THREE LAUNCHES FIRST LIVE 5G THROUGHOUT A PREMIERSHIP STADIUM AT STAMFORD BRIDGE

Three’s 5G network is now live across Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge, the first Premier league stadium in the UK to switch on 5G across its entirety, paving the way for the ultimate connected fan experience.

Five legendary ex-players from Chelsea’s playing history, Geremi Njitap, Gianfranco Zola, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Rob Green, and William Gallas, visited their old ground at Stamford Bridge to help mark the achievement.  The Chelsea ‘5 Gs’ gathered on the pitch to welcome the arrival of Chelsea FC’s newest signing and fastest ever squad member yet – 5G.

The move to 5G follows Three’s commitment to support fan engagement at the stadium and beyond. The capacity of Three’s 5G means that everyone will be able to access a seamless and connected experience on match days. Three customers with a 5G device are currently enjoying speeds of up to 250Mbps, allowing for much faster upload and download speeds, browsing and even HD streaming.

The low latency and high bandwidth of 5G means fans can therefore enjoy game, keep up with other scores, stream highlights in HD at half-time, and video call friends to meet up for a half-time drink and snack – a simple task that frustrates many fans when visiting stadiums.

Three has also expanded its 4G capacity, so even if you have an older device you will still access improved in-stadium capabilities. The upgrade to Stamford Bridge also paves the way for the ultimate connected fan experience. For instance, through an augmented reality overlay fans could study in-game player statistics – for instance ground covered, top speed, shots on target, passes made – all in real-time. With multiple cameras around the ground each fan could have the option of viewing a moment of play or goal from a different angle, such as the other end of the ground or from the subs bench.

Three’s commitment to bringing seamless 5G connection to the club also stretches beyond Stamford Bridge. Instalments throughout the stadium will not only bring fans and players closer together but connect customers from the moment they step off the tube, bus or train. Plans are also in place to install 5G at the Cobham training centre and Kingsmeadow, where Chelsea FC Women’s first team play.

Three is also working with the club to improve network coverage for those living in the local area by installing microsites around the perimeter of the stadium to further offload the surrounding network and keep everyone connected.

Robert Finnegan, CEO at Three, said: “We are thrilled to be the first in the Premiership to deploy a fully operational 5G network here at Stamford Bridge. We are proud to partner with such an iconic club and to be able to help drive innovations in connectivity that will help shape the future fan experience at Chelsea FC and many other stadiums across the UK.

“5G will fundamentally change the way we work and play and it will be a game-changer for the sports and entertainment business. With the multiple possibilities around fan engagement and stadium management we are excited at what the future holds.”

Guy Laurence, CEO at Chelsea FC, added: “What Three has achieved here at Stamford Bridge is ground-breaking and a testament to the strength of its 5G network. The possibilities of how we can enhance the fan and stadium experience are endless and our team is excited that it is now live.

“Staying connected is essential for fans and mobile has become an integral part of matchdays. 5G enables us to begin to merge the physical and digital for ultimate fan experiences. With Three beside us, we will be able to deliver the next generation of connected entertainment and continue our quest to be one of the most innovative clubs in world football.”