Sunderland AFC has announced a major upgrade to the Stadium of Light’s connectivity, teaming with Virgin Media O2 and Boldyn Networks to install a cutting-edge 5G network that will replace a decade-old system. The upgrade arrives ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup opener and Sunderland’s return to the Premier League, signaling a broader push to modernize matchday experiences.
The new infrastructure is a neutral host network created under the Sunderland Open Network EcosysTem (SONET) project, with part of the funding coming from the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The system is designed to elevate how fans engage with live sport, enabling faster uploads and downloads, smoother social media activity, and paving the way for future personalized experiences such as in-seat food ordering.
David Bruce, Chief Business Officer of Sunderland AFC, highlighted the significance: “The launch of an enhanced 5G network at the Stadium of Light marks another exciting step forward, not just for Sunderland AFC, but for the entire city. This technology will unlock incredible opportunities to enhance the matchday experience for our supporters through faster connectivity, richer content, and more immersive engagement than ever before. It reflects our ongoing commitment to putting fans at the heart of everything we do and forms part of a continued period of investment in the Stadium of Light. As part of the City of Sunderland’s vision for innovation and growth, we’re proud to play our part in shaping a smarter, more connected environment for our community.”
In related developments within sport tech, Sports Video Group (SVG) Europe announced that DoveRunner has joined as a bronze sponsor. DoveRunner specializes in safeguarding live sports streaming with end-to-end content security solutions, including multi-DRM, forensic watermarking, anti-piracy monitoring, and real-time app shielding. The company aims to help rights owners and OTT platforms protect content, reduce revenue leakage, and deliver trusted viewing experiences for fans. Rupesh Shinde, Global Market Leader at DoveRunner, emphasized the commitment to protecting premium sports content worldwide, noting recent advances in real-time leak detection and takedown as part of their offering.
Separately, the University of Edinburgh Sport has secured a three-year partnership with Grilla, a sports hydration brand, in what is described as one of the largest commercial deals in UK higher education sport. The six-figure agreement will fund investments to strengthen student sport, expand access, and support performance pathways from participation to elite levels. Several university sports clubs will benefit, with funding directed toward scholarships and athlete development programs. Mark Munro, University of Edinburgh Director of Sport & Active Health, called the deal transformative for university sport and for students across levels. Grilla’s partnership aligns with recent collaboration with the United States Youth Soccer Association, the world’s largest youth sport organization.
What this means for fans and the wider campus and city communities:
– Faster, more reliable connectivity at the Stadium of Light can enhance live streaming, social interaction, and on-site digital services.
– The move signals growing collaboration between telecoms, sports organizations, and government to modernize sports venues and fan engagement.
– University of Edinburgh’s investment in student sport highlights a trend of industry partners supporting access, participation, and elite development in higher education athletics.
Commentary and broader context:
This multi-pronged push shows how tech upgrades, security for premium content, and strategic brand partnerships are becoming integral to the modern sports ecosystem. By aligning stadium infrastructure with fan-centric services and university sport development, the initiative fosters a more connected and vibrant sports culture that can attract more fans, support athletes at all levels, and strengthen local economies around matchdays and campus events.
Summary:
Sunderland AFC’s 5G upgrade at the Stadium of Light, funded in part by DSIT and delivered through a neutral host network, aims to enhance the fan experience with faster connectivity and new digital services. Concurrently, DoveRunner’s sponsorship and the University of Edinburgh’s Grilla deal illustrate ongoing efforts to secure content, support athlete development, and broaden participation in sport through strategic partnerships. This reflects a broader industry move toward tech-enabled, security-certified, and community-focused sports ecosystems.