Derq Powers NJDOT AI Traffic Network Ahead of FIFA World Cup
Derq, an intelligent transportation company focused on real-time safety and traffic analytics, is supporting a major Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) upgrade across 95 sites surrounding MetLife Stadium ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The project is part of a broader effort led by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to prepare critical roadway infrastructure for a significant increase in traffic during the tournament, with more than 1 million visitors expected across the New York–New Jersey region.
New Jersey Expands Traffic Monitoring Across Key Corridors
The deployment spans highways and surface streets throughout the Meadowlands area, where a mix of complex roadway infrastructure and event-driven congestion presents unique operational challenges.
Derq’s AI-powered analytics platform is being used to process real-time data from roadway cameras and monitor key conditions, including:
- Crash detection
- Wrong-way driving
- Pedestrian and right-of-way intrusions
- Fire detection
- Animal detection
- Vehicle and pedestrian counts, and traffic patterns
The data feeds into NJDOT’s Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), helping transportation teams monitor conditions and manage traffic during high-volume events.
Award-Winning Planning Effort Informs Deployment
Michael Baker International specified the project and led a comprehensive ITS needs assessment, earning a Transportation Achievement Award from the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) for its work.
Engineering firm HNTB is leading implementation, with Derq providing analytics and monitoring capabilities within the broader system, alongside regional partner SCP Signal Control Products.
Cities Look to Real-Time Data Ahead of Major Events
As cities prepare for large-scale events like the World Cup, transportation agencies are placing greater emphasis on real-time visibility into roadway conditions.
“This project marks an important opportunity to apply our technology in one of the most complex and high-visibility transportation environments tied to the biggest sporting event in the world,” said Dr. Georges Aoude, Co-Founder and CEO of Derq. “By delivering continuous insights and real-time alerts, we enable transportation agencies to better anticipate risks, adapt to changing conditions, and operate more proactively.”
Upgrades Expected to Extend Beyond the Tournament
While the system is being deployed ahead of the World Cup, the infrastructure is expected to support ongoing traffic operations across the region, improving visibility into roadway conditions during future events and everyday travel.
Elland Road enhancement works under way
The enhancement of Leeds United’s iconic Elland Road Stadium is officially under way.
A momentous moment in the club’s 106-year existence, work has now begun on the West Stand starting with the removal of the Banqueting Suite, shaping the future of Elland Road.
Executives from Leeds United, the Leeds United Foundation and Leeds City Council, along with Club Ambassadors Stuart Dallas, Tony Dorigo and Eddie Gray were all in attendance to mark the occasion.
The new West Stand, which will be built over the top of the existing structure, is the first phase of transforming Elland Road into a UEFA Category 4 stadium, placing it among the elite venues in European football.
Increasing the capacity of the stadium is vital for the future, with the club having a now strong 32,000 Season Ticket waiting list.
It will also allow Leeds United, alongside civic partners, to bid to host major international tournaments and showcase events in the future, generating significant cultural and economic value for the Leeds City Region.
Carefully designed to enhance the matchday experience whilst protecting Elland Road’s famous atmosphere, supporters can look forward to:
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Improved seating comfort and sightlines throughout the expanded West Stand
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Enhanced concourses and fan amenity spaces both inside and around the stadium
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A more inclusive and accessible environment for all visitors
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World-class hospitality facilities
For players, the enhanced stadium environment will provide a stage befitting elite-level football, strengthening the club’s ability to compete at the highest level and attract top talent.
The club will provide regular updates throughout the project.
Upper Deck golf coming to The Bernabeu
The prestigious international event will debut in Spain at The Bernabéu that will once again prove its versatility by becoming a golf course.
Upper Deck Golf is set to take over the stadium from Thursday 24 September through Sunday 27 September, transforming it into an interactive golf experience with tee boxes placed high in the stands and custom greens laid out on the pitch below. It marks the first time Upper Deck Golf has hosted at a stadium in Spain. Fans are set to enjoy great music, cold drinks, food, and multiple golfing challenges at an exclusive clubhouse bar inside the stadium.
Tee times will be available from 0700-2100 all four days, offered in two-player increments. VIP Packages will be available for fans looking to enjoy additional perks, including free entry into driving, chipping and putting challenges and complimentary food and beverage items. Right-hand, left-hand, women's and senior clubs are provided at every hitting location, supplied by PXG.
Marc Bender and Adam Wachter, Managing Partners of Upper Deck Golf: “We are incredibly proud to announce Spain as the next stop on our global expansion, kicking off at the historic Bernabéu. The energy of Spanish sports fans is unmatched, making this the perfect backdrop for our first event in the country. Together with this world-class venue, we’re ready to welcome fans inside the stadium for a one-of-a-kind, interactive golf experience they will never forget.”
Diageo become partner at MCC
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced Diageo as an official partner of Lord’s in a deal which sees Guinness, Guinness 0.0 and Pimm’s supplied to visitors around the Ground, including Public Bars, Members’ areas and hospitality spaces.
The partnership also includes supply of Pimm’s No.1, a drink intrinsically linked to the English summer.
Diageo is a British multinational alcoholic beverage company, headquartered just two miles from Lord’s. As well as Guinness and Pimm’s, Diageo distributes some of the world’s most recognisable drinks brands including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and Captain Morgan’s.
Andy Muggleton, Commercial Director of MCC, said: “It is fantastic to partner with Diageo, bringing Guinness and Pimm’s to the fore at Lord’s this summer. The presence of Guinness, Guinness 0.0 and Pimm’s across our Members’ and Public Bars further strengthens our drinks offering and ensures that there is a drink for all tastes at Lord’s. I am confident our Members and visitors will enjoy the wide range of high quality and recognisable brands available to them this summer.”
Jamie Brooks, Sports Partnership Lead at Diageo, said: ‘We are thrilled to be partnering with Lord’s Cricket Ground, an iconic stadium and the Home of Cricket. We look forward to bringing beautiful pints of Guinness to the stadium, and many lovely days over the summer.
Valencia issue Nou Mestalla update
Construction of the Nou Mestalla continues to make steady progress, with the project now entering the final stages of preparation before the lifting of the main roof structure, which will cover the 70,044 seats of Valencia CF’s future home.
In recent days, the installation of all auxiliary scaffolding required for the tension ring cable system has been completed.
Significant progress has also been made on the protective structures within the stands ahead of the deployment of the radial cables, several of which have already been installed. At the same time, work has continued on the stadium façade, stair towers and a number of interior areas.
Aramco Arena to feature at Houston FIFA Fan Festival
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee have confirmed that its Official Houston World Cup 2026™ Host City Supporter, Aramco, will supply and host the official ‘Aramco Arena’ soccer pitch at the FIFA Fan Festival™ Houston.
To bring this project to life, Aramco worked closely with its chemical arm, SABIC, to develop a customized material solution with SABIC’s success partner TenCate, a global leader in synthetic turf, using recycled plastics for the main material components of the soccer pitch surface. The project leverages SABIC’s innovation, as it used circular polymers produced through advanced recycling. The synthetic turf, which requires no black crumb rubber infill, is engineered for performance and built for recovery and reuse.
The Aramco Arena will complement a wide range of immersive attractions and fan experiences at the FIFA Fan Festival™ Houston. Houston Hall, for example, is an air-conditioned retreat, which will include local food vendors, as well as interactive experiences from Space Center Houston and The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Lenovo AI powers FIFA World Cup infrastructure
Lenovo today announced it is delivering a near real-time AI-powered infrastructure platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to enable ultra-low-latency IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) video distribution in addition to the traditional cable and satellite broadcast, intelligent content delivery, and mission-critical decision-making across the event ecosystem and operations.
As the world’s largest sporting event prepares for an unprecedented scale—spanning three host countries, featuring 48 teams, and engaging an estimated 6 billion fans—FIFA, broadcasters, and event operators will benefit from a live, always-on environment designed to perform at the highest level. As FIFA’s Official Technology Partner, Lenovo will deploy servers at the International Broadcast Center in Dallas, Texas, to help deliver the computing power, devices, and AI-driven solutions needed to bring every moment of every match to global audiences and support the most expansive broadcast operation in FIFA World Cup™ history. More than 17,000 Lenovo and Motorola devices and 200+ engineers deployed across venues and Team Base Camp training sites will help ensure professional execution.
Lenovo’s technology solutions have reduced latency within IPTV infrastructure for the global showpiece, with IPTV delays now under five seconds, enabling near real-time access to live match action and more synchronised viewing experiences. Lenovo ThinkSystem SR635 V3 servers and technology will help manage massive volumes of live video data coming in from stadiums across North America and power FIFA’s IPTV live feed by ingesting, processing, and distributing all match content in close to real-time via ten channels to over 1,000 screens throughout FIFA venues. Fans, media, VIPs and officials will quickly be able to access every match from anywhere within the event ecosystem, from fan zones to media tribunes.
An AI Nerve Center for the World’s Biggest Sporting Event
Beyond broadcast, Lenovo’s technology will be deployed at FIFA’s Technology Command Center in Miami and the Tournament Operation Center for the duration of FIFA World Cup 2026™. This hub serves as the central “mission control” for the World Cup, where all the technology powering the games is monitored and managed in near real-time by experienced engineers and FIFA management. With the help of Lenovo’s enterprise solutions, FIFA’s Technology Command Center and Tournament Operation Center will ensure tournament organisers are able to swiftly observe, and if needed, address operational matters across the tournament footprint.
“Lenovo’s AI infrastructure is redefining the FIFA World Cup experience, delivering near real-time highlights, multi-angle views, and insights at unprecedented global scale,” said Ashley Gorakhpurwalla, President of Infrastructure Solutions at Lenovo. “Together with FIFA, we are running AI under the world’s most demanding conditions—solving latency concerns and bringing billions of fans closer to the action than ever before, setting a new standard for live sports.”
“The FIFA World Cup is one of the largest and most complex sporting event in the world,” said Nacho Fresco, Director of Technology at FIFA. “With this edition set to be the biggest in history, delivering exceptional operational efficiency and cutting-edge technology is critical. Lenovo is a key partner in helping us meet the stringent low-latency requirements essential for live production environments.”
Powering the World’s Biggest Stage
FIFA World Cup 2026™ showcases the real-world AI advancements Lenovo is making possible. Lenovo will manage complex on-premise edge computing, significantly reducing latency, where cloud-only solutions failed to meet broadcast requirements. During the World Cup, technologies powered by Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, engineered for high-density, mission critical environments requiring massive throughput, and near real-time operational performance will support:
- Near real-time monitoring of stadium and tournament wide tech systems
- Live broadcast, streaming, and IPTV delivery
- Rapid incident detection and issue resolution to minimise disruption and downtime
Enhancing the Fan Experience with Real-Time Insight and Transparency
Lenovo is enabling a more immersive and understandable viewing experience through AI-driven innovations. AI-enabled 3D player avatars provide clearer, real-time visualisation of complex decisions such as offside calls. Built using advanced GenAI and real-world player data, these avatars are designed to help fans better understand the game as it happens. These avatars will also be an additional value input to support FIFA’s Match Officials in their offside decision-making during matches.
To improve the in-venue experience across three countries, Lenovo is deploying solutions designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and engagement:
- AI-driven navigation systems reduce congestion and improve movement across venues.
- AI-driven stabilised “Referee Views” deliver first-person perspectives with up to 50% less motion distortion.
- Immersive digital and holographic experiences create new ways for fans to engage with the game.
Leveling the Playing Field Through Smarter Football for All
Lenovo is actively transforming the sports industry and remains committed to democratizing football through its “Smarter AI for All” vision. With the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Lenovo will deploy the FIFA AI Pro platform, a next-generation AI-powered knowledge assistant delivering tactical insights to coaches, players, and analysts. Built using Lenovo’s AI Factory, the platform will be provided to all 48 teams competing in the tournament, democratising access to elite-level analytics and helping level the competitive playing field.
Bringing the Tournament Home with Special Edition Collections
For fans of the game, Lenovo is offering a unique way to showcase their passion through a collection of FIFA Special Edition devices across its commercial, consumer, and gaming portfolios. Featuring exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026™ branding and packaging, the lineup includes the motorola razr FIFA World Cup 26th Edition, ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1, ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 and 14, Yoga Slim 7i ultra Aura Edition (14”, 11), Idea Tab, and the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (16”, 10). These limited-edition models allow fans to carry a piece of the world’s largest sporting event with them, long after the final whistle.
The scale and complexity of these operations reflect Lenovo’s broader investment in sports technology. In March, Lenovo launched a dedicated sports vertical designed to support organisations operating live, global, and mission-critical environments. By integrating AI infrastructure, edge computing, devices, and services into a unified model, Lenovo is enabling sports organizations to move from fragmented systems to real-time, end-to-end operational control.
As the Official Technology Partner of FIFA, Lenovo is powering the biggest event in the history of humanity. FIFA trusts Lenovo to deliver the tournament’s end-to-end technology backbone from AI devices to infrastructure and solutions, to provide immersive and unique fan experiences and provide unprecedented access to data and analytics for the 48 competing teams. Visit the FIFA page on Lenovo.com to see Lenovo in action at the World Cup.
Wembley Stadium Set for Biggest Summer of Music Ever
With the domestic sports season now complete, Wembley Stadium connected by EE is gearing up for its biggest summer of music ever.
Between June and September, Wembley will host a record-breaking 34 concerts featuring some of the world’s biggest artists, the highest number of music events ever staged at the venue in a single year.
Around three million fans are expected to travel to Wembley over the summer, cementing its status as the must-visit destination for live music in 2026.
The season gets underway on 6 June with Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard, featuring global stars including Take That, Raye, Niall Horan and Fatboy Slim.
Next up is one of the summer’s hottest tickets as Harry Styles brings his ‘Together, Together’ tour to Wembley for a record-breaking 12 nights, beginning on 12 June.
July sees My Chemical Romance bring ‘The Black Parade’ tour to Wembley for three huge shows, before global superstar Bruno Mars follows with six nights of funk, soul and chart-topping hits from 18 July.
Country music sensation Luke Combs then takes to the stage for three nights of his My Kinda Saturday Night tour from 31 July. He is followed by Grammy Award-winning artist The Weeknd, who returns to Wembley with five dates of his ‘After Hours Til Dawn’ tour, starting on 14 August.
Adding to an eclectic summer line-up is Bon Jovi who will perform three nights of their ‘Forever’ tour from 4 September for their first Wembley shows in seven years.
The concert season concludes on 12 September with Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh bringing his ‘Aura’ world tour to Wembley Stadium for the first time.
Mark Lynch, Stadium Director at Wembley Stadium, said: “Wembley will be the home of live music this summer. With 34 concerts and some of the biggest artists in the world performing on our stage, we’re set for a truly record-breaking season.
“We can’t wait to welcome millions of fans through our doors for an unforgettable summer of entertainment.”
In addition to the 34 concerts, Wembley Stadium will also host wrestling extravaganza AEW All In on 30 August.
For a full list of events at Wembley Stadium, visit wembleystadium.com/events
Belgian FA partner with Signify's Philips Hue
The Royal Belgian Football Association have announced a partnership with Philips Hue, Signify’s leading smart lighting brand.
As part of this collaboration, Philips Hue will equip both the training environment in Belgium and the accommodation facilities of the Belgian Red Devils during the World Cup in the United States with smart lighting designed to support the players’ natural rhythm. Through personalised lighting scenes tailored to performance, recovery and sleep quality, Philips Hue helps create an optimal environment for the Belgian national team to perform at the highest level.
“At this elite level, everything comes down to the details. Smart lighting that actively supports our players’ sleep cycle and well-being is therefore a valuable addition to the players’ daily support,” explains Steven Probst, Health & Performance Manager of the Belgian Red Devils.
PERFORMANCE DOWN TO THE SMALLEST MARGINS
Appropriate lighting has a direct impact on how people feel, recover and perform. That is why the RBFA has deliberately chosen smart lighting that responds to the players’ rhythm and needs. Elite athletes operate in a demanding environment where intense matches are combined with travel across multiple time zones, often resulting in jet lag and disruption to recovery patterns. By adapting the lighting to the activity and time of day, an environment is created that optimally supports focus, recovery and relaxation.
“Given our stay in Seattle, jet lag is an important factor in the context of the World Cup. We are therefore focusing on recovery and sleep quality, as biorhythm and sleep are crucial to minimising the negative impact of jet lag. In this context, Philips Hue supports the natural recovery process and promotes relaxation as well as sleep quality, which can ultimately have a positive impact on performances on the pitch,” concludes Steven Probst, Health & Performance Manager of the Belgian Red Devils.
Cooler lighting tones help players stay alert and focused during preparation and activation. Warmer tones, in turn, create a calmer atmosphere during recovery moments and treatments. It is also possible to simulate a sunrise and sunset using smart lighting, helping players wake up feeling more energised and unwind more easily after an intense day.
“Behind every performance lies an environment that helps players recover, focus, perform and relax. We are therefore particularly proud that Philips Hue can support the Belgian Red Devils during these crucial moments between matches. For Philips Hue, innovation is not only about technology, but also about its impact on well-being, focus and elite performance, both on and off the pitch,” concludes Dragoslav Jozic, Market Leader Consumer Benelux at Signify.
This same vision also applies at home, where light is playing an increasingly important role in how people live, relax, come together and share special moments. With solutions such as Philips Hue, Signify aims to let technology contribute naturally to atmosphere, experience and well-being at home. Ahead of the World Cup, Philips Hue also launched Hue Sports Live, a new experience within the Philips Hue app that allows smart lighting to react to key moments during a match.
Toyota becomes founding partner at Highmark Stadium
The Buffalo Bills and Toyota have announced a transformative partnership that establishes Toyota as a Founding Partner at Highmark Stadium and continues as the long-standing Official Automotive Partner of the Buffalo Bills.
The multi-year agreement highlights Toyota's ongoing commitment to supporting communities and sports organizations nationwide. As a Founding Partner, Toyota will feature prominent branding, exclusive fan experiences, and automotive displays throughout Highmark Stadium to enhance the game day experience for Bills fans.
For generations, traditions like tailgating have united families and fans. Toyota vehicles have been part of these experiences, from Rich Stadium to the new Highmark Stadium. Together, Toyota and the Bills continue to build on these shared memories as a new era begins.
"We are thrilled to welcome Toyota as a Founding Partner at Highmark Stadium," said Jason Hartlund, chief commercial officer of the Buffalo Bills. "We are committed to partnering with best-in-class organizations, and Toyota is at the very top of that list. Their renowned reputation for quality, innovation, and community involvement perfectly aligns with the values of our organization and our fans. We are excited to continue our long-term partnership as we enter this new chapter of Buffalo Bills football."
Toyota will enhance fan engagement through interactive activities inside and outside the stadium, exclusive vehicle showcases, and community initiatives across the Buffalo area. The partnership will also support joint philanthropic and sustainability efforts to strengthen Western New York.
"We're proud to partner with the Buffalo Bills organization, a team that shares Toyota's commitment to performance, innovation, and community impact," said John Mineweaser, general manager Toyota New York region. "This partnership represents more than just sports – it's about bringing fans together, supporting local communities, and driving excellence both on and off the field. We look forward to creating memorable experiences for fans and building a strong future together."
Highmark Stadium, currently under construction, will open later this summer. With Toyota's involvement, fans can expect an enhanced game day atmosphere and innovative experiences that reflect the energy of Bills Mafia while honoring Buffalo's traditions. Toyota is committed to supporting these traditions.