Real Madrid, the Spanish soccer giants, and technology powerhouse Cisco have entered into a new global partnership until 2024.
Under the tie-up, the US-based company will serve as the club’s official technology partner and provide connectivity services at its Santiago Bernabeu home stadium – which is presently undergoing major redevelopment.
Cisco will equip the iconic 81,000-seat stadium (which is expected to have its refurbishment complete by the start of 2023 at the latest) with its connectivity, security, data center, and digital signage solutions.
Real Madrid has claimed that the venue will have the largest wireless network based on Wi-Fi 6 technology, with more than 1,200 access points to be installed inside the Bernabéu.
In addition, more than 1,000 screens in the stadium will be equipped with Cisco's IPTV solution, which combines high-definition video distribution with digital signage.
The refurbishment of the Bernabéu is scheduled to be completed early next year and is costing the club between €800 million ($897 million) and €900 million.
The renovated Bernabeu will feature a retractable roof and turf to allow for the staging of non-sporting events such as music concerts.
The LaLiga side recently agreed a 25-year commercial contract with US sports marketing agency Legends worth an annual €400 million to manage non-sporting events at the refurbished stadium.
The agreement will see Real Madrid and the company launch a new joint venture to stage regular events at the venue with Legends to receive 20% of the profits.
Emílio Butragueño, director of institutional relations at Real Madrid, said: “Thanks to this collaboration agreement with Cisco, the Santiago Bernabéu guarantees that it can take data, voice and videos to any point and thus provide the widest range of services and an unparalleled show in the world of football.”
Wendy Mars, president of Cisco EMEAR, added: “We are pleased to add a club with such a history to a global set of sporting institutions that Cisco works with. We look forward to bringing together the power of our two global brands to drive a more connected and inclusive future for football.”
Cisco also has partnerships in sports with American football’s NFL and the organizing committee for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, both of which were agreed last year.
