Sener launches Epigea, aninnovative solution to maximise stadium profitability and transform its operating model

Sener, a leading engineering and technology group, has announced the launch of Epigea, a patented engineering solution designed to transform stadiums into multifunctional spaces, maximising their profitability and expanding their usage and operating potential.

Epigea is a fully automated solution designed to optimise stadium operations. It ensures top-quality turf through the installation of a retractable roof, allowing non-sporting events to be organised. In this way, it protects the pitch, keeping it in perfect condition with minimal human intervention.

The technology integrates seamlessly with the architecture of any stadium, new or existing, discreetly retracting behind a stand when not in use, without affecting visibility, stadium capacity, or the fan experience during matches. Epigea is fully adaptable and modular to the size and geometry of the stadium, and can be implemented without altering its design or functionality.

Epigea contributes to the stadium’s operational sustainability by reducing maintenance costs through the efficient integration of systems and increased resilience to extreme weather conditions. It also minimises turf wear, ensures greater consistency in treatments, and eliminates the acoustic impact associated with the ventilation system. In addition, it optimises space for maintenance storage, making staff operations easier while improving turf quality and efficiency in daily operations. The solution is compatible with smart irrigation systems, infrared lighting, controlled ventilation, and other similar agronomic care and maintenance systems.

The proposed design ensures full accessibility from the exterior, aligning the surface with the stadium’s perimeter entrances. This allows smooth circulation for all visitors to essential services such as food areas, restrooms, and other common spaces. It also facilitates access for logistics and event setup vehicles without interfering with the auxiliary areas of the pitch, ensuring comprehensive and uninterrupted stadium operations.

Epigea is based on an innovative engineering system that allows the removal of elements that could obstruct the deployment of the trays, such as sections of the stands or goalposts, and a cutting-edge retractable tray system that is deployed over the playing field (unlike Sener’s previously developed and patented Hypogea solution, successfully implemented at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which hides the turf beneath the structure), keeping it fully protected.

How Epigea works

Epigea allows any stadium, existing or future, to become a versatile space capable of hosting a wide variety of events, from football matches to other sports competitions, corporate events, cultural shows, or e-sports. Its deployment is fully compatible with the sporting calendar, without affecting matches. The development has been made possible thanks to Sener’s accumulated expertise across different markets and disciplines.

• A series of retractable trays can be deployed over the pitch in independent sections, remaining underground or hidden behind the stands during matches. This allows stadiums to increase usage from 60 to over 8,000 hours per year, reaching 365 days of use annually (considering the traditional period free from sporting competitions), translating into a significant revenue increase.
• It features a range of advanced mechanisms that complete the transformation process in just a few hours.
• Stadiums implementing Epigea can boost their annual revenue according to their business plan, recovering the investment in a short period of time.
• To strengthen the positioning and development of Epigea, Sener has entered into a partnership agreement with Zertior, a company specialising in professional services for the sports and entertainment industry, with extensive experience in the conceptualisation and development of business models, financing, and stadium operations. Through this partnership, clients can access added services in these areas, making Epigea a turnkey solution.

César Quevedo, Managing Director of Mobility at Sener, notes: “Epigea is an example of how technology can create value and generate new business models. It’s a simple and intelligent solution capable of transforming a stadium into a multifunctional space, maximising revenue, minimising impact, and protecting the playing field. It revolutionises how stadium operations are conceived, viewing them primarily as multifunctional spaces that also host sporting events”.

Sener is an engineering and technology company with a solid track record in developing innovative solutions for various sectors. With Epigea, Sener reaffirms its commitment to innovation and excellence, offering clients solutions that not only enhance the functionality of their facilities, but also have a positive impact on their revenue.

The launch of Epigea follows the success of Hypogea, Sener’s retractable pitch solution, which has been successfully implemented at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Hypogea has proven to be an effective solution for maximising stadium usage, and Epigea complements this innovation along with others such as Velaria® (a fully automated roof solution equipped with agronomic systems to improve the maintenance of natural turf without touching the pitch surface, complementing other event systems) and the pilot project deployed at San Mamés to monitor pitch conditions in collaboration with Athletic Club, offering a comprehensive solution for the multifunctional transformation of stadiums.