Datacenter MacGyver Saved the Biggest Football Match of the Year
The Register, Friday, July 10th, 2026
A tech worker jury-rigged a server-room UPS to power a stadium control room and save a big match.
In this On Call column, a tech worker named George saved a high-stakes derby when power failed to a stadium police control room as crowds arrived, knocking out radios, CCTV, and exit gate controls. With an electrician saying repairs would take days, George proposed repurposing a newly installed 4U UPS from the club's server room.
After quick napkin math, volunteers hauled the heavy unit through crowds and jury-rigged it to power essential systems.
The UPS held throughout the match and about 10 minutes past the final whistle, enabling safe evacuation. George's reward was a gift voucher, which the club taxed as income.