Bringing the Referee’s View to Fans with Private 5G at Der Klassiker

Posted by on

At one of the most anticipated matches in the Bundesliga calendar, fans were treated to a completely new perspective of the game. During the clash between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, the referee took to the pitch not just to officiate but also to broadcast, wearing a head-mounted camera system powered by a private 5G network. This innovation offered supporters a live view from the referee’s vantage point and marked a significant step in fan engagement through emerging technologies.

The system behind this breakthrough was developed by Riedel Communications, which deployed its Easy5G private 5G solution and RefCam Live system at the sold-out Allianz Arena. With 75,000 fans in attendance, the setup delivered high-definition video directly from the referee’s line of sight, streaming it in real time to both a special broadcast and across the Deutsche Fussball Liga’s (DFL) social media channels.

What makes this deployment particularly noteworthy is the ease and speed with which the network was established. Riedel’s Easy5G system is designed to be deployed in under an hour, requiring only standard IT equipment and no need for fibre infrastructure or deep 5G expertise. The system’s plug-and-play architecture, together with its dedicated frequency operation, ensured stable and high-quality video streaming even in the challenging high-density environment of a packed stadium.

The RefCam system integrated a high-quality point-of-view camera with Riedel’s ultra-light headset and was paired with wireless communications and a streaming beltpack, all worn discreetly under the referee’s official kit. This configuration enabled a stabilised, immersive broadcast without interfering with the referee’s performance or mobility.

Easy5G’s ability to prioritise uplink-heavy applications such as live video, thanks to configurable uplink and downlink ratios, played a crucial role in this use case. The system also incorporated Wi-Fi-based fallback for pre-match operations in areas beyond 5G coverage, such as the referees’ locker room, ensuring seamless setup and operation throughout the venue.

From a technology perspective, Easy5G combines carrier-grade performance with simplicity and scalability. It has been built to adapt across industries and events, whether in fixed installations at large venues or in temporary setups like this football match. The deployment at Der Klassiker also highlights the solution’s integration capabilities, especially with other Riedel systems for media transport and communication, allowing comprehensive IP-based workflows for live event production.

This trial was made possible through collaboration with DFL and under the approval framework from IFAB and FIFA for body-worn cameras in football. While the primary aim was to enrich the fan experience, the system also offers potential value for referee training and match analysis.

By bringing the audience closer to the action through a referee’s lens, Riedel and DFL have demonstrated how private 5G networks can transform live sports broadcasting. As such deployments become more common, they signal the growing role of private 5G in shaping the future of media, sport, and fan interaction.

Related Posts: 

Comments

Post a Comment