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Stadium Tech Report — NFL stadium technology reports — NFC South

November 12, 2014 by

Editor’s note: The following team-by-team capsule reports of NFL stadium technology deployments are an excerpt from our most recent Stadium Tech Report, THE FOOTBALL ISSUE. To get all the capsules in one place as well as our featured reports, interviews and analysis, download your free copy of the full report today.

NFC SOUTH

Reporting by Chris Gallo

Atlanta Falcons
Georgia Dome
Seating Capacity: 71,280
Wi-Fi – Yes, approximately 500 access points
DAS-Yes
Beaconing – No

Last year’s 4-12 record came as a surprise to Falcons fans after three straight playoff seasons. With lots of talent on the field, the fans are looking forward to a rebound year. And they’ll get to follow the team with ease as the multi-venue Georgia Dome features 500 Wi-Fi access points from Cisco.

Carolina Panthers
Bank of America Stadium
Seating Capacity: 74,455
Wi-Fi – Yes, 645 access points
DAS-Yes
Beaconing – No

Bank of America Stadium receives a Wi-Fi boost from AT&T in 2014. Now with 645-plus Wi-Fi access points, Panthers fans should find it a little easier to share that photo of Cam Newton’s touchdown celebration. Will they be able to do so for another home playoff game?

New Orleans Saints
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Seating Capacity: 76,468
Wi-Fi – Yes, 600+ access points
DAS-Yes
Beaconing – No

Remember the blackout from Super Bowl XLVII? How could you forget? The Superdome doesn’t. Good thing the versatile venue was prepared to keep fans connected with a robust DAS and more than 600 Cisco Wi-Fi access points. Saints fans will have plenty to share on game days with a high-powered offense back in 2014.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Raymond James Stadium
Seating Capacity: 65,890
Wi-Fi-Yes
DAS-Yes
Beaconing – No

After installing Wi-Fi in 2012 and releasing an updated team mobile app in 2013, Tampa Bay delayed plans to enhance the stadium’s video boards in the offseason. The reason? The organization wants to supersize the upgrades with larger screen sizes and video replay capability. Owned by the Tampa Bay Sports Authority, Raymond James Stadium has secured the 2017 College Football National Championship game. This means Bucs fans can expect the game day experience to continue to improve in the coming years.

Filed Under: 4G LTE, AT&T, DAS, New Orleans Saints, NFL, Verizon Wireless, Wi-Fi Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Maryland taps Extreme, SignalShare for Wi-Fi at football and basketball venues

November 12, 2014 by

Xfinity Center, home of University of Maryland basketball. Credit all photos: University of Maryland website

Xfinity Center, home of University of Maryland basketball. Credit all photos: University of Maryland website

In the second tag-team deal that we know of, the University of Maryland has selected the combination of Extreme Networks and SignalShare for Wi-Fi network and services deployments at both its football and basketball venues, according to a news release today.

Hoops fans will get to test the services first, as according to the press release the network inside the Terrapins’ Xfinity Center will be live for games this season, starting later this month. A Wi-Fi network for the 54,000-seat Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium, which is used by Maryland for football and lacrosse, will be fully installed by next season. According to the release, Extreme and SignalShare have already deployed Wi-Fi for luxury suites and press areas in the football facility, and will add services for upper and lower bowl seating by the start of football next year.

Since we haven’t yet had time to talk to anyone from either Maryland or the participating companies, we’ll crib from our previous story about the Extreme-SignalShare collaboration in use at the Jacksonville Jaguars’ EverBank Field.

Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium

Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium

If you are a regular MSR reader you probably know about Extreme and its IdentFi Wi-Fi deployments; the more unknown of the duo is likely SignalShare, a Raleigh, N.C., concern that has both Wi-Fi integration and deployment expertise, as well as an “audience engagement platform” called “Live-Fi” that the company says “leverages real-time analytics and dynamic messaging to deliver location-aware customized content – including offers, discounts and call-to-actions – to attendees’ mobile devices during events.”

SignalShare says it has systems at work for sports clients including the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and Indiana Pacers, and has also deployed its systems at other large venues and events, including the U.S. Open tennis tournament and several large outdoor concert venues.

We will, of course, do our best to dig deeper into the whys and hows of the deal, but for now a canned comment from the press release will have to suffice:

“At Maryland, like at many universities across the country, our students live and breathe with their mobile devices,” Maryland director of athletics Kevin Anderson said in a prepared statement. “We want to make sure that when students come to a game, not only can they remain connected to their favorite social networks, sites and apps, but that we can entertain them with new fan engagement initiatives, including the eventual addition of in-seat ordering, game day jersey sales and other interactive experiences and promotions. The solution from SignalShare and Extreme will elevate our game day experience to an enhanced level.”

Xfinity Center indoors

Xfinity Center indoors

Filed Under: Basketball, NCAA Football, NCAA Hoops, Wi-Fi Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

FedEx Field gets suite-level Wi-Fi from Huawei

November 11, 2014 by

FedEx Field, home of the NFL’s Washington, D.C. franchise, is getting Wi-Fi service in its 330 suites from Chinese telecommunications gear provider Huawei, according to an announcement from the team and the company.

Rob Verkon, senior solution sales and marketing manager for Huawei Enterprise USA, said in a recent phone interview that the Wi-Fi network is currently being installed with a goal of making it available “for the final games [of the season] in December.” Washington hosts the St. Louis Rams on Dec. 7, and then has two more scheduled December regular-season home games, Dec. 20 vs. the Philadelphia Eagles and Dec. 28 against the Dallas Cowboys.

The deal is the first major stadium Wi-Fi win in the U.S. for Huawei, which claims to also have “networking and infrastructure” deployments in major stadiums in Europe. A major competitor to large U.S. networking firms like Cisco, Huawei has been at the center of controversy in recent years, including being tabbed as a security threat by U.S. government officials, and later as a reported target for N.S.A. surveillance.

According to the press release, Huawei has entered into a multi-year sponsorship deal as the “official technology partner” for the Washington team. Though Verkon would not reveal the specifics of the network deployment costs, he did confirm that the company will receive some payment in the form of advertising, signage and other sponsorship identification.

Verkon said Huawei will be deploying 170 802.11ac access points to cover the 330 suites in the 85,000-seat FedEx Field. Though there is no mention of further deployment arrangements in the press release, Verkon said that “the eventual project” will include bringing Wi-Fi to the full seating bowl for next season.

Currently, the Wi-Fi situation at FedEx is a bit of a black hole; according to Verkon there is some existing Wi-Fi service in the stadium, and the team’s home page even lists Wi-Fi in its stadium guide (with the message “Fans in the seating bowl may access the free wireless network. Please see signs around the stadium for for login information.”). But in our research for NFL Wi-Fi services for our most recent Stadium Tech Report, MSR could not confirm that Wi-Fi services were available for the entire seating area.

Filed Under: Cisco, NFL, Wi-Fi Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Stadium Tech Report — NFL stadium technology reports — NFC North

November 10, 2014 by

Editor’s note: The following team-by-team capsule reports of NFL stadium technology deployments are an excerpt from our most recent Stadium Tech Report, THE FOOTBALL ISSUE. To get all the capsules in one place as well as our featured reports, interviews and analysis, download your free copy of the full report today.

NFC NORTH

Reporting by Chris Gallo

Chicago Bears
Soldier Field
Seating Capacity: 61,500
Wi-Fi – Yes, 175 access points
DAS – Yes, 220 access points
Beaconing – No

Soldier FieldAn unexpected experiment tested Soldier Field’s connectivity in 2013. Severe weather delayed the Ravens and Bears Nov. 17 tilt for two hours, meaning fans were reaching for their phones all at once to stay connected. The wireless activity doubled in this time period, but Solider Field handled it with ease. Boingo and AT&T boosted the stadium’s DAS with more than 220 new antennas. Combine that with 175 Wi-Fi access points, and one of the NFL’s oldest stadiums is well-connected. However, it will cost fans to be connected – $1.99 per day or $7.95 for the monthly Boingo fee.

Detroit Lions
Ford Field
Seating Capacity: 65,000
Wi-Fi-Yes
DAS-Yes
Beaconing – No

The Detroit Lions have one of the more exciting offenses in the NFL. And now fans will be able to share that excitement as Verizon brings Wi-Fi to Ford Field in 2014. It’s a major upgrade for a stadium that enters in 12th season. Will the improvement spill over onto the field, and have the Lions host their first playoff game since 1994?

Green Bay Packers
Lambeau Field
Seating Capacity: 80,735
Wi-Fi – No
DAS-Yes
Beaconing – No

The oldest home stadium in the NFL is still a memorable place to catch a game. But after the Packers needed corporate sponsors to sell out last year’s home playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, the organization is planning more upgrades. The Packers are in the middle of another multi-million dollar renovation that improves scoreboards, increases capacity, and has plans to add Wi-Fi to the stadium in the near future.

Minnesota Vikings
TCF Bank Stadium
Seating Capacity: 52,000
Wi-Fi – Limited / in select areas only
DAS-Yes
Beaconing – No

The Vikings are headed for the outdoors in 2014 and 2015. While the organization’s new digs are being built, the team will play at TCF Bank Stadium – home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. While not available throughout the stadium, there is some Wi-Fi present (in suites and club areas), as well as a new DAS upgrade from AT&T.

Filed Under: 4G LTE, AT&T, DAS, Detroit Lions, NFL, Verizon Wireless, Wi-Fi Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stadium Tech Report — NFL stadium technology reports — AFC West

November 7, 2014 by

Editor’s note: The following team-by-team capsule reports of NFL stadium technology deployments are an excerpt from our most recent Stadium Tech Report, THE FOOTBALL ISSUE. To get all the capsules in one place as well as our featured reports, interviews and analysis, download your free copy of the full report today.

AFC WEST

Reporting by Chris Gallo

Denver Broncos
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Seating Capacity: 76,125
Wi-Fi-Yes
DAS-Yes
Beaconing – No

When Sports Authority Field at Mile High is at full capacity (76,125) on game days, the stadium is the 14th largest city in Colorado. And it’s a well-connected one too. Because the Denver Broncos deliver TE Connectivity DAS and a Verizon-built Wi-Fi network to the stadium. On the Wi-Fi side, Sprint should be joining this season, allowing its customers to join Verizon’s with free Wi-Fi access. Verizon, which has added Wi-Fi APs in strategic spots around the facility, has also added an additional 180 DAS antennas to its network. AT&T customers use a separate DAS at Sports Authority, and Sprint is also adding to its DAS deployment with more antennas.

Kansas City Chiefs
Arrowhead Stadium
Seating Capacity: 76,416
Wi-Fi – Yes, 600+ access points
DAS-Yes
Beaconing – No

On a quest to challenge the HD experience at home, Chiefs president Mark Donovan delivered Wi-Fi and a mobile app to Arrowhead Stadium last season. Chiefs fans will continue to be able to share status updates and check fantasy lineups on game days in 2014. Let’s see if the support helps Kansas City make the playoffs for consecutive seasons for the first time since 1994-1995.

Oakland Raiders
O.Co Coliseum
Seating Capacity: 56,057
Wi-Fi – No
DAS-Yes
Beaconing – No

The Raiders enter 2014 seeking their first winning season in over a decade. The fans will have to cheer their team on without Wi-Fi for another year at O.Co Coliseum. Despite being available for A’s fans, when the stadium capacity increases by almost 20,000 people for football, Raiders faithful are left without any access.

San Diego Chargers
Qualcomm Stadium
Seating Capacity: 70,561
Wi-Fi – No
DAS-Yes
Beaconing – No

The stadium that’s named after the wireless giant remains a mystery. Because Wi-Fi in Qualcomm Stadium, a facility whose sponsor’s fortunes come mainly from the sale of wireless-phone silicon, is still absent. The stadium that hosted the Super Bowl over a decade ago does have DAS antennas courtesy of AT&T for improved cell coverage.

Filed Under: AT&T, DAS, Denver Broncos, NFL, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Wi-Fi Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stadium Tech Report — NFL stadium technology reports — AFC South

November 6, 2014 by

Editor’s note: The following team-by-team capsule reports of NFL stadium technology deployments are an excerpt from our most recent Stadium Tech Report, THE FOOTBALL ISSUE. To get all the capsules in one place as well as our featured reports, interviews and analysis, download your free copy of the full report today.

AFC SOUTH

Reporting by Chris Gallo

Houston Texans
NRG Stadium
Seating Capacity: 71,054
Wi-Fi – No
DAS-No
Beaconing – No

The Houston Texans have lots of holes to fill after a 2-14 season last year. Is a new coach, the number one draft pick to play alongside J.J. Watt, and one of best wideouts and running backs in the game a recipe for success in 2014? We’ll see. One area that won’t improve in 2014 is stadium connectivity. With no Wi-Fi, Texans fans will struggle to check their fantasy stats at games.

Indianapolis Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium
Seating Capacity: 63,000
Wi-Fi-Yes
DAS-Yes
Beaconing – No

After an exciting home playoff win last season, Colts fans are ready for another promising year. Lucas Oil Stadium enters its sixth season and another year with Wi-Fi upgrades. The facility is another beneficiary of hosting a recent Super Bowl, which brings lots of carrier spending to ensure a quality experience for the big game. There are no specifics on access points or DAS antennas, but the organization is encouraging fans to test the upgrades by watching the last play, checking the latest stats, and sharing photos with friends. Indianapolis is doing everything to make Lucas Oil Stadium the best place to catch the Colts on Sunday.

Jacksonville Jaguars
EverBank Field
Seating Capacity: 67,297
Wi-Fi-Yes
DAS-No
Beaconing – No

Any guesses where the largest video boards are in the world? That’s right. EverBank Field in Jacksonville. The Jaguars installed two video boards that showcase almost 22,000 (!) square feet of digital canvas. The video boards are the highlight of a $63 million dollar renovation to the stadium that also includes not just one – but two swimming pools. Yes, a pool. And cabanas. The Jaguars are teaming up with Extreme Networks and SignalShare to deliver Wi-Fi access to fans for this season. No DAS yet, but expect more upgrades to follow soon at EverBank.

Tennessee Titans
LP Field
Seating Capacity: 69,149
Wi-Fi-Yes
DAS-Yes
Beaconing – No

Another outfit by Extreme Networks, Titans fans will be able to connect this fall to Wi-Fi at LP Field. It’s a major upgrade from years past, as new owner Tommy Smith continues to deliver on his promise of changes to the organization. The Wi-Fi was expected to be in full use for all home games this NFL season.

Filed Under: 4G LTE, AT&T, DAS, NFL, Wi-Fi Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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