Smart stadiums: Running the future of sports venues

The concept of the "smart stadium" has gained momentum as venue operators recognize the dual opportunity to reduce operational costs while meeting growing environmental expectations from fans, regulators, and sponsors. Stadiums are increasingly adopting more sustainable ways of operating, such as efficiently using energy and utilizing renewable sources of energy.

Our comprehensive approach to stadium automation centers on our i-bus® KNX system, a smart building automation system, built on the globally recognized KNX standard, that connects all electrical components throughout the stadium, into one unified network. The ABB i-bus® KNX system manages the lighting throughout the stadium, from the team locker rooms to the action on the pitch, from the terraces to the VIP lounges. This comprehensive coverage ensures consistent energy optimization across all facility areas, from public spaces to operational zones.

This technology transforms traditional stadiums into intelligent ecosystems where lighting, climate control, security, and energy management work in perfect harmony. The system uses energy-saving algorithms that evaluate the time of day, natural illumination and the overall load on the power grid, ensuring that stadiums operate at peak efficiency regardless of event schedules or external conditions.

Case studies across the world

ABB's stadium technology has proven its effectiveness across diverse markets and venue types.

Austria
Spain
Brazil

The transformation of Austria's Generali Arena exemplifies the potential of intelligent building systems in sports facilities. We have supplied several technology solutions, including the KNX system, thanks to which it is possible to network all the lighting, shades, heating, air conditioning and ventilation components of the stadium, which guarantees energy savings. In addition, we have also provided dry-type transformers, which meet the latest energy efficiency standards in the European Union.

El Sadar stadium's ambitious 2019-2021 refurbishment increased capacity to 23,500 spectators while completely modernizing its electrical infrastructure to the highest standards of reliability and efficiency. Working with local partners, ABB provided an integrated solution including System pro E Power modular systems, distribution panels with ComfortLine enclosures, and state-of-the-art switchgear with circuit breakers, differentials, and motor protection systems.

ABB has many products integrated within Rio de Janeiro's sports infrastructure, built to hold sporting events and leisure in the city. The company serves as one of the equipment suppliers for large lighting networks and power supply at the Deodoro Sports Complex (Complexo Esportivo Deodoro), as well as facilities in Copacabana, Barra da Tijuca, the sambadrome, and the stadia Maracanã and Maracanãzinho.

Among the cutting-edge solutions are low-voltage products, such as switchgear, surge protection devices (SPDs) and an ACS880 single drive, all contributing to power security and reliability of the infrastructure.

Italy
Norway
Switzerland

At Italy's famous Erta slope in San Vigilio di Marebbe, ABB technology optimizes snowmaking for the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. The advanced energy management system integrates ABB Ability™ Energy Manager with TechnoAlpin snow cannons, enabling real-time energy consumption optimization and intelligent remote management. System Pro E Power switchboards with Emax 2 and Tmax XT circuit breakers connect the resort to ABB's monitoring platform, allowing operators to track power demand and energy input while reducing costs.

In Norway, the Odd soccer club’s Skagerak Arena in Skien has its entire rooftop covered with 5,700 square meters of solar modules. They have a nominal power of 800kWp. The battery energy storage and the energy management system, provided by ABB, ensure maximum use of renewable power even when there is low light.

Our technology is also used at the Tissot Arena, world’s largest in-stadium solar power plant, located in Biel, Switzerland. The sports complex features an extended roof which has about 16,500 square meters of space available for the solar modules, equivalent to the total size of two soccer fields. The annual energy production of the plant equals the consumption of approximately 500 average Swiss households.

At the Lido di Locarno, a popular aquatic center, keeping visitors safe while being mindful of energy costs is a top priority. When they renovated in 2008, they made renewable energy and reduced consumption key goals, so replacing their aging 30kVA UPS (uninterruptible power supply) was a natural next step. The new ABB PowerScale 33 UPS delivers exactly what they needed: complete power protection for critical safety systems plus energy savings of up to 10 percent.

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The Smart stadium revolution

Case studies across the world