The Ballon d'Or ceremony in 2019, held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, was a momentous occasion in the world of football. Organized by France Football, this prestigious award brought together the finest footballers from around the globe to celebrate sporting excellence. To ensure the resounding success of this international event, broadcast to over 100 countries, PEEBLE Events was entrusted with the intricate technical implementation of telecom and WiFi networks, in collaboration with the Groupe Amaury and FC2Events, the co-organizers.
Since their triumphant collaboration at the 2019 Ballon d'Or ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet, PEEBLE Events has taken on the responsibility for overseeing the technical aspects of telecom and WiFi networks for each successive edition of this illustrious event. This enduring partnership underscores the caliber and efficiency of the work executed by PEEBLE Events in meeting the multifaceted connectivity requirements of the event.
The preparations for this event were nothing short of a monumental challenge. With less than three weeks to set up the requisite infrastructure to guarantee comprehensive connectivity across various zones of the Théâtre du Châtelet, PEEBLE Events had its work cut out. Here is an in-depth look at the client's needs and the technical solutions ingeniously implemented to surmount this monumental challenge:
Double duct connection of 1Gbps fiber optic links: To cater to the event's formidable connectivity demands, a robust fiber optic infrastructure was meticulously laid, furnishing a prodigious bandwidth of 1 Gbps. This monumental capacity adeptly handled the influx of diverse data streams, encompassing live streaming, interviews, social media updates, and much more.
Mixed zones with journalists and television cameras: Two mixed zones were adroitly established to accommodate the bustling activity of journalists and television cameras, including the eminent Canal+. These zones were adroitly outfitted with high-speed RJ45 GbEthernet connections and steadfast WiFi access, enabling the media to report on the event in real-time and disseminate information to global audiences.
Press and media room: The press room stood as the nerve center for disseminating information regarding the event. It was adeptly configured to accommodate up to 150 international journalists, affording them swift internet access, well-appointed computer workstations, and online resources to facilitate comprehensive coverage of the event.
Production offices: The production offices were thoughtfully configured to cater to the production team's requirements, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of connectivity to orchestrate behind-the-scenes activities and facilitate seamless live broadcasts.
Main hall and influencers: The grandeur of the main hall, accommodating a commendable 800 seats, provided a captivating backdrop for influencers who converged to closely monitor the event proceedings. The indispensable need for dependable connectivity was met to perfection, enabling real-time social media streaming, immediate coverage, and interactive engagement with fans worldwide.
In addition to these core components, the Ballon d'Or ceremony in 2019 witnessed an innovative approach to broadcasting and engagement:
Real-time Twitch Streaming: Recognizing the evolving landscape of content consumption, the organizers leveraged the power of real-time streaming on platforms like Twitch. This decision enabled a global audience to experience the ceremony as it unfolded, with live commentary, reactions, and engagement from viewers worldwide. The dynamic nature of Twitch brought a new dimension to the event, attracting younger and digitally-savvy audiences who were keen to be part of the conversation in real-time.
Red Carpet Coverage: The glamour and excitement of the Ballon d'Or ceremony extended to the iconic red carpet. The event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also embraced the glitz and glamour associated with high-profile award ceremonies. The red carpet became a stage for capturing the arrivals of football stars, celebrities, and influencers. Live coverage of the red carpet arrivals further enhanced the event's appeal and offered fans an opportunity to get closer to their favorite athletes.
The paramount challenge encountered by the PEEBLE Events team was the manifold zones, distributed across the historic Théâtre du Châtelet, within a finite time frame. This necessitated meticulous groundwork in laying and routing fibers and cables both underground and vertically.
The cabling infrastructure was customarily established for this occasion, deploying single-mode fibers, advanced switches, and Category 7 RJ45 connections to strategically pivotal points of the event. This finely crafted infrastructure facilitated swift and unfaltering data transmission throughout the theater, guaranteeing optimal connectivity for all participants.
WiFi coverage presented another towering challenge, with the imperative need to furnish connectivity across all four levels of the theater and over an expansive area. To address this formidable challenge, strategic measures were deftly employed to optimize transmission power, thereby ensuring a high density of connected devices per square meter. This sagacious approach effectively managed the simultaneous execution of a multitude of sessions and bi-directional data exchange on the network in real-time.
Following the culmination of the event, the meticulously established infrastructures by PEEBLE Events endured, providing on-demand temporary or ephemeral WiFi and internet services to the Théâtre du Châtelet throughout the year, complete with the provision of technical support when required.
In summation, the technical implementation of telecom and WiFi networks for the Ballon d'Or ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet was an intricately woven tapestry of accomplishment. Through meticulous planning, avant-garde technology, and an unwaveringly dedicated team of professionals, PEEBLE Events masterfully navigated the challenge of ensuring all-encompassing connectivity for this globally celebrated sporting event. The continued partnership, which has thrived since 2019, serves as a testament to the proficiency and trust that PEEBLE Events has garnered in executing these prestigious events, setting the stage for excellence and connectivity in the world of football.