Sports

How stadiums are meeting the ever-growing demand for data and connectivity

Stade Orange Vélodrome in Marselle being prepared for 2024 Six Nations opening match between France and Ireland in February Of all the rapidly changing trends witnessed by sports – and in particular their fans – over the past decade, one of the most significant is what has become of sports stadiums. Indeed, it could be […]

Published

1 month ago

June 3, 2025

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Stade Orange Vélodrome in Marselle being prepared for 2024 Six Nations opening match between France and Ireland in February

Of all the rapidly changing trends witnessed by sports – and in particular their fans – over the past decade, one of the most significant is what has become of sports stadiums. Indeed, it could be argued that the term ‘modern sports stadium’ is somewhat old fashioned as the homes of sports teams have evolved into multi-use events facilities.

Any stadium that is being constructed from new or being upgraded is done so with the clear message that the end result won’t be what passed before to satisfy fans. The new or enhanced stadium is now a true communications hub, capable of meeting the connectivity demands of those who visit them: that is of the transmission of masses of video content to and from not just fans but also broadcasters, and not just content from sports fans but also those going to music events.

For all sports stadiums, providing a modern, high-quality communications network is very much a team game, principally involving a leading comms operator that not only understands current demands but can demonstrate how to manage the inevitable data explosion. Few countries’ sports arenas have had to deal with this issue more than those in France. And – as exemplified with its work for the last Rugby World cup and Olympic Games, as well as routine Ligue 1 games – few companies have provided solutions to meet this demand more than Orange.

Calling growth in data at today’s sports arenas ‘robust’ would be very much an understatement. A 2024 study from Ericsson calculated that arena venues had seen a 67% growth in data usage compared with a year previously, noting specifically that fans in stadiums now demand high-performance, robust and reliable mobile coverage to share, interact with and stream content. The next survey will almost certainly see this figure surpassed considerably. At the Stade Orange Vélodrome in Marseilles, this will be a certainty.

The home of Olympique de Marseille (OM) – traditionally seen as France’s second team behind the enriched Paris Saint-Germain – is unique in that not only does it have naming rights sponsorship from a leading global comms operator, it is also the home of a test bed for mobile and fixed communications technology and services. Orange’s relationship with OM really began in earnest in the 4G days of June 2016 as part of a grand strategy to create a totally renovated connected stadium in time for that year’s Euros tournament.

Recalling the connectivity demands of the time, Guillaume Chabas, head of innovation at Orange Business and head of the 5G Lab at Orange Vélodrome, said the first step was to create something significant with the wireless connection and create and purpose some applications for new usage. In 2016, 4G was the mobile standard but on its own it was not enough. WiFi connectivity had to be implemented to upgrade network capacity because 4G was not enough to meet anticipated network loads.

Six years later – just months away from a Rugby World Cup that would see Orange Vélodrome act as a key host stadium – 5G had very much entered the room and not just metaphorically. The end of the 2021/22 football season saw fans in the hospitality boxes and premium seats able to make use of the Orange 5G network to see the first use cases that the next-generation mobile infrastructure could support. Indeed, Orange Vélodrome was also France’s first 5G-equipped stadium, taking advantage of a non-standalone core network that comprised a 3.5GHz mid-band network complemented by experimental mmWave 5G in the 26GHz range. There was also AWS Edge Capacity connected to an experimental 5G area and to a cloud/hybrid edge.

Initial supported technologies and services included virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), video analytics based on artificial intelligence (AI), and real-time monitoring of stadium resources. One of the most impressive and interesting of these was the Augmented Match service, a mixed-reality mobile app developed jointly by Orange and Immersiv.io that allowed fans to access real-time technical and statistical information about the players on the field. This gave the option of data on the players – such as distance ran, goals scored, general pedigree etc – transposed upon the official TV feed of the game for those watching on a smartphone. The players’ positions were displayed in real time along with other data, such as shots, dribbles, passes and defence.

The app ran over the experimental 26GHz 5G network along with edge computing, using Computer Vision to detect player position, with 5G ensuring a very high-speed connection, necessary to provide the lowest possible latency to avoid any lag between the actions on the field, AR data and even digital twins of the players.

It’s no surprise to discover that Chabas and his team were also actively involved in the 2024 Paris Olympics for which select maritime events were hosted in the nearby marina in Marseilles. In terms of challenges, and indeed environment, the Marseilles nautical events brought about unique conditions for network broadcast. The company leant in on the established Stade Orange fibre network that routinely sees use in transporting high-quality broadcast video during OM home fixtures. A key part of the broadcast service was based on using specially optimised Samsung S24 smartphones as TV cameras directly on boats, supported by an Orange private 5G network.

Fast forward to 2025 and the Orange Vélodrome is upping the connectivity ante to stay relevant for today’s fans. “From the way athletes train to how fans experience the game, technology is transforming sports at every level. While unlocking new business opportunities, it creates immersive entertainment and democratises sports, making them more interactive and inclusive,” says Chabas.

Orange has now deployed four key applications to boost broadcasting and ultimately the fan experience, namely an evolved Immersiv.io app that brings AR overlays and live stats and replays directly into the stadium; Touch2See which is designed to enable visually impaired fans to ‘feel’ the game through tactile tablets; 5G+ for Camera, said to offer “seamless” media production; and Team Connect, based on a private 5G network that is said to enable private 5G media production. Specifically, the app is designed to allow real-time, high-performance interference-free live broadcasting and critical event communications during events using dedicated frequencies and cloud services to streamline operations.

Going forward, Chabas see more innovation from the connectivity set up. Key projects being investigated include potential advanced monetisation opportunities from video feeds by which AI could recognise key brands’ sports equipment. Prioritised electronic payment services are regarded as another key area. But essentially, the key will be delivering an advanced comms infrastructure to make these potentials real, with AI very much at the forefront in the new immersive world of sports broadcast.

“As 5G, AI, and immersive technologies evolve, the future of sport is not just something you watch; it’s something you live,” Chabas concludes.

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Sports

Exciting Digital Transformation Coming to Extra Inning Softball

Published

22 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Extra Inning Softball is drastically transforming its content delivery, shifting focus to a digital-first approach that resonates with today’s fast-paced audience. Moving away from traditional written articles, the platform will introduce engaging formats such as video interviews and podcasts to better connect with athletes and their families. Upcoming segments like Madness Mondays, Wisdom Wednesdays, and Faith Fridays will emphasize timely discussions, growth-oriented insights, and character-building narratives relevant to the sport. This evolution represents a commitment to both modern engagement and supporting female athletes across the nation.

By the Numbers

Madness Mondays to launch July 14, focusing on current hot topics in softball.
Wisdom Wednesdays launch on July 16, offering practical advice and insights from top figures in the sport.
Faith Fridays to begin July 18, emphasizing the role of belief in character development.

State of Play

Leader Bonnie Holland emphasizes content modernization to fit audience consumption patterns.
Digital offerings will include a revamped YouTube channel featuring athlete interviews and behind-the-scenes content.
Voices From the Field podcast already available for engaging discussions in the softball community.

What’s Next

The digital transformation will roll out additional convenience-focused content over the coming months, ensuring accessibility and engagement for athletes and families. As the shift progresses, expect even more audio and video formats coupled with real-time content that reflects the evolving nature of the sport.

Bottom Line

This shift to a digital-first model not only addresses the reality of athletes’ busy schedules but also enhances the engagement of fans and families through multimedia content that informs, inspires, and connects, ensuring that Extra Inning Softball stays at the forefront of the fastpitch landscape.

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Texas athlete Osawese Agbonkonkon excels in high jump and novel writing

University of Texas athlete Osawese Agbonkonkon pursues high jumping and has published a science fiction novel, using his precision skills in both fields. HOUSTON — In track and field, the high jump is all about speed, timing, and technique — something University of Texas rising junior Osawese Agbonkonkon knows well. “You run the curve properly and […]

Published

39 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

University of Texas athlete Osawese Agbonkonkon pursues high jumping and has published a science fiction novel, using his precision skills in both fields.

HOUSTON — In track and field, the high jump is all about speed, timing, and technique — something University of Texas rising junior Osawese Agbonkonkon knows well.

“You run the curve properly and hit a very stiff takeoff,” Agbonkonkon said. “Finding whatever time I can to write. I love to do it.

The Texas native was always an athlete, participating in swimming, ice skating and soccer. But it wasn’t until a 5th-grade writing prompt piqued his interest and opened the door to a new passion.

“I like the idea of just, you know, opening up a page and starting to create something that’s completely my own,” he said.

He didn’t begin high jumping until his junior year of high school. But once he did, the same focus he brought to writing helped him excel.

“You have to bring a lot of speed into the jump, and then hit the takeoff very stiff,” he said. “The idea is you want to use rotational speed to propel yourself over the bar.”

That precision and attention to detail carried into his creative life as well.

“Just the idea of wanting to have things planned out, wanted to make sure that I know all the steps I need to take,” Agbonkonkon said.

Around 2015, Agbonkonkon began developing the concept for his novel, Psychic Suit, a science fiction story that explores the narrative of power and mental health.

“One of my childhood best friends, who lived in my neighborhood, we’d routinely go out to the trampoline in my backyard and, you know, we’d kind of just act out our own versions of like stories and, and it hit me one day, maybe I could write down some of these,” he recalled.

Not only did Agbonkonkon write Psychic Suit, he published it himself — a major feat for a full-time student and athlete. Putting his story out into the world, he said, wasn’t unlike stepping onto the track.

“It’s kind of like blocking out the outside noise and understanding that if you believe in what you’re doing, that’s good enough,” he said.

Agbonkonkon already has sequels in mind and hopes to expand the Psychic Suit universe and break into film and television.

At the same time, he’s focused on taking his jumping career to the next level.

“Going pro is definitely one of my big goals,” he said.

But if his journey proves anything, it’s that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of choosing just one path.

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U.S. Girls U19 National Team Falls to Bulgaria in Five Sets at 2025 World Championship

Colorado Springs, Colo. (July 6, 2025) – For the second match in a row, the U.S. Girls U19 National Team extended a match to five sets before falling, this time to Bulgaria, 3-2 (25-15, 16-25, 27-25, 13-25, 15-5) on Sunday at the 2025 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship in Osijek, Croatia. The U.S. (2-2) will […]

Published

1 hour ago

July 7, 2025

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Colorado Springs, Colo. (July 6, 2025) – For the second match in a row, the U.S. Girls U19 National Team extended a match to five sets before falling, this time to Bulgaria, 3-2 (25-15, 16-25, 27-25, 13-25, 15-5) on Sunday at the 2025 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship in Osijek, Croatia.

The U.S. (2-2) will complete pool play tomorrow, Monday, July 7, at 12:15 p.m. PT in a key matchup against Türkiye (2-2).

The U.S. dominated at the net with 16 blocks compared to just four for Bulgaria but was unable to overcome the deficits in kill. (60-51). Bulgaria served two more aces (9-7).

Outside hitter Suli Davis was one of four U.S. players in double figures, leading the team with 17 points on 12 kills, three blocks and two aces. Outside Kelly Kinney also registered 12 kills.

Middle blocker Abbey Emch scored 11 points with five kills, two aces and sharing team-high honors with setter Genevieve Harris with four blocks. Outside hitter Devyn Wiest totaled 10 points on eight kills, a block and an ace.

Middle blocker Gabrielle Nichols scored seven points on four kills, two blocks and an ace, and outside hitter Lameen Mambu added six points on five kills and an ace.

“Another battle in Pool C tonight,” head coach Keegan Cook said. “Bulgaria has been excellent from the service line and some big serves in the fifth set. I’m extremely impressed by the performances of our athletes who entered the match, particularly our outside hitters. I’m looking forward to another great opportunity tomorrow with Türkiye.”

In the first set, the U.S. trailed by three points, 12-9, when Bulgaria went on a 10-3 lead to take over the set. Emch scored four points on two kills, a block and an ace.

The key point in the second set was with the U.S. clinging to a 13-12 lead. Davis hustled to retrieve an errant pass and Harris later scored on a block to spark a 6-0 run that put the U.S. up 18-12. With the score 21-14, Nichols scored, and Davis followed with back-to-back aces for a 10-point lead. Davis (two kills, two aces, one block) and Nichols (three kills, one block, one ace) each scored five points.

An ace gave Bulgaria an early 10-4 lead in the third set. The U.S. battled back and finally tied the score at 21. Davis made a one-handed dig and then scored to tie the set again at 22. The U.S. tied the set at 24 after fighting off two set points and fought off another set point at 25-24 before Bulgaria was finally able to string two points together. Davis led the U.S. with six kills with Wiest adding four.

The U.S. started the fourth set on a 7-2 run and never looked back. A Wiest ace and a Harris kill on an overpass made it 6-2 and sent Bulgaria to its first timeout. Davis scored on the next play and the lead was never less than five points after that. Davis again led the U.S., scoring five points on three kills and two blocks. Kinney recorded four kills, and Wiest added two kills and a block to her ace for four points.

Bulgaria scored the first two points of the fifth set and never trailed, building an 8-3 lead as the teams switched sides.

2025 U19 National Team Roster for World Championship

(Name, Pos., Birth Year, Height, Hometown, School, Region)
3 Jordan Taylor (MB, 6-5, 2007, Houston, Texas, University of Minnesota, Lone Star)
5 Lily Hayes (L, 5-9, 2007, Tampa, Fla., Berkeley Prep HS, Florida)
6 Suli Davis (OH, 6-1, 2007, Euless, Texas, Brigham Young University, North Texas)
8 Abbey Emch (MB, 6-3, 2007, New Waterford, Ohio, University of Pittsburgh, Ohio Valley)
10 Isabelle Hoppe (S, 5-8, 2008, Gibsonia, Pa., Pine Richland HS, Ohio Valley)
11 Kelly Kinney (OH/OPP, 6-2, 2007, West Palm Beach, Fla., The Kings Academy, Florida)
12 Genevieve Harris (S, 5-11, 2007, Raleigh, N.C, Cardinal Gibbons HS, Carolina)
13 Gabrielle Nichols (MB, 6-3, 2007, Winston Salem, N.C., Penn State University, Carolina)
16 Cari Spears (OH, 6-3, 2007, Dallas, Texas, University of Texas, North Texas)
17 Lameen Mambu (OH, 6-0, 2007, Chantilly, Va., Georgia Tech, Chesapeake)
19 Henley Anderson (OPP/OH, 6-3, 2007, Dripping Springs, Texas, Dripping Springs HS, Lone Star)
20 Devyn Wiest (OH, 6-3, 2007, Peoria, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona)

Alternates
1 Izzy Mogridge (S, 5-11, 2007, Lutz, Fla., Berkeley Prep HS, Florida)
2 Charlotte Vinson (OPP, 6-2, 2007, Muncie, Ind., Yorktown HS, Hoosier)
4 Kalyssa Blackshear (MB/OPP, 6-4, 2007, Torrance, Calif., University of Louisville, Southern California)
7 Ayanna Watson (OH/OPP, 6-3, 2007, Henderson, Nev., Bishop Gorman HS, Southern California)
9 Natalie Wardlow (MB/OPP, 6-5, 2007, Lincoln, Neb., Lincoln Southeast HS, Great Plains)
15 Logan Bell (L, 5-11, 2007, Beech Grove, Ind., Roncalli HS, Hoosier)
18 Aniya Warren (L, 5-8, 2007, Lockport, Ill., Benet Academy, Great Lakes)

Coaches
Head Coach: Keegan Cook (Minnesota)
Assistant Coach: Alyssa D’Errico (Utah)
Assistant Coach: April Sanchez (New Mexico)
Performance Analyst: Jon Wong (Florida State)
ATC: Cherryl Bueno (Coast to Coast AthletiCare)
Team Lead: Courtney Smith (NTDP)

2025 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship Schedule
All times Pacific/Osijek, Croatia
Matches live on VBTV and Volleyball World YouTube

July 2: USA def. Spain, 3-1 (22-25, 25-16, 25-12, 25-23)
July 3: USA def. Peru, 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-18)
July 4: Poland def. USA, 3-2 (25-23, 23-25, 25-17, 25-27, 16-14)
July 6: Bulgaria def. USA, 3-2 (25-15, 16-25, 27-25, 13-25, 15-5)
July 7: 12:15 p.m. USA vs. Türkiye
July 8: TBA Round of 16
July 11: TBA Playoffs/Quarterfinals
July 12: TBA Playoffs/Semifinals
July 13: Finals

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new dinosaurs, same old problems – The Daily Eastern News

Luke Brewer (Rob Le Cates) Kicking off the “big three” of blockbuster films this month (“Jurassic World Rebirth,” “Superman” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”), “Jurassic World Rebirth” doesn’t make for a strong start as it’s just the same familiar beats we’ve all seen before. I’ve been turned off from the Jurassic franchise ever since […]

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

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Kicking off the “big three” of blockbuster films this month (“Jurassic World Rebirth,” “Superman” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”), “Jurassic World Rebirth” doesn’t make for a strong start as it’s just the same familiar beats we’ve all seen before.

I’ve been turned off from the Jurassic franchise ever since “Jurassic World” (2015) but decided to give the franchise the benefit of the doubt with the latest installment being rather separate from everything prior, allowing for a truly individualistic story to be told.

The film follows the rich pharmaceutical agent Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend) enlisting Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey) and Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali) to infiltrate the island where genetic testing for the original Jurassic Park was done.

I wish I could say these actors are entertaining to watch together, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Not a single one of them has chemistry with another and all of their scenes are plagued by questionable writing that often has them repeat something already said or explicitly tell the audience what’s happening.

It’s not even like the film is trying to hold the audience’s hand, it’s more so like the film was trying to explain to the kids in my theater what was happening as if they couldn’t gather that from just paying attention.

The film’s first half-hour starts off pretty slow, but the plot picks up once the crew starts their task of retrieving blood samples from the three largest living dinosaurs across the sea, land and air to create a revolutionary drug that could increase humanity’s lifespan.

Seems simple enough, right? Well, not so fast.

This island features a mix of mutated and regular dinosaurs that attack the main crew often as per usual with this franchise.

I was never a huge fan of the mutated dinosaurs, so balancing the two here really helps the film feel more in line with the Jurassic Park trilogy as the fear instilled by the more recognizable dinosaurs is front and center once again.

The same could’ve happened with the mutated dinosaurs, but the trailers sold away all of that from the very beginning.

One mutated dinosaur is designated the D-Rex and only really appears briefly in the opening scene and throughout the third act.

Knowing it was coming thanks to the trailer ruined that part of the film. If the trailers omitted the scenes with the D-Rex, there would’ve been a lot more horror to go along with it.

Horror is something this franchise has been lacking for a long time, and I really wish this was the film that capitalized on it.

For example, there is a subplot involving a family stranded on the island that adapts a raft sequence from Michael Crichton’s “Jurassic Park” novel that the original film was based on.

This scene is rather tense and engaging but all the horror aspects of it feel ripped away to keep things PG-13.

Despite this, there are some positives to “Jurassic World Rebirth” that I hadn’t felt from the franchise in a long time.

The cinematography is really strong as intense scenes are typically shot wider to allow for the scale of the dinosaurs and the environments to be a part of the tension.

On the flip side, there are plenty of calming wide shots that feature Alexandre Desplat utilizing the iconic motifs created by John Williams to freeze the audience in awe while creating new works that fit a variety of emotions whether it be wonder or sadness.

The design of the film is also incredible and has been a strong suit of the franchise from the very start.

If you’ve seen anything from this franchise before, you can guess what everything looks like pretty well, but the mutated dinosaurs are truly stunning.

Despite the short appearances, the D-Rex having a design inspired by the Rancor from Star Wars made it a standout among the rest.

Aside from the occasional mutant dinosaurs, “Jurassic World Rebirth” isn’t anything that different from what the franchise has already shown us.

The plot continues to follow a group going to a dinosaur-infested island and trying to escape the acting and writing aren’t strong whatsoever, but the cinematography and design still capture like always.

Failing to do anything unique with this film results in it feeling like the same old, same old.

Rating: 2/5

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Longford AC athlete’s take home national U20 track and field medals

Longford AC had a number of athletics securing medals at the national U20 track and field championships. Robin Og Murphy won gold in the U20 3000m walk in a time of 14:49. A third national title for Murphy this summer having won gold at the school’s and Juvenile championships. Emma Brennan won silver after a […]

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Longford AC had a number of athletics securing medals at the national U20 track and field championships.

Robin Og Murphy won gold in the U20 3000m walk in a time of 14:49. A third national title for Murphy this summer having won gold at the school’s and Juvenile championships.

Emma Brennan won silver after a strong performance in the 3000m Steeplechase. Brennan posting 11:22.39 behind Dearbhla Allen of St. Peters in Lurgan.

Whereas, Sean Grealy ran well in the 100m but narrowly missed out on a qualifying place.

Precious Akpe-Moses of Blackrock AC stole the headlines in the sprints with a pair of impressive wins in the U20 100m and a championship record of 23.66 in the 200m.

Sean Doggett of Athenry AC came out on top in what was a hugely competitive field in the men’s 400m. Doggett claimed gold while clocking a time of 47.08.

Nick Griggs (CNDR Track Club) made a winning return to national championship action to win the U23 800m (1:52.46), while Eimear Maher (DSD) set a CR in the U23 1500m (4:22.80).

Records also fell in the walks as Aisling Lane of Mullingar Harriers recorded a time of 13:54.98 in the U23 3000m walk, while Matthew Newell (Tuam AC) stormed his way to gold in the U20 5000m walk in 20:43.96,

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Orioles Pick Up Minor

Orioles Pick Up Minor-League Catcher from Yankees, Put Gary Sánchez on IL originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After seeing catcher Gary Sánchez leave Saturday’s 9-6 victory over the Atlanta Braves, the Baltimore Orioles needed to make a move. The Orioles pulled off an inter-division trade with the New York Yankees on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement […]

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Orioles Pick Up Minor-League Catcher from Yankees, Put Gary Sánchez on IL originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

After seeing catcher Gary Sánchez leave Saturday’s 9-6 victory over the Atlanta Braves, the Baltimore Orioles needed to make a move. The Orioles pulled off an inter-division trade with the New York Yankees on Sunday.

Baltimore picked up minor-league catcher Alex Jackson and immediately added him to their 40-man roster. In exchange, the Orioles will give New York international bonus pool space, plus either a player to be named or cash considerations.

Sánchez has been one of the veterans that Baltimore hoped would help them battle for the top spot against the Yankees in the American League East Division. This season, though, has not been what the Orioles had hoped it would be coming out of spring training.

Sánchez was placed on the 10-day Injured List with a sprained right knee.

For some context on the Orioles’ catching situation, beat writer Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun posted on X that of 12 catchers on the IL in MLB now, 33% of them play for the Orioles: Adley Rutschman, Sánchez, Maverick Handley and Chadwick Tromp.

Additionally, Weyrich also reported on Sunday that Baltimore added catcher David Bañuelos to their medical taxi squad.

New Orioles catcher Alex Jackson has some MLB experience as he fills Sánchez’s spot

Jackson, 29, put together a slash line of .226/.308/.463 with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs in 44 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season, MLB.com reported.

Jackson has thrown out 26.3 percent (10-of-38) of stolen base attempts made on him. He was the No. 6 overall pick by the Seattle Mariners in the 2014 Draft, and has appeared in 124 MLB games for four different franchises.

Sánchez left Saturday’s 9-6 Orioles victory over the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta with right knee pain. He’s hitting .231 with five homers and 24 RBIs in 29 games this season.

In another move on Sunday, the Orioles moved infielder-outfielder Jorge Mateo to the 60-day Injured List. Mateo is recovering from a left hamstring strain.

Baltimore played an early game on Sunday against the Braves, looking to record a sweep of their weekend series.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.