The Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, home to Atlético Madrid, is undergoing a major transformation, becoming one of the most technologically advanced sports venues in the world. The centerpiece of this evolution is the LG SkyRibbon, a nearly 2,000-square-meter 360° LED screen integrated into the stadium’s inner ring. This marks Atlético as the first club globally to implement this cutting-edge audiovisual solution, developed in partnership with Telefónica since 2017.
The SkyRibbon: Redefining the Stadium Experience
The SkyRibbon isn’t just a display; it’s a digital skin for the Metropolitano. Stretching 404 meters in perimeter and nearly five meters high, it seamlessly adapts to the stadium’s architecture, offering optimal visibility from every seat.
“We bring an innovative support that enriches an experience that was already good and that we now believe is even better,” says René Abril, Atlético de Madrid’s Director of Technology and Digital Development.
This immersive screen is part of a broader technological overhaul, including upgraded interior and exterior lighting, a 360° video scoreboard, exterior LED displays, and a fully digitized player tunnel. Telefónica led the integration process, ensuring minimal disruption to the stadium’s original structure while establishing robust cabling, data networks, and redundant video signals.
Europe’s First Fully Digital Stadium
The Metropolitano was designed from the ground up as a fully digital stadium, becoming Europe’s first 100% digital venue in its previous iteration under the name Cívitas Metropolitano. Its intelligent control room manages over 1,000 screens, 160 security cameras, 7,000 network points, and 1,600 WiFi access points with 5G coverage.
This advanced connectivity powers projects like 5G Multicam, which delivers real-time footage from unique angles via 360° cameras and virtual reality experiences, enhancing fan engagement. The stadium’s digital infrastructure isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about creating a more powerful emotional connection with the game.
Beyond Football: A Versatile Venue
The Metropolitano’s technological upgrades extend its utility beyond sporting events. Its digital infrastructure and advanced audiovisual capabilities make it a prime location for concerts, corporate events, and large-scale shows, broadening its economic and cultural impact.
The stadium’s evolution solidifies its position as a world-class venue, already proven by hosting the 2019 Champions League final and slated to do so again in 2027. It will also be a key host stadium for the 2030 World Cup. The Metropolitano is not merely adapting to the future of sports venues — it is actively shaping it.
The success of the Metropolitano’s digital transformation demonstrates how smart stadium technology can elevate the fan experience, expand revenue streams, and reinforce a venue’s standing on the global stage.
