CAE celebrates Millennium win
Reseller carries out the first UK implementation of Cisco Stadium Vision technology at flagship Cardiff venue
Stadium of dreams: CAE engineers had to install 75,000 metres of cable around the venue
CAE Technology Services has scored a UK first with its implementation of Cisco’s Stadium Vision technology at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
The £2.5m deal is the first of its kind in the UK, with similar installations only ever carried out in the US.
The implementation includes two giant high-definition LED screens at each end of the pitch, and 400 Cisco LED screens and associated multimedia devices dotted around the building in bars, hospitality and concourse areas and boxes.
CAE engineers had to install 75,000 metres of cable around the stadium to link the system to a bespoke studio and to the Stadium TV station.
Justin Harling, managing director of CAE, said: “We were awarded the contract in March this year and it was partially funded by the Welsh Assembly because it is so important for the local economy. The stadium is hosting top tours such as Take
That next year and is an Olympic venue. We were the only partner in the running with the Cisco solution, but we beat competition from the likes of Sony to the contract.
“The new stadium officially opened last weekend in time for the Wales versus Australia international match and is designed to be an immersive experience for fans. It is also a way of encouraging them to stay longer and ultimately generate more revenue for the stadium,” he said.
Harling said the implementation has had a dedicated team working on it for the past few months, and the VAR has also secured a 10-year support contract.
The project has been such a success, Harling said, that CAE needs to install another 50 LCD screens next month.
He said the experience of the project will open the doors for similar installations in the future.
“We are the only people for 3,500 miles who have any experience of this system and we have learned a lot over the past few months, so we are more than ready to replicate this at other stadia in the UK and Europe.”
Roger Lewis, group chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, which also contributed to the costs of the installation, said: “The system in the Millennium Stadium will be the envy of venues not only across Europe, but across the sporting world. We have gone to the best technology providers in the market and the results we will achieve are amazing. I am delighted with the support and expert guidance we have received from CAE.”
Carwyn Jones, first minister of Wales, said: “Making sure the stadium retains its deserved iconic status as one of the finest major events venues in the world by
providing an unparalleled spectator experience is an endeavour the Welsh Assembly government is delighted to support.
“This puts us in a great position to take advantage of the Olympic opportunity in 2012. The stadium attracted more than one million paying spectators last year and makes an important contribution to the Welsh economy as well as making a positive impact on the recognition and reputation of Wales worldwide.”