News

CAE has completed a £2.5 million project to install Europe’s first major Cisco StadiumVision solution at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, installing75,000 metres of cable and 400 LCD screens on time and on budget for the world-leading stadium.

CAE Technology Services successfully project-managed the implementation of a completely new media fibre, data and power cabling infrastructure, which was used for the first time at Saturday’s Wales versus Australia rugby match. The project is the most significant investment in the stadium’s technology since it was opened in 1999 and supports its standing as one of the world’s leading sports venues.

The project involved installing 400 large format LCD screens and accompanying media players mounted in the stands, concourses, concession areas and hospitality areas of the stadium, as well as the technology behind the system. The stadium now has two of the largest screens in the world at either end of the pitch, at 90 square metres each, which were custom-fixed to the stadium roof.

“CAE’s work was more than just a refresh,” said Millennium Stadium Venue IT Manager Craig Phillips. “In just a month we have gone from having a handful of CRT screen TVs to having a fully interactive system that will give supporters up-to-the-moment information during the game, wherever they are in the stadium, using the latest technology.”

Justin Harling, managing director at CAE Technology Services, commented: “Every screen needed to be carefully mapped onto the stadium plans, and then precisely positioned during the implementation. Each one posed a different challenge – some needed waterproof casings, bespoke brackets or temperature controls, and all needed to look perfect. We were incredibly pleased to see the seven different suppliers working together to meet the deadline, providing the highest-quality finish and completing the work with no disruption to the stadium’s operations.

“The Millennium Stadium is more than just a sports venue – its success is essential to the local economy, and we have been proud to be involved in making it one of the most technically-advanced stadiums in the world,” Harling concluded.

The completion of the installation is just the start of CAE Technology Services relationship with the Millenium Stadium, as it will be providing technical support for the next 10 years. Future projects include introducing wireless technology to the stadium, keeping it ahead of the game in all areas of user entertainment.