SportTech

A tech firm working with Premier League clubs has delivered a digital infrastructure upgrade to Stockport County’s ground.

The Hatters are preparing to welcome Stevenage for the second leg of their League One play-off semi-final on Wednesday, having won Saturday’s first leg 1-0.

And they say ADI – which works with the likes of Burnley and Aston Villa – has modernised Edgeley Park, enhancing the matchday experience and unlocking new commercial revenue opportunities.

The stadium specialists said the project demonstrates how digital infrastructure can benefit lower league clubs, driving fan engagement as well as improving revenue generation.

Since the installation, Stockport County has reported a 25% increase in revenue, underlining the impact of combining technology, consultancy and ongoing operational support.

As part of the project, ADI designed and delivered an 81.3m² fine pitch LED big screen; a four-sided digiBOARD perimeter advertising system; lounge and internal stadium signage; integration with ADI’s Live Venue fibre network for content delivery; creative and graphics support; remote system monitoring; and matchday technical support.

Olivia Hanvey, commercial operations director at Stockport County, said: “Our ambition was clear – success on the pitch had to be matched off it.

“Moving from static branding to high-impact digital infrastructure was the natural next step, enhancing fan experience and commercial opportunity for our partners. ADI understood our vision immediately and helped us bring it to life.”

Alongside the installation, ADI provided strategic consultancy to help the club maximise the value of its digital assets.

This included advising on commercial modelling, digital inventory pricing and packaging, and helping develop a tiered ‘Business Club’ sponsorship structure designed to attract partners at multiple investment levels.

Hanvey added: “ADI’s support around commercial modelling was invaluable, and their experience helped us shape a model that works for our club and community.

“Before the infrastructure was even installed, we were able to pre-sell inventory using visual brochures and concepts, which was instrumental in ensuring the project was a success.”

The new digital infrastructure has enabled Stockport County to expand sponsorship opportunities, increase advertising inventory and deliver more targeted activations for local and regional partners.

Ryan Green, commercial sales director at Stockport County, said: “We’re currently 25% up year-on-year in revenue and we’ve welcomed an eclectic mix of businesses from different sectors.

“The digital packages provided by ADI have given our partners a platform to put themselves at the forefront of Stockport fans and the wider business community.”

Through the digiBOARD system, the club can rotate multiple advertisers during a single fixture, create tailored sponsorship packages and activate promotional campaigns far beyond traditional static advertising.

As part of the partnership, ADI also provides ongoing operational support through its Live Venue network, including content scheduling, live venue management, pre-built playlists, creative support and a dedicated matchday technician.

This end-to-end service ensures Stockport County can operate digital assets efficiently while benefiting from the same calibre of support seen across the upper levels of the football pyramid.

ADI says its partnership with County is emerging as a model for other League One and League Two clubs seeking to modernise ageing infrastructure, strengthen local partnerships and generate greater returns from stadium assets.

Claire Fitzgerald-Firth, head of engagement & client services at the firm, said: “Working with Stockport County shows what’s possible when ambition is matched with the right digital strategy.

“From the outset, we delivered a full turnkey solution to create a commercially sustainable model for a League One club – combining digital infrastructure with consultancy, creative support and matchday delivery.”

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