Riedel has served as the official partner for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, which took place from 16-27 July, delivering a comprehensive Managed Technology service spanning communications and network infrastructure for all event venues and the International Broadcast Center (IBC). The Riedel team ensured seamless connectivity and flawless coordination across one of the largest multisport events of the year, including the spectacular opening and closing ceremonies.

Staged across multiple cities in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr region, the 2025 FISU Games required a highly reliable and scalable backbone to support operations in 23 sports venues and at the IBC in Essen. The Managed Technology team provided internet connectivity, intercom, and radio systems, along with remote monitoring and operational support.

“Our team established a robust network infrastructure featuring approximately 53km of temporary multicore fibre-optic cables, linking all venues via a central fibre network. At the IBC, we set up a dedicated network operation centre (NOC) staffed with experts to monitor and manage all systems in real time,” said Lukas Stellmacher, senior project manager at Riedel Communications. “Despite the tight planning timeline of just eight weeks, the entire network was implemented smoothly and efficiently. Given the complexity and scale of this project, completing the setup without major issues is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team.”

At the heart of the event’s operational success was a collaborative communications ecosystem in which Riedel technology played a central role. Across all venues and the IBC, Artist intercom systems, Bolero wireless units, SmartPanels, and MediorNet media nodes were deployed by Riedel and other specialist teams from the broadcast and event production sectors. For specific competitions, Riedel’s Bolero S RefComms system was implemented in agile standalone mode to provide reliable referee communications. Riedel’s close cooperation with all technical partners ensured systems were connected into a unified network bridging multiple production domains.

For production radio, 2,000 Motorola MXP600 devices operated on a Tetra network comprising 20 DAMM and Motorola systems. This setup supported 300 radio groups in 28 zones, enabling clear and reliable voice communication for staff and security. Riedel’s Juggler technology linked the Tetra radios, Bolero wireless units, and Artist intercom systems into a single interoperable platform.

Riedel’s role also encompassed comprehensive IT services. A central IT network interconnected all locations, supporting intercom, internet access points, and specialised applications such as audio description, which were controlled and monitored remotely from the IBC. The team also supplied 450 laptops, 50 tablets, and 130 networked multifunction printers across operational areas, providing the technological backbone for logistical and administrative workflows.

“It’s an honor to support young athletes from around the world as an official partner of such a forward-looking event,” said Marc Schneider, executive director global events, Riedel Communications. “Complex productions like the FISU Games are exactly the kind of challenging environment where our teams and technology truly thrive.”