Installing VAR permanently at a football venue: what owners gain

The small-sided pitch hire market in large cities is highly competitive, while hire prices are effectively capped by what the local area will pay. When the hourly rate cannot go up, a venue owner needs another reason for teams and tournament organisers to choose their venue.

This article sets out what an owner gains by buying and permanently installing Sol26 VAR: revenue from a value-added service, a match environment with fewer conflicts, an edge in attracting tournaments, media content and a configuration suited to a fixed venue.

VAR as a value-added service on pitch hire

Instead of cutting prices to keep customers, the owner can add VAR as a premium feature in the hire package. Teams on a standard booking keep the existing price, while teams or tournaments that want a video assistant referee pay extra for the VAR package.

This creates new revenue without changing the base price list. Because the system is already installed, each VAR match avoids the transport and set-up time of hiring equipment from outside.

Fewer disputes and scuffles on the pitch

Arguments, scuffles and even abandoned matches over a referee's call are a recurring problem in amateur football. Each incident also damages the venue's reputation, even when the owner is not at fault.

With VAR, sensitive incidents are reviewed from several angles, in slow motion and with up to 10x zoom on the point of contact. The head referee reviews on a pitch-side monitor and makes the final call, usually within 20 to 40 seconds. Players have clear evidence on which to accept the outcome.

An edge in attracting tournaments

Amateur tournament organisers need to raise the credibility and professionalism of their events to attract strong teams and sponsors. A venue that already has VAR meets that need without the organiser having to find and hire equipment separately.

For the owner, every tournament brought to the venue means many consecutive hours of hire over several weeks. A venue that uses the technology also stands apart from traditional pitches in the same area.

Media content for the venue

The system stores full match video from every camera. Dramatic plays and VAR checks are exported as clips for players and the owner to post on TikTok and Facebook. This is a steady source of content tied directly to the venue's image.

One system for several pitch types and sports

Sol26 VAR works for 5, 7 and 11-a-side football. It can also be deployed for pickleball, tennis, badminton, billiards and basketball, which suits venues moving towards a multi-sport model.

Configuration for a permanent installation

Sol26 VAR is sold as a package in three configuration tiers for venues. The number of cameras depends on pitch size, and cameras are mounted 5 to 6 m high to cover the whole pitch and limit blind spots.

• 4 to 8 cameras recording in sync in real time
• Control desk with Replay and Live screens and jog knobs for scrubbing and flagging
• Review monitor for the head referee at the touchline
• Intercom between the VAR desk and the head referee
• Full match video stored for extraction after the game

Frequently asked questions

How many cameras does one pitch need?

The system uses 4 to 8 cameras, with the exact number depending on pitch size. Cameras are placed on both goal lines and at diagonal corners to watch the line and the penalty area.

Which incidents does VAR cover?

Goal or no goal, penalties and contact in the box, straight red cards, mistaken identity and offside.

What purchase options are available?

Sol26 VAR comes in three configuration tiers for venues. The right tier is recommended based on the number of pitches, pitch size and expected use.

Can the system be used for sports other than football?

Yes. Besides 5, 7 and 11-a-side football, it can be deployed for pickleball, tennis, badminton, billiards and basketball.