Gladbach-iLOQ ‘key’ security partnerships

Article posted by Coliseum, August 28^th, 2025

Image: Stadion im Borussia Park, mr.schnabel, CC BY-SA 2.0

The smart locking solutions company iLOQ has announced a landmark partnership with the Bundesliga team Borussia Mönchengladbach in order to introduce cutting-edge smart security at the team’s iconic Borussia-Park Stadium in Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

‘a&s ADRIA’ stated that the agreement includes the installation of more than 2,000 battery-free smart locks across the 54,057-seater venue. Every door in the stadium will be equipped with a lock that can be opened using a digital key or a smartphone eliminating the need for bulky keychains.

The iLOQ is a global company with roots in Finland whose patented locking solutions work without batteries or cables. The digital and mobile-based technologies maximize security while minimizing maintenance, administration and lifecycle costs in the residential and commercial properties and critical infrastructure. The iLOQ operates in more than 55 countries with over 1,800 partner locations globally. In 2023, the iLOQ had a turnover of €141.3 million and more than 320 employees.

The Borussia Verein für Leibesübungen 1900 e.V. Mönchengladbach, better known as the Borussia Mönchengladbach and colloquially known as just Gladbach, is a professional football club based in Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. They play in the Bundesliga, the top flight of German football.

The 54,057-capacity Borussia-Park is a football stadium in Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, which serves as the home stadium of the Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach.

‘a&s ADRIA’ further stated that the locks generate their own power either by inserting a digital key or from the near-field communication (NFC) induction of a smartphone making them completely battery-free. The VIP areas will benefit from a full smartphone-based access system enabling the guests to manage entry for family and friends directly through iLOQ’s mobile app. The access rights will be controlled centrally ensuring secure, flexible authorization for the players, the staff, the facility managers, and the visitors.

The near-field communication (NFC) is a set of communication protocols that enables communication between the two electronic devices over a distance of four cm or less. The NFC offers a low-speed connection through a simple setup that can be used for the bootstrapping of capable wireless connections.

Stated Sascha Hilgers, Managing Director, iLOQ Germany, “This partnership is a dream come true for me as a lifelong Borussia fan. The new system makes life easier for everyone in the stadium allowing the players and the staff to focus on results on the pitch.”

As part of the partnership the iLOQ’s brand will be showcased prominently throughout the Borussia-Park in the media areas and across the club’s digital channels.

Patrick Herrmann, Sales Manager and the former Borussia Mönchengladbach player, highlighted that the collaboration will raise security standards and improve daily operations for both the staff and the fans.

The iLOQ’s technology is already in use worldwide with more than 10 million locks deployed across over 55 countries, from residential housing to critical infrastructure.

Added Heikki Hiltunen, President-cum-Chief Executive Officer (CEO), iLOQ, “We’re thrilled to partner with a club that shares our values of innovation, performance and community.”

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