The University of Utah has partnered with Boldyn Networks and Extreme Networks to deploy a cutting-edge WiFi 6E network at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
The Salt Lake Tribune said that the new free network can service a sell-out crowd of 53,644 fans.
The advanced connectivity solution is designed to enhance the in-venue experience for patrons year-round and will support essential stadium operations and services, including ticketing, mobile concessions ordering, press and media.
Jenn Reed, Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services at the University of Utah said, “We are thrilled to officially announce the completion of this project on our campus. Boldyn Networks is a proven partner and we know our investment will add value to the visitors’ and fans’ game-day experience at Rice-Eccles Stadium.”
The state-of-the-art network will be supported by a Network Operations Center (NOC) monitored 24/7/365.
Utah’s Associate Athletic Director for Facilities, Operations and Capital Projects Gavin Gough told The Salt Lake Tribune, “It’s huge for our fan experience. It’s huge for our fans to be able to have connectivity at the stadium.
“This is something that we’ve been working on for several years. It is kind of funny, we want the fans to focus on the field, the video board, and we put so much effort into that, but at the end of the day, we still want our fans to stay connected.”
The innovative WiFi network includes:
- 1,339 Wi-Fi Access Points (APs): Ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the venue.
- Wi-Fi 6E Capabilities: Supporting 2.4, 5, and 6GHz unlicensed spectrum for superior performance.
- Redundant Internet Circuits: Capable of servicing over 20 Gbps to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
- Data Analytics: Utilizing technologies similar to those in NFL stadiums for enhanced operational insights.
Alongside the enhanced connectivity, Utah is now leveraging its new WiFi system to improve the experience fans have with the Utah 360 app, which allows fans to get behind-the-scenes content of Utah athletes and also empowers Name Image and Likeness initiatives.
On a game day, it also helps fans order food and drinks. Using the app, they can order concessions from their seats with a stable connection instead of waiting in long, congested lines at halftime.
Instead of waiting for hundreds of fans to place their orders in a line, servers can call a person’s name, hand them their food and have less stress while working.
Gough said that online ordering would improve with Utah’s inaugural season in the Big 12. Fans will not only be able to get back to their seats quicker, but the stress on cashiers and food workers in Rice-Eccles Stadium will be relieved.
Salt Lake Tribune further stated that mobile ordering has been in place for years at Rice-Eccles Stadium, but it was basically useless without a reliable network.
Gough added, “That was also at the forefront of our minds as we looked at this. They’ve had it in place for several years. Now with the connectivity piece in place, we really can take advantage of the existing mobile ordering system with our point-of-sale technology.”
The new WiFi network has been a hit with fans. In the MUSS, Utah’s student section, and throughout the stadium, fans could be seen snapping and sharing photos at the first game of the season.
Gough added, “What that means is people are using their phones to share or to capture that special moment. That’s where there’s a little bit of excitement when you think about it from that standpoint.
“The network is used to enhance the fan experience. We want them there in person. There’s nothing like a college football game in person.”
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