A hybrid smart key and mobile solution digitises access at a Spanish football stadium
Last updated: 4 February 2026
Stadiums require access technologies that are versatile, durable, reliable and easily scalable. Finding a single system that meets all these requirements whilst also offering digital devices for the wide variety of access points found in a typical stadium is no easy task. In many cases, security managers resort to operating two security systems in parallel. This creates a greater workload and added complexity, particularly when they need to deploy a combination of digital control and mechanical cylinders at different access points.
As part of a security upgrade at its 18,000-capacity stadium, Spanish football club UD Almería wanted to move from traditional mechanical locks to digital access control. They were looking for a solution that could adapt to these diverse requirements and enable centralised management via a single, intuitive software interface. Ease of installation within the stadium’s existing infrastructure and the ability to equip doors subject to heavy and demanding use were other key criteria.
UD Almería has chosen ASSA ABLOY as its partner for the digitalisation of its access points
Its SMARTair digital access system includes wireless locks for numerous access points and mobile keys or smart cards for greater user convenience. The same solution now also offers centralised management of eCLIQ smart keys, electronic cylinders and padlocks. This combined solution enables the stadium to digitally secure all its various access points.
By integrating CLIQ devices into a SMARTair solution, organisations gain full access traceability within a single system, saving security managers time and hassle. They can manage access even at remote locations using durable CLIQ cylinders and programmable keys, all via the familiar SMARTair interface.
In addition, the Almería team benefited from technical support provided by ASSA ABLOY specialists, who have experience in digital access solutions for complex stadium projects.
A comprehensive solution for a demanding environment
The complementary benefits of SMARTair and eCLIQ ensure that Almería’s needs are met without compromising on security or flexibility. The reliable and durable eCLIQ and SMARTair devices require little maintenance, thereby minimising ongoing costs.
“With our SMARTair and eCLIQ systems, I feel that the stadium is well protected, day and night,” confirms Ignacio Martín-Calpena Miranda, Director of Facilities and Infrastructure at UD Almería.
All users and access points are managed online via the SMARTair TS1000 Web software. The installed devices include SMARTair i-max faceplates and knob cylinders for glass doors, as well as integrated SMARTair wall-mounted readers for office turnstiles. These are complemented by eCLIQ smart key-operated digital cylinders, CLIQ Wall PDs and eCLIQ padlocks for external doors and tool cages. The entire digital system operates wirelessly at access points: both the SMARTair and CLIQ devices are wireless and were installed quickly, between home matches, without any invasive structural work.
The club’s security team chose SMARTair for real-time control and monitoring of offices, changing rooms and physiotherapy rooms. Here, authorised staff use personalised RFID cards that also serve as ID badges or mobile keys within the SMARTair Openow® app. Visitors and external contractors are granted time-limited access via mobile keys sent directly to their own app, streamlining convenient and efficient visitor management. Meanwhile, eCLIQ cylinders secure technical rooms and internal service areas. Maintenance and security staff, including the police, carry an eCLIQ smart key programmed with individual access permissions.
“Managing SMARTair and eCLIQ doors within a single system, via the TS1000, has made our work much easier,” adds Ignacio Martín-Calpena Miranda.
For added convenience, every CLIQ smart key also features an RFID chip that can be programmed to open authorised doors secured with SMARTair devices. The integration of CLIQ with SMARTair offers facility managers the choice of mobile credentials or RFID credentials (smart cards, key fobs or badges) for SMARTair devices, smart keys for CLIQ cylinders, or smart keys with RFID tags for both the SMARTair and CLIQ systems.
Adapting the existing doors was straightforward: the installers simply replaced the mechanical cylinder with an eCLIQ cylinder, with no wiring or batteries required. Power is transmitted to the cylinder via the user’s battery-powered key. This hybrid installation ensured that all of Almería’s diverse access requirements were met: only ASSA ABLOY could offer such a connected and unified system.
SMARTair® and CLIQ®: one solution, maximum coverage
“When organisations expand their SMARTair digital access solution with battery-free CLIQ cylinders, they implement comprehensive monitoring of their premises, including outdoor areas,” explains Gabriel García, Key Account Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions. “There is no wiring and no need for mechanical keys: just smart, flexible management.”
Both CLIQ electronic and electromechanical cylinders and the ready-to-use SMARTair system form part of ASSA ABLOY’s range of connected Digital Access Solutions. When deployed together, security teams can manage even more doors via the SMARTair software interface. They can implement digital access virtually anywhere, without the need for drilling or causing damage to the building structure.
The wide range of access points already covered by SMARTair is complemented by a range of over 60 types of CLIQ and eCLIQ cylinders, enabling every access point to be secured.
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UD Almería is digitising its stadium with SMARTair and CLIQ
A hybrid smart key and mobile solution is digitising access at a Spanish football stadium. As part of a security upgrade at its 18,000-capacity stadium, Spanish football club UD Almería wanted to move from traditional mechanical locks to digital access control.
