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Allianz Arena to introduce 5G tech

German Bundesliga football club Bayern Munich has teamed up with partner Deutsche Telekom to deliver 5G technology in and around the Allianz Arena from next spring.

The technology will allow for large amounts of data to be processed significantly quicker, ensuring video streams can be watched faster and in higher resolutions.

Guests at the 75,000-seat Allianz Arena will also be able to experience augmented or virtual reality with 5G-capable devices via apps. The technology will allow fans to, among other things, walk in as the 12th man on the Bayern team or take part in goal celebrations.

Additionally, the technology will facilitate virtual competitions between visitors. Bayern said that development of the apps will begin this year.

Deutsche Telekom will begin setting up antennae around the Allianz Arena in spring 2020, with the first tests possibly taking place even earlier as a 5G expansion programme is already underway in the north of Munich.

Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “The Allianz Arena stands for quality, progress, and innovation. We are really pleased we can offer our supporters this very special technology so early on, thanks to the support of our long-standing partner, Deutsche Telekom.

“Following on from the comprehensive expansion of Wi-Fi in 2015, 5G technology is the next logical step in making the whole match experience in the Arena even more attractive.”

Michael Hagspihl, head of consumers at Deutsche Telekom, added: “Deutsche Telekom is working with FC Bayern Munich to open up the world of 5G technology to soccer spectators. Fans visiting the Allianz Arena will be able to explore a whole new dimension in soccer through VR and AR. We’re helping bring the club and its fans even closer together, which is of course in keeping with our motto – ‘Life is for sharing’.”

5G technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in sports stadia and last week Verizon announced the 13 NFL venues that have been fitted with its new wireless service to coincide with the start of the American football league’s new season.

Image: Bayern Munich