Sport Lisboa e Benfica, one of Portugal’s most prestigious football clubs, has partnered with Clear-Com to upgrade the communications system at the Estádio da Luz, ensuring easier coordination across all operational teams within the stadium. Estádio da Luz, which opened in 2003 and seats over 65,000 spectators, presented a complex environment with its multiple tiers of seating and a central control room situated on the third tier.
The upgrade addresses key communication challenges, including radio coverage issues in critical areas such as the pitch entrance tunnel and bench area, which are enclosed by thick safety glass, as well as providing comprehensive coverage across the entire pitch and fan zone.
To meet these demands, Clear-Com collaborated closely with local Partner Decimagem to support a proof of concept test during a live game. The test utilised Clear-Com’s FreeSpeak II wireless beltpacks and IP transceivers, which provided the necessary coverage even in the stadium’s most challenging areas.
Following the successful trial, further discussions led to the implementation of a comprehensive communication system based on Clear-Com’s 32-port Arcadia Central Station. This system supports four HelixNet IP-based speaker stations strategically placed in the control room and other key locations. Additionally, a dozen FreeSpeak II beltpacks and headsets were deployed, divided into groups for camera operators, LED display wall support, and the Benfica Experience team.
To extend communications capabilities further, the Arcadia system was connected to an LQ Series IP Interface, enabling up to eight users to connect via Clear-Com’s Agent-IC mobile app. This allows mobile users to maintain communication in areas covered by Benfica’s extensive Wi-Fi 6 network, including the fan zone outside the stadium. The Agent-IC app also offers coverage in areas without Wi-Fi via cellular networks, ensuring robust and reliable communication during match days.
Benfica’s existing intercom system was also integrated into the new setup using Arcadia’s latest firmware release and IV Direct feature, which allows analogue audio to be transported over IP. This was achieved without the need for additional cabling, as the existing IP network facilitated connectivity between the central control room and various operational positions throughout the stadium.
Mario Correia, head of broadcast & AV, said: “It’s very easy to change the [Arcadia Central Station] system to meet our needs. We were able to configure the system to match our requirements, and the stadium is covered in the areas we need by the beltpacks and the Agent-IC application.”
John Sparrow, EMEA senior systems consultant at Clear-Com, added: “Having taken part in the project from the initial concept through to the final installation, commissioning, and training, I am very pleased that we were able to meet the original design brief from Benfica. With the two IPT transceivers mounted 40m up in the stadium structure, we were able to do a walk test that proved the entire stadium is easily covered with the FreeSpeak II system.”
