MEO Empresas and CIF - Club Internacional de Foot-Ball successfully concluded the Smart Stadium 5G pilot project during the emblematic Centenary Tournament, a soccer competition between member teams that celebrates 100 years of history this year.
Based on 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence and cloud computing, Smart Stadium 5G enables the automated capture, production and broadcast of matches using high-definition cameras. The 5G connectivity was supported by the Private Custom Network solution, which made it possible to quickly and efficiently implement a 5G network dedicated to the CIF - Club Internacional de Foot-Ball. Through Smart Stadium technology, financial and logistical barriers are eliminated, facilitating access to sport for athletes, families and communities, both as practitioners and spectators.
The pilot included the live broadcast of four Centenary Tournament matches, held on May 31(Tigres vs. Purrianos, Pé Leve vs. Leões, Canarinhos vs. AQA) and June 14 (Cup final). The matches were broadcast live on the CIF - Club Internacional de Foot-Ball YouTube channel, allowing you to follow the competition through a professional-quality broadcast.
"CIF has innovation in its DNA, being a pioneer in bringing soccer to the Portuguese and creator of the oldest amateur soccer tournament in the world, whose centenary we are celebrating.
The partnership with MEO Empresas once again makes it possible to bring soccer to all Portuguese people, taking into account the desire of CIF Members to be able to watch these fantastic Centenary Tournament matches from anywhere. In this event, in addition to sporting excellence, the principles of fair play and the values that guide our practice are valued. An attitude that applies to all areas of our lives, namely social, sporting and business life." - Fernando Magarreiro, President of the CIF Board.
By using automation, artificial intelligence and the cloud, the solution not only reduces costs, but also boosts inclusion through features such as multi-platform streaming, ensuring that people with different needs and in different contexts can follow events.
" MEO Empresas led this pilot project with the clear aim of demonstrating how 5G technology can transform access to sport in Portugal. Smart Stadium 5G is a concrete example of our commitment to innovation and to creating solutions that make sport more inclusive, accessible and sustainable. We believe that this initiative paves the way for a new era of sporting experiences, based on cutting-edge technology and with a real impact on people and communities." - Jorge Patrício, Director of MEO Empresas.
The initiative represents an important step towards making the broadcasting of sporting events more accessible, allowing clubs of different sizes to produce and broadcast their matches with higher quality. This solution seeks to simplify the process and reduce the technical and financial barriers usually associated with professional broadcasting.
The democratization of sport is an essential pillar of a fairer, more inclusive and participatory society. In a reality where only a small fraction of sporting events are broadcast live, due to high costs and technical requirements, the success of this pilot project demonstrates that widespread access to sport is possible. An example of the essential role of technology in serving people and promoting human connections.
This is an important step towards guaranteeing everyone's right to sports participation, entertainment and social development, regardless of geographical location, socio-economic status or technical ability.