Atlético de Madrid is beefing up connectivity at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium with HPE Networking technology.
HPE said the project, divided into two phases over the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons, will completely modernize the stadium’s communications system and marks the beginning of a new era in the digitalization of sports infrastructures in Europe.
Club Atlético de Madrid, commonly referred to as Atlético Madrid or simply Atlético and colloquially as Atleti, is a Spanish professional football club based in Madrid (Spain) that plays in LaLiga. The club play their home games at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano which has a capacity to hold 70,692 fans.
The new network will replace the current infrastructure, which has been in operation for eight seasons, and will feature over 1,500 next-generation Wi-Fi 7 wireless access points managed through HPE Aruba Central.
This platform uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect anomalies, dynamically adjust radio frequency (RF) parameters (channel and power) using the AI-native HPE Aruba Networking AirMatch Wi-Fi RF management and automation technology, thus optimizing performance based on user density.
This capability is essential during events with tens of thousands of attendees, when traffic and congestion are at their peak.
The infrastructure will also integrate location services and presence analytics powered by AI, enabling heatmaps and mobility flows to be visualized across different stadium sectors.
These insights help improve security, optimize access management, and adjust staffing or logistical resources according to actual fan behaviour.
Commitment to energy efficiency is another key pillar of the project.
Through AI-powered dynamic power save mode, access points can enter deep sleep mode or reduce their functions when there is no activity, minimizing electricity consumption in a large-scale venue that only operates at full capacity during events.
This is possible using AI-powered dynamic power save mode, which enables adjustment of the energy power use according to the network use.
Alfredo Yepez, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Latin America and Southern Europe at HPE said, “Artificial Intelligence applied to networks is no longer a promise; it is a reality that transforms the way complex infrastructures like a stadium are managed.
“At the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, AI not only enhances the fan experience, but also reduces energy consumption, anticipates issues, and turns data into operational decisions. It is the next step toward a truly smart stadium.”
In parallel, the club is deploying a dedicated network for audiovisual production over IP, completely independent from the general IT network.
This infrastructure has been designed with strict segmentation and Quality of Service (QoS) policies to protect the high-bitrate traffic typical of video broadcasts and minimize end-to-end latency.
The project is being developed together with Telefónica Services Audiovisuals and HPE, with switching tests and traffic validation currently underway.
The technological modernization of the Riyadh Air Metropolitano will also extend to other club facilities. On plots DS-01 and DS-02 of the Sport City, an HPE network will be deployed for the new municipal sports facilities, with work scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026.
Likewise, the High-Performance Center (plot DS-03) will feature a comprehensive HPE network covering training fields, medical areas, press zones, and audiovisual production spaces, with implementation planned between 2025 and 2027.
Óscar Mayo, Chief Revenue and Operating Officer of Atlético de Madrid said, “Our agreement with HPE will allow us to elevate the quality of connectivity in our stadium.
“This has been one of its distinguishing features since its inauguration in 2017, and now it will not only allow us to provide bandwidth to our fans but also enable us to offer services associated with this infrastructure, allowing us to operate an intelligent network.
“The alliance between HPE and Atlético de Madrid represents a strategic step toward creating a safer, more efficient, and sustainable digital ecosystem.
“With this renovation, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano positions itself at the forefront of technological innovation applied to sports, preparing for new challenges in connectivity, automation, and user experience that will shape the future of major sports venues.”
Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.
Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.