Better digital connectivity for Sunderland AFC fans and esports audiences in the city is coming thanks to a multimillion-pound grant from Government.

A consortium including Sunderland City Council, Sunderland Football Club and British Esports – which is opening a multi-site campus in the city – is one of 19 projects to successfully bid in the Open Networks Ecosystem (ONE) competition, part of the £250m 5G Telecoms Supply Chain Diversification Strategy.

The ‘Sunderland Open Network EcosysTem’ (SONET) Project will bring faster, more reliable 4G and 5G mobile connectivity to the Stadium of Light and the new British Esports National Performance Campus. And the connectivity is intended to usher in digital facilities and services such as easier and faster ticketing, seat-finding capabilities and speedy food and drink ordering.

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SONET says the better connectivity will benefit fans and players with more seamless live streaming and opportunity for interactivity between esports tournaments and live sporting events. It could pave the way for fans to receive real-time statistics, augmented reality enhancements and even virtual meet-and-greets with players.

Liz St Louis, director of smart cities and enabling services at Sunderland City Council, said: “Enabled by grant funding from the Open Networks Ecosystem (ONE) competition, we are delighted to launch the SONET Project. This innovative project will create a more immersive and engaging experience for Esports players and fans at British Esports new National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland, as well as evolving the football ground of Sunderland FC, the Stadium of Light, to meet the needs of future generations, by providing engaging event content and interactive digital experiences.

“With no other esports venue in the world matching SONET’s unique Open RAN infrastructure, National Esports Performance Campus will lead the way globally, significantly contributing to the UK’s capabilities.”

The project also involves the Council’s smart city infrastructure partner BAI Communications, now rebranded to Boldyn Networks, and consultancy Perform Green.

Claire Venners, general manager at Boldyn Networks North, added: “The Sunderland Open Network EcosysTem’ (SONET) Project is set to transform the way we engage with live sports and Esports. By leveraging Sunderland’s advanced smart city infrastructure and the high-speed 5G connectivity that Boldyn is deploying, visitors attending football matches, concerts, and Esports competitions will benefit from a large capacity network that will deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity.”

SAFC’s chief Operating officer, Steve Davison, said: “This is fantastic news for the City of Sunderland and Sunderland AFC. We are a modern and progressive organisation constantly seeking new ways to embrace innovation and technology, and the SONET Project will unlock immense potential when considering our in-stadium experience.

“An aligned approach from all stakeholders continues to ensure the City of Sunderland sets the standard nationally and from concerts and events to live sport, this latest transformative milestone will allow us to take further immense strides forward.”

Meanwhile Chester King, CEO of British Esports, said the project would be a “monumental leap forward” for the arena which is opening as part of the National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland. He said: “The Arena (opening Q1 2024) will become a centre for cutting-edge technology, offering players, fans, and enthusiasts an unparalleled environment for growth, engagement, and innovation. This milestone not only cements our commitment to the esports community but also reinforces our dedication to driving progress in the industry, both locally and on a global scale.”