promise to transform the visitor experience at the Stadium of Light and the British Esports National Esports Performance Campus.
With zero-touch automation and automated operational processes, visitors can expect seamless interactions from the moment they step foot into the venues. Imagine effortlessly placing orders from your seat during a match or gig or receiving personalised offers via push messages tailored to your preferences. These innovations not only enhance convenience but also open up new revenue streams for businesses and enrich the overall visitor experience.
Cybersecurity is paramount in today’s digital age, and SONET ensures robust protection across all parameters. From safeguarding personal data to defending against cyber threats, visitors can rest assured that their information is secure. This enhanced cybersecurity not only instils confidence, but also fosters trust and loyalty among visitors and stakeholders.
The sectorisation of seating areas, pitches, and carparks enables seamless connectivity across the entire football ground and Esports arena. Whether you’re cheering on your favourite team from the stands or immersing yourself in the world of esports, uninterrupted connectivity ensures a seamless and immersive experience for all visitors.
Boldyn Networks’ innovative Cloud Native Data Analytics Platform serves as the backbone of SONET, enabling the integration of various applications and monitoring systems.
This sophisticated platform harnesses the power of data to create efficiencies and enhance visitor experiences, allowing for real-time insights and optimisations.
To ensure data security and compliance with GDPR regulations, all virtualised networks within SONET are meticulously segregated. This ensures that sensitive data remains protected while still enabling seamless connectivity and access to services.
In essence, the adoption of open digital technology within SONET not only drives operational efficiencies but also elevates the visitor experience to new heights. From streamlined processes to enhanced security and connectivity, SONET demonstrates the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of live sports and esports events.
Sunderland AFC and the Esports Arena are set to become pioneers as the first football club and esports arena in the country to implement this type of connectivity, showcasing the city’s leadership in smart city infrastructure.
This critical opportunity not only highlights Sunderland’s technological prowess but also underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence.
As SONET continues to benefit a diverse supply chain of partners, vendors, and specialists, it sets a new standard for live sports and esports events. By leveraging open digital technology, SONET not only drives operational efficiencies but also elevates the visitor experience to new heights, reinforcing Sunderland’s position as a hub for innovation and digital transformation.
In conclusion, SONET represents a monumental leap forward in redefining the Stadium and Esports Arena experience in Sunderland. This ground-breaking project, made possible by over £5.7M in grant and match funding and driven by world-leading technology, is set to make a transformational difference to everyone who lives, works and plays in the city.
Get ready to witness the future of live sports and esports events, right here in Sunderland.