MADRID: The Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, home to Atlético Madrid, has cemented its status as a leading “smart stadium” with the integration of the LG Sky Ribbon, a pioneering, massive 360° LED screen technology. Atlético Madrid is the first club in the world to deploy this state-of-the-art audiovisual solution.
The Sky Ribbon, a project developed and implemented by long-term technology partner Telefónica, runs along the inner ring of the stadium. It boasts a perimeter of 404 metres, is nearly five metres high, and covers almost 2,000 square metres. René Abril, director of technology and digital development at Atlético de Madrid, described the installation as “an audiovisual experience, a new digital skin for the Metropolitano.”
The installation is part of a broader technological renovation that includes new interior and exterior lighting, a 360° video scoreboard, exterior LED screens, and the fully digitised players’ exit tunnel. Telefónica managed the complex engineering, integrating cabling and redundant video signals without modifying the stadium’s original architecture.
The Metropolitano was already recognised as the first 100 per cent digital stadium in Europe, managed from an intelligent control room coordinating thousands of screens, security cameras, and over 1,600 WiFi points with 5G coverage. This connectivity facilitates advanced fan experiences, such as 5G Multicam, which provides real-time images from 360º cameras and virtual reality content.
The goal of the digital vision is to create a “wow” effect and enhance the emotional experience for fans, who have praised both the spectacular visuals and the improved stadium fluidity. The enhanced digital infrastructure also transforms the venue into a versatile host for major non-football events, concerts, and corporate shows.
The consolidation of its technological ecosystem reinforces the Metropolitano’s readiness for future major events, including the Champions League final in 2027 and its role as a key venue for the 2030 World Cup.