How AI and 5G are Reshaping the Live Stadium Experience

Groundbreaking new technology trialled at the 30,400-seat MK Dons stadium in the UK is setting the stage for a new era of connected sports venues.

Developed through Project ARANA, a collaboration between the University of Bristol’s Smart Internet Lab, AI specialists Madevo and industry partners led by Weaver Labs, the platform aims to bring the reliability and speed of home connectivity into live arenas.

For years, large venues have struggled to meet surging data demand. With thousands of fans trying to get online at the same time, the match day mobile experience has often fallen short.

The ARANA trials demonstrated how a fully integrated 5G private network, paired with advanced AI, can alleviate congestion and deliver seamless access to digital services.

Fans taking part in the trial were able to stream four high-quality live video feeds directly to their mobile devices, offering multiple camera angles and exclusive behind-the-scenes views.

Additional features included AI-driven team and match insights, live player statistics, immersive stadium mapping, queue monitoring and in-seat food ordering.

A smarter network for crowded venues

The system is powered by Weaver Labs’ Cell Stack platform, which enables stadiums to integrate existing infrastructure with a cloud-based private telecom network. 

Enhanced by Madevo’s AI models, the setup allows venues to host their own private AI network, ensuring ultra-fast and reliable performance for a wide range of applications.

The technology supports broadcasters and event organisers by easing operational pressures linked to network congestion and cabling complexity. 

By placing computation at the network edge, ARANA enables smoother delivery of video, analytics and data-heavy services during high-attendance events.

Weaver Labs CEO Maria Lema says: “Project ARANA proves the transformative power of intelligent connectivity. By bringing computation and decision-making to the edge, we’re showing stadiums what future-ready infrastructure can deliver: real-time insight, seamless experiences and the foundation for entirely new services. 

“This is a glimpse of what the next generation of digital venues will look like.” 

Maria highlights how the technology opens the door to new commercial and operational models for venue operators, with the potential to scale across other arenas.

Bringing home comforts to live sport

Madevo Co-founder and CEO Dr Alex Mavromatis explains how changing fan expectations have shaped the project’s direction.

Dr Mavromatis says: “Many fans now choose the comfort of home to watch matches, enjoying high-quality streams, instant replays, multi-screens and no queues.

“We recognised that the in-stadium experience was lagging behind what fans are able to enjoy at home.

“Today’s fans want the best of both worlds, the excitement of being there live, with the digital comfort and insights they’re used to at home.

“Our technology, built on research from Bristol’s Smart Internet Lab, bridges that gap, turning live viewing into a deeper, more connected experience. 

“Whether it’s sharing clips in real time, ordering food from your seat, or diving into game stats, fans are now part of the action like never before.”

A milestone for next-generation telco research

Professor Dimitra Simeonidou OBE, Director of the Smart Internet Lab, says: “We are thrilled to see this new platform technology in action. 

“Thanks to 5G broadcast 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. 

“We are excited to see how these technologies can dramatically reshape how we experience live events.

“This successful trial also marks a key milestone for Bristol’s Smart Internet Lab as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. 

“It is also part of our broader mission to define the future of connectivity through the development of 5G, 6G and large-scale platforms such as JOINER – a UK-wide testbed for future networks research and innovation.”

Dimitra continues: “This successful trial also marks a key milestone for Bristol’s Smart Internet Lab as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. 

“It is also part of our broader mission to define the future of connectivity through the development of 5G, 6G and large-scale platforms such as JOINER – a UK-wide testbed for future networks research and innovation.”

Further stadium trials will take place early next year at Stadium MK, showcasing more applications and deeper fan engagement as ARANA moves toward wider commercial deployment.