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Managing Stadium Crowds and Traffic from Concerts: Smart City Insights from Mönchengladbach

In this episode of the ISCN Global Mixer we have a fresh and hands-on perspective on managing large crowds and traffic during major events like sports and concerts in smart cities. It's a complex task, but Mönchengladbach shows in his Nordpark area how IoT-driven Smart City solutions can create safer, more sustainable, and livable urban spaces with the proper approaches.

Event details

digital infrastructure digital urban planning pedestrian & bicycle traffic private transport & parking
Datetime
29.10.2025, 11:00 - 11:30
Event type
Online (virtual)
Dokumentation

Paragraphs

Key takeaways

  • Data as the foundation: Informed decision-making depends on reliable, real-time data rather than assumptions.
  • Smart mobility management: IoT sensors monitor traffic flows and pedestrian movements to reduce congestion and enhance safety.
  • Integration of systems: Combining data from various municipal sources creates a comprehensive, citywide overview during major events.
  • Sustainability focus: Smart planning reduces emissions and improves public transport coordination for visitors and residents alike.
  • Citizen experience: Crowd management solutions prioritize comfort, safety, and accessibility for all participants.
  • Scalable urban model: The Nordpark initiative serves as a blueprint for other cities balancing event infrastructure with liveability.

Stadiums, arenas, and event districts face a shared challenge: moving thousands of people safely and efficiently while maintaining a vibrant, livable city environment. In Mönchengladbach, Germany, the Nordpark district has become a real-world testbed for smart city innovation. As Kira Tillmanns from the City of Mönchengladbach shared, the city uses IoT-driven data management to demonstrate how technology can transform large-scale events into safer, more sustainable, and better-integrated urban experiences.

Managing large crowds and traffic surges during concerts or football matches poses logistical and environmental challenges. Traditionally, such events have strained transport systems, caused temporary gridlock, and disrupted local life. Mönchengladbach’s approach begins with a simple principle: “Without data, decisions are only assumptions.” By gathering and analysing information from diverse sources – including parking occupancy, sensor networks, and mobility apps – city managers can monitor and respond to real-time conditions.

At the core of this system are interconnected IoT sensors spread across the Nordpark area. These devices capture data on traffic volumes, parking capacity, pedestrian density, and environmental parameters. The information flows into a central dashboard, providing a live overview that allows for predictive adjustments, such as redirecting cars, optimising bus routes, or communicating updates to attendees via digital signage.

The project also emphasizes collaboration across departments – urban planning, mobility, environmental protection, and IT – ensuring that solutions address both operational needs and long-term sustainability goals. By analysing data from multiple events over time, the city can identify recurring patterns and plan proactively rather than reactively.

This event is part of the ISCN Global Mixer, a series of events organized by the International Smart Cities Network. The presentations cover a wide range of topics related to international smart city approaches and provide exciting insights into urban digitalization worldwide - in just 30 minutes.

Contacts