Scottish Gas Murrayfield: Transforming Fan Experience with High‑Capacity 5G
Wireless Infrastructure Group (WIG), working in close partnership with Vodafone and the owners of Scottish Gas Murrayfield, has delivered a major 5G network upgrade at Scotland’s largest stadium and one of the UK’s most iconic live events venues.
With crowds regularly exceeding 67,000 and demand for high-quality mobile services continuing to grow year on year, Vodafone set out to significantly enhance connectivity for their customers inside Scottish Gas Murrayfield. WIG’s upgraded network provides the platform for this, enabling high-capacity, high-performance 5G connectivity that supports unforgettable fan experiences, while underpinning the critical operational systems that keep the stadium running smoothly.
The challenge
WIG has upgraded the existing 4G system at Scottish Gas Murrayfield to 5G, significantly enhancing network capacity and performance across the stadium. However, the way that fans and supporters use mobile networks at major events continues to evolve. Reliance on mobile devices has never been stronger, and with data-rich apps for live streaming, instant video sharing, digital ticketing and in-stadium experiences driving sharp increases in data consumption, there was demand from Vodafone customers for faster speeds and greater capacity.
The challenge for WIG was to upgrade its network and enable new 5G services in the stadium environment while ensuring that fans stayed connected and the stadium owners experienced no disruption.
The solution
Building on the future-ready infrastructure already in place, WIG worked closely with Vodafone to enhance and optimise the existing network, enabling new and advanced 5G services to be introduced seamlessly across the stadium. Careful planning and close coordination with stadium stakeholders ensured the upgrade was delivered with zero disruption to events or operations, with works scheduled around the venue’s busy calendar including the sell-out Oasis tour and the Rugby Autumn International fixtures.
The results
The deployment of 5G at Scottish Gas Murrayfield has unlocked the full potential of next-generation mobile connectivity across the stadium. Key network upgrades have optimised performance to deliver higher speeds, greater capacity and improved resilience during peak demand.
High-quality 5G connectivity for fans
Fans benefit from ultra-fast 5G speeds and significantly increased network capacity, ensuring reliable performance even during peak moments when tens of thousands of devices are connected simultaneously.
Reliable connectivity that keeps up with the moment
Social sharing, live streaming and mobile apps respond instantly, while high-quality phone calls remain clear and reliable throughout the event. Supporters can upload content in real time, access digital tickets without delay and enjoy interactive services that work exactly when they need them.
Faster, more dependable services in the stadium
From cashless payments to access control, 5G supports the mobile services fans rely on. Transactions are quicker, queues move faster and the overall event experience feels more effortless.
A safer environment
Stadium teams benefit from instant, reliable communications, enabling them to respond quickly to incidents, coordinate security effectively and keep events running safely and smoothly. Dependable mobile connectivity also ensures they can contact emergency services without delay when it matters most.
Confidence the stadium is future-ready
The stadium is fully equipped to support new digital experiences as expectations continue to grow, giving confidence that the venue can keep pace with new technologies. WIG’s network at Scottish Gas Murrayfield is built to evolve, ensuring the stadium is ready for whatever technologies comes next.
Craig Birchenough, CEO – Indoor Networks, Wireless Infrastructure Group: “Our network at Scottish Gas Murrayfield was designed with the future in mind, which meant we were able to support a smooth and efficient transition to 5G for Vodafone without disruption to the stadium or its operations. Our network is capable of supporting all of the UK mobile network operators and all of their technologies, unlocking the full potential of mobile technology and ensuring the stadium stands ready to meet growing connectivity demands well into the future.”
Gerry Devine, Head of Operations, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium: “Staying connected is now a basic expectation at live events. Fans and attendees expect reliable mobile coverage from the moment they arrive until they leave, whether that’s sharing the day, using digital services, or keeping in touch with friends and family. Our partnership with WIG, and the recent upgrade to enable 5G, has made a real difference on event days and also supports our teams behind the scenes, helping events run more smoothly and efficiently.”
Iain Milligan, Network Development & Infrastructure Director, VodafoneThree: “Bringing 5G to Scottish Gas Murrayfield represents a significant step forward for connectivity at one of the UK’s most iconic stadiums. By working closely with WIG, we’ve delivered a high-capacity, high-performance network that’s built to handle the intensity of modern live events. This upgrade ensures our customers benefit from faster speeds, greater reliability and a consistently better experience, even when the stadium is at full capacity.”
