In a significant development for the burgeoning esports and sports industry in the United Kingdom, the Government has allocated £5.7 million ($7.1 million/€6.6 million) in funding to support 5G connectivity solutions. Among the projects set to benefit from this investment is the “Sunderland Open Network EcosysTem” (SONET) Project, led by Sunderland City Council in collaboration with several partners, including British Esports, Boldyn Networks, Sunderland Football Club, and Perform Green.
Empowering next-generation interactions
The objective of the SONET Project is to leverage cutting-edge technology, particularly 5G connectivity, to facilitate more engaging interactions and elevate the future of live-streamed football and global esports events. The funding announcement ensures improved reliability of 4G and 5G mobile connectivity not only at the Stadium of Light, a prominent football ground, but also at the upcoming National Performance Campus in Sunderland.
The National Performance Campus, a versatile facility situated in front of the Stadium of Light, is poised to become a hub for digital and computing technology. This innovative space will feature a 100-seater esports arena, state-of-the-art training rooms, broadcast facilities, and much more. Visitors to these venues can look forward to staying seamlessly connected and enjoying interactive, digitally-enabled services.
5G enhanced live streaming and interactivity
The high-speed connectivity offered by 5G promises to deliver seamless live streaming and interactivity during esports tournaments and live sporting events. The integration of this technology is expected to redefine the future of live esports and sports experiences, making them more immersive and engaging.
British Esports spearheading progress
Chester King, the CEO of British Esports, expressed immense pride in securing the SONET 5G bid for Sunderland. He believes that this accomplishment marks a significant step forward for the National Esports Performance Campus, emphasizing its potential to reshape the landscape of live esports and sports experiences.
The introduction of 5G connectivity will transform the arena into a center for cutting-edge technology, offering players, fans, and enthusiasts an unparalleled environment for growth, engagement, and innovation. King stated,
“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.”
Liz St Louis, the Director of Smart Cities and Enabling Services at Sunderland City Council, highlighted the potential of this technology infusion in making the National Esports Performance Campus a global leader. St Louis asserted that this innovative project will create a more immersive and engaging experience for esports players and fans at the campus.
The SONET Project’s unique Open RAN (Radio Access Network) infrastructure positions the National Esports Performance Campus as a trailblazer on a global scale, significantly enhancing the UK’s capabilities in the esports and sports arena.
Transformative impact on Esports and sports
The Government’s investment in 5G connectivity solutions represents a pivotal moment for the esports and sports industry in the UK. With the implementation of state-of-the-art technology, the National Esports Performance Campus is poised to offer unparalleled experiences for esports enthusiasts and sports aficionados alike. The enhanced connectivity promises seamless streaming and real-time interactivity, catapulting the campus into the upper echelons of global esports and sports infrastructure.
The Stadium of Light, home to Sunderland Football Club, will also reap the benefits of improved connectivity. As the epicenter of football in Sunderland, the stadium will be able to offer fans an enhanced digital experience, from smoother mobile connectivity to advanced fan engagement initiatives. This upgrade is set to further enrich the matchday experience for football fans in the region.
Global significance
The SONET Project’s innovative approach to 5G connectivity is expected to draw attention and admiration on a global scale. With no comparable esports venue worldwide boasting the unique Open RAN infrastructure that SONET offers, the National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland is poised to set new standards in the industry. As esports continues its meteoric rise and traditional sports evolve to embrace the digital age, the UK’s capabilities in hosting world-class events are set to be significantly bolstered.
