Clear-Com has revealed it has upgraded the communications infrastructure at the Estádio da Luz, the iconic stadium of the Portuguese football club Benfica.
The project aims to enable seamless coordination across the stadium's myriad operational teams. The upgrade tackles major communication challenges, such as resolving radio coverage issues in key areas like the pitch entrance tunnel and bench area, which are enclosed by thick safety glass.
Mario Correia, Head of Broadcast and AV at Benfica, commented:
It’s very easy to change the [Arcadia Central Station] system to meet our needs. We were able to configure the system to match our requirements, and the stadium is covered in the areas we need by the beltpacks and the Agent-IC application."
The upgrade also intends to ensure thorough coverage across the entire pitch and fan zones, seeking to provide seamless connectivity in previously challenging environments.
Clear-Com underlines that its partnership with Sport Lisboa e Benfica illustrates a shared dedication to improving both the fan experience and operational efficiency at one of Europe’s premier football venues.
"Having taken part in the project from the initial concept through to the final installation, commissioning, and training, I am very pleased that we were able to meet the original design brief from Benfica," said John Sparrow, EMEA Senior Systems Consultant at Clear-Com.
"With the two IPT transceivers mounted 40 meters up in the stadium structure, we were able to do a walk test that proved the entire stadium is easily covered with the FreeSpeak II system. Working with the team at Benfica and Decimagem was a pleasure."
More Specifics On The Infrastructure Upgrade
To address the communication challenges at Estádio da Luz, Clear-Com highlights its partnership with Decimagem to conduct a live game trial using FreeSpeak II wireless beltpacks and IP transceivers. Despite the stadium’s complexity, Clear-Com stresses full coverage, including the pitch entrance tunnel, was achieved with just two transceivers.
Following the successful trial, Clear-Com explained that a comprehensive system was implemented using Clear-Com’s Arcadia Central Station. It supports four HelixNet IP-based speaker stations and a dozen FreeSpeak II beltpacks for camera operators, LED display support, and the Benfica Experience team.
The system was further enhanced with an LQ Series IP Interface, enabling up to eight users to connect via the Agent-IC mobile app over Benfica’s Wi-Fi 6 network or cellular networks for reliable communication across the stadium and fan zones.
Lastly, Clear-Com affirms that Benfica’s existing intercom system was integrated using Arcadia’s firmware and IV Direct feature, leveraging the stadium’s IP network without requiring extra cabling.
MAXHUB Scores Big Win With RCD Espanyol Partnership
Clear-Com's partnership with Benfica echoes another notable football partnership last year when MAXHUB partnered with Spanish football club RCD Espanyol to supply interactive displays.
Through the partnership, MAXHUB is supplying RCD Espanyol with its advanced 86-inch IFP V6 Classic Series interactive flat panel displays. These multifunctional touch displays combine whiteboard functionality, audio and video conferencing, and advanced visualisation tools, all driven by future-proof System on Chip (SoC) technology.
