Transforming Stadium Connectivity: The Power of Cell-Stack by Weaver Labs

Fan experience is no longer just a buzzword, it’s the heart of modern stadium operations. With technology advancing at an unprecedented pace, fans expect more than just a game; they demand a seamless, immersive, and connected experience. This shift has forced stadiums to rethink their role not just as venues for sport, but as entertainment ecosystems where every touchpoint, from ticketing to post-match engagement, is carefully designed to enhance fan satisfaction.

The Connectivity Gap: A Barrier to Growth

Many stadiums have focused on expanding seating, hospitality, and entertainment options, but one fundamental aspect often remains overlooked: connectivity. Poor network infrastructure leads to frustrated fans, missed commercial opportunities, and operational inefficiencies. This is where Weaver Labs and its innovative platform, Cell-Stack, come into play.

What is Cell-Stack?

Cell-Stack is a cutting-edge software platform engineered to revolutionise stadium connectivity through an innovative Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model. Unlike traditional network solutions, it goes beyond basic connectivity by enabling stadiums to deploy, manage, and monetise private 5G networks swiftly and effectively. This infrastructure-as-a-service approach not only reduces dependency on telecom operators but also opens new pathways for revenue generation through advanced digital services, edge computing, and targeted fan experiences.

At the core of Cell-Stack is its robust, integrated edge cloud, that enables stadiums to deploy, manage, and monetise advanced digital services tailored to each event. This edge cloud infrastructure supports real-time data processing, AI-driven analytics, and immersive fan experiences such as live streaming, in-seat ordering, and interactive digital content. By leveraging this infrastructure, stadiums can dynamically adjust network capabilities based on the scale of the event, offering a scalable solution that not only enhances connectivity but also drives additional revenue streams through targeted service offerings and premium content delivery.

The Commercial Edge: Transforming Connectivity into Profit

Traditionally, stadiums have been passive consumers of connectivity, relying on third-party telecom operators to provide basic coverage. This model is costly and inflexible, offering limited potential for revenue generation. Cell-Stack flips the model by enabling stadiums to control their own network infrastructure, creating tailored experiences and unlocking greater service innovation.

Demonstrating the Impact: Stadium MK and Project ARANa

One of the most compelling examples of Cell-Stack’s capabilities is Project ARANa at Stadium MK, a collaborative initiative led by Weaver Labs. During three live matches, Cell-Stack powered AI-driven analytics, 3D venue mapping, and real-time streaming from different pitch angles. The response was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting how a unified network infrastructure can transform the stadium experience without the need for fragmented systems or multiple vendors.

The ROI Analysis: From Connectivity Costs to Revenue Opportunities

In a comprehensive analysis conducted in collaboration with Tolaga Research, Weaver Labs undertook a detailed financial study to assess the impact of implementing a NaaS model powered by Cell-Stack compared to conventional connectivity solutions, including Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and traditional solutions (non-software-based). The study aimed to evaluate key financial metrics, such as Net Present Value (NPV), time-to-market for new services, and overall revenue generation capabilities. The findings revealed significant economic benefits, establishing Cell-Stack as a game-changing infrastructure investment for stadiums. Key insights include:

• The analysis demonstrated a substantial increase in Net Present Value (NPV) over a five-year period, rising from £16.8 million using legacy DAS architecture to £52.14 million under the Cell-Stack NaaS model. This impressive financial uplift highlights the transformative potential of transitioning from traditional, hardware-heavy infrastructure to a software-centric, cloud-enabled network model.
• The NaaS model powered by Cell-Stack enabled significant cost reductions by replacing hardware-centric networks with software-based, cloud-enabled architectures. This shift not only lowered capital expenditure but also allowed for more agile service deployments, further enhancing operational flexibility.
• Cell-Stack’s cloud-native framework facilitated rapid deployment of revenue-generating services, reducing time-to-market from months to weeks. By integrating AI-driven analytics, AR/VR fan experiences, and personalised digital content, stadiums can rapidly monetise network capabilities and capture new revenue streams.

Beyond Match Days: Expanding Revenue Streams

Cell-Stack is not just a game-day asset; it’s a comprehensive platform that empowers stadiums to seamlessly adapt to a variety of events, ranging from corporate conferences to music festivals and large-scale sporting events. What sets Cell-Stack apart is its exceptional agility to rapidly adjust network capacity, deploy new services, and integrate advanced digital applications based on event-specific demands. This level of responsiveness ensures that stadiums can effectively monetise their network assets across multiple event types, maximising revenue potential without the need for extensive physical infrastructure upgrades. By leveraging its robust, cloud-native architecture, Cell-Stack empowers stadiums to:

• Scale network capabilities based on event size and type.
• Launch targeted VIP experiences, personalised offers, and sponsorships.
• Monetize fan data, AR activations, and premium digital content.

The Bigger Picture: Future-Proofing Stadiums

Stadiums that invest in modern, agile digital infrastructures — like private networks combined with edge cloud services — position themselves to not only deliver incredible fan experiences but also to drive significant new revenue streams. Treating connectivity as a core asset rather than a cost is key to leading the next era of sports and entertainment venues.

At Weaver Labs, the mission is clear: connectivity should be more than a utility; it should be a strategic asset that transforms stadiums into digital-first, revenue-generating powerhouses. With Cell-Stack, stadiums can redefine fan experiences, unlock new revenue streams, and future-proof their operations for the next generation of sports and entertainment.