On 8 and 9 February, Amsterdam ArenA and a select number of its partners will share their stories with an international group of leaders from cities, football associations and stadiums that are hosting matches during the UEFA European Championships in 2020.

During this Powering the Future-session, special attention will be given to innovation in three areas: energy transition and storage, playing field and stadium-sized show tooling such as lights. Examples range from using old batteries for energy storage, installing sensors to measure pitch quality, to installing the latest in lighting technology to serve television audiences and local audience alike.

The Amsterdam Arena will share how it works with partners to innovate the core services it offers. How does the ArenA innovate? This interactive talk show provides the answers and is relevant for any innovation manager or partner.

Program

16.30 Opening by Amsterdam ArenA - moderator: Monique van Dusseldorp

16.40-17.00 Energy transition and energy storage

The Amsterdam ArenA is powered by more than 4,200 solar panels and one wind turbine. The main building comprises an impressive energy-generating escalator and the stadium has also installed an energy storage system powered by second-life batteries from used electric vehicles. The xStorage Buildings system from used Nissan LEAF batteries not only provides backup power for the stadium but also distributes energy to the surrounding neighbourhood when needed, to alleviate pressure on the grid. What can cities and stadiums learn from their experience?

• Marcus Fendt, Managing Director, The Mobility House

17.00-17.20 Panel discussion

• Melchior Kanyemesha, Energy Innovation Manager, City of Amsterdam

• Neil Primrose, Sales Manager EMEA, Eaton Electrical

• Francesco Franchimon, Managing director, BAM Energy Systems

17.20-17.40 UEFA’s view on pitch quality

UEFA ensures that all venues and clubs maintain the high standards required to host European football. In this special presentation, a preview is given of the new regulations for pitch quality.

• Lee Guerriero, Football Operations Coordinator, UEFA
  
  

17.40-18.00 ArenA's perfect pitch

As part of its overall quality management system, the Amsterdam ArenA continually monitors the quality of the grass pitch. By applying advanced methods and specialized equipment, measurements are taken at regular intervals at nineteen predefined locations in the field, of factors such as shock absorption, energy restitution, soil temperature, soil moisture in the root zone and compression of the top layer. The Amsterdam ArenA has also taken the lead to optimise the sport-technical and utilisation characteristics of rubber-infill pitches to pave the way for their application and acceptance at the highest professional level. The desire to provide top quality drives all the decisions.

• Henk van Raan, Chief Innovation Officer / Director Facility Management - ‎Amsterdam ArenA

18.00-19.00 Drinks

19.00-19.15 Stadium sized entertainment technology: demo
The Amsterdam ArenA is the first stadium in the world to incorporate movable color LED spotlights with the Philips ArenaVision system. ArenaVision is the world’s first LED sports pitch lighting system to meet the most stringent requirements of broadcasters and sports federations. This innovative lighting system supports high definition, super slow-motion replays. Also, the flexible lighting makes it possible to illuminate specific parts of the pitch during events or before a football match as part of a light show. After an introduction, you will have exclusive entry to a spectacular light and sound show in the Arena.

About Powering the Future - The Network Sessions

The Amsterdam Innovation Arena connects a community of innovators who collaborate to create the most innovative stadium in the world, powered by the Amsterdam ArenA. The ArenA brings together the network once a month to exchange ideas. The Network Sessions bring in experts from the Netherlands and beyond, for an exchange of ideas in an informal setting. The events are free of charge.