In many ways, stadiums are the cultural heartbeat of Australian sport and entertainment. As dynamic pieces of complex infrastructure, these buildings are alive with interconnected, high-speed technology that serves to improve the safety and overall experience of attendees. In stadiums such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Optus Stadium in Perth, Siemens is working to improve the lifecycle, security and energy efficiency frameworks using world-class digital solutions.
To celebrate 150 years of implemented technology across Australian and New Zealand industries, Siemens is announcing once-in-a-lifetime travel prizes every month until the end of the year. The August Beyond 150 Competition will take winners to the dazzling landscapes of Western Australia, and includes a VIP sports package at Optus Stadium for a cricket or Australian Football League (AFL) match. In addition, they will enjoy a stay in the seaside town of Fremantle, a day trip to Rottnest Island and tour at Little Creatures Brewery.
Upcoming large sporting events being hosted in Australia – such as 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, 2026 Commonwealth Games, and 2034 Olympics – will put the spotlight on stadiums and their technological readiness. Far from being passive assets, stadiums require modernised building management to ensure they are future-proofed over their decades-long lifecycle. As conditions change, the infrastructure must be able to adapt, which is where automation and cloud-based tools come in.
Monitoring of energy consumption is a key factor in the maintenance of arenas and stadiums. In 2015, Siemens assisted Melbourne Cricket Club to reduce the MCG’s overall carbon emissions footprint. Following extensive upgrades, such as changing out standard lights to LEDs and an innovative building management system, it became one of the most environmentally sustainable stadiums in the world. Additionally, a smart air conditioning system was installed, capable of adjusting output based on the number of people within a room.
Further considerations to maintaining a technologically advanced stadium include ensuring optimal visibility on safety and security. Since the launch of Optus Stadium in 2018, Siemens has been instrumental in applying a comprehensive suite of technologies for security, safety and modelling across the venue, allowing for increased control during large events. This multi-award-winning project is host to some of the country’s biggest cricket, soccer, rugby and music events.
Building on these capabilities, Siemens’ collaboration with the FC Bayern sports club in Munich has facilitated the digital transformation of stadium safety and turf care at the iconic Allianz Arena. Stadium lawn keeping has traditionally been the task of a greenkeeper – responsible for evaluating and regulating turf conditions throughout seasons (both sporting and weather-related). Now, data gathered by Siemens sensors is delivered through the MindSphere IoT platform, offering informed maintenance recommendations through the FC Bayern Greenkeeper App.
What’s more, the fully integrated arena boasts advanced parking and ticketing systems, power distribution, voice and data communications, video screens and lighting infrastructure. Through a vast network of linked sensors across the stadium site, technicians have full spectrum control over air pressure to contend with varying weather conditions, a computerised audio system, and venue compliance to keep both workers and visitors safe at all times.
To enter the this prize draw of the Beyond 150 Competition, visit the registration page before 31st August 2022.
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