During the ESSMA Summit in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Christoph Güldenberg of Momentus Technologies delivered a compelling exploration of how stadium operations are set to evolve in the coming years. His insights were grounded in a global survey reaching more than 50 countries, offering a rare, comprehensive view of how venues worldwide are preparing for a new digital era.
Güldenberg emphasised that the sector is now moving beyond experimentation. While many stadiums are already adopting individual tools — from smart entry systems to improved connectivity — the real transformation occurs when these technologies form a seamless operational ecosystem. The most successful venues of the next decade, he argued, will be those that turn technology into an invisible backbone supporting every matchday and event.
Four themes emerged strongly from his research: automation, data-driven operations, experience technology and sustainability. Automation will increasingly streamline back-end processes, allowing staff to focus on safety, service and guest experience. At the same time, data is rapidly becoming an essential infrastructure layer, helping venues to predict crowd flows, optimise staffing and personalise interactions with fans.
Güldenberg also underlined that fan expectations are rising quickly. High-capacity Wi-Fi, digital payment convenience and personalised services are no longer considered premium add-ons — they are becoming the new standard. Sustainability, too, is shifting from a visible ambition to an embedded, automated system that operates quietly in the background.
These developments point toward a future in which stadiums operate more smoothly, more efficiently and with greater resilience. But they also require long-term commitment: upgrading digital foundations, training staff and aligning departments around shared data and processes.
This summary only scratches the surface of Christoph Güldenberg’s analysis.
