Clear-Com aids Sport Lisboa e Benfica to clear communications challenges

Sport Lisboa e Benfica, one of Portugal’s most prestigious football clubs, has taken a significant step forward in enhancing stadium operations with a state-of-the-art communications upgrade at Estádio da Luz. Partnering with Clear-Com, the club has implemented a cutting-edge system designed to address communication challenges and improve coordination across its operational teams. 

The Estádio da Luz, a 65,000-seat venue that opened in 2003, faced communication issues in key areas, including the pitch entrance tunnel and bench zones enclosed by thick safety glass. Comprehensive coverage was also required across the pitch and fan zones.

In collaboration with local partner Decimagem, Clear-Com conducted a proof-of-concept test during a live game, deploying FreeSpeak II wireless beltpacks and IP transceivers. 

Following the successful trial, the club adopted a solution centred on Clear-Com’s Arcadia Central Station, a 32-port communication hub. The system integrates four HelixNet IP-based speaker stations positioned in the control room and other key areas. In addition, a dozen FreeSpeak II beltpacks and headsets were assigned to teams managing camera operations, LED display support, and the Benfica Experience. 

To extend connectivity, the Arcadia system links to Clear-Com’s LQ Series IP Interface, enabling up to eight users to connect via the Agent IC mobile app. This app ensures communication reliability in Benfica’s extensive Wi-Fi 6 network, covering fan zones and beyond. For areas lacking Wi-Fi, cellular network support ensures uninterrupted coordination on match days. 

Benfica’s existing intercom system was also incorporated with Arcadia’s IV Direct feature and the latest firmware, thus allowing analogue audio to be transported over IP without the need for additional cabling. 

Mario Correia, Head of Broadcast & AV at Sport Lisboa e Benfica, lauded the system’s flexibility, saying, “It’s very easy to change the [Arcadia Central Station] system to meet our needs.

“We are able to configure the system to match our requirements, and the stadium is covered in the difficult areas by the beltpacks and the Agent-IC application.”