Allianz Arena, the home of German Bundesliga football club Bayern Munich, has been fitted with 5G technology courtesy of Deutsche Telekom.
The move is designed to enhance the fan experience at the 75,000-seat stadium when supporters are able to return to matches following the COVID-19 outbreak.
Bayern announced in September that it would work with Deutsche Telekom to deliver the technology in and around the Allianz Arena, and the stadium is now 5G-ready.
The new connection will complement the previous LTE network. Eleven 5G antennas have been placed in and around Allianz Arena to ensure the best quality of service and enable fans to seamlessly upload multiple pictures or videos on match days.
The antennas were fitted while the Bundesliga season was suspended and they are now in full operation. A ‘5G adventure day’ had been planned for fans if the season had been able to conclude as planned, but this will now take place as soon as supporters are allowed in the stadium again.
The 5G technology will allow fans to try out augmented reality and virtual reality applications, such as taking selfies with avatars of players in front of the stadium or controlling virtual players. Fans will also be able to demonstrate their own ball skills via 5G.
The antennas, which use 3.6 GHz frequency, have been fitted on the roof of the Allianz Arena, on level seven of the stadium, and in the parking garage.
Allianz Arena managing director Jürgen Muth said: “With 5G, thanks to Telekom and FC Bayern Munich, we now have the very latest mobile connection in the Allianz Arena. This marks the beginning of a new era in the field of mobile and network communication. We are also very proud to play a pioneering role in the field of stadium development.”
Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added: “5G technology gives us the opportunity to make visiting the stadium even more attractive for our fans than before. The Allianz Arena is known for being equipped with the highest technical standards. We are very pleased that we can now offer this mobile technology with our partner Deutsche Telekom. 5G technology offers great opportunities for all conceivable mobile applications.
“Of course, it is a shame that our fans cannot currently experience this special progress live on site. Nonetheless, we want to continue to develop even during this very special situation and are therefore already well prepared for the resumption of play in front of spectators.”
Deutsche Telekom has installed more than 500 5G antennas across eight German cities. The number of 5G high-speed antennas is expected to rise to more than 1,500 this year.
Image: Deutsche Telekom
Share this