Networking solutions company Extreme Networks announced on Tuesday that it would be the Official WiFi and WiFi Analytics Provider of Super Bowl LI in Houston, Texas, making it the first time that the San Jose, Calif.-based company will implement its wired and wireless solution at the Super Bowl.
“Following Extreme’s wireless implementation across ten NFL stadiums, we’ve seen how the network and analytics capabilities are driving the unique business goals of each team,” said Norman Rice, EVP of Global Marketing, Supply Chain and Corporate Development at Extreme Networks in a statement. “By collecting key learnings through ExtremeAnalytics, we’ve helped our customers leverage that data to further improve the fan experience. We’re thrilled to provide our wireless at the Super Bowl for the first time and support the NFL and its fans at the biggest game of the year.”
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Added Michelle McKenna-Doyle, CIO/SVP at the NFL: “In 2013, the NFL implemented a new wireless standard to support the needs of fans in every stadium. This initiative was incredibly important to the League as fans now expect seamless connectivity and are capturing their memories and experiences through their mobile device. We are proud to have updated over 28 NFL facilities to meet this new standard, and look forward to working with our partner Extreme Networks as we continue to implement more advanced wireless capabilities.”
On Sun., Feb. 5, there will be 1,260 access points at NRG Stadium — which were installed by wireless company 5Bars — in addition to 20 support WiFi coaches helping fans access the stadium network. The custom project also included wireless installment throughout the club levels, suites, field, administration and office areas.
Additionally, Super Bowl LI will be the fourth Super Bowl powered by ExtremeAnalytics, which will allow the on-site IT team to track the network bandwidth throughout game day. As of the current season, ExtremeAnalytics is currently deployed in 18 NFL stadiums.
The NFL and Extreme Networks began their relationship in early 2014, and over nearly the past three years, have implemented Extreme’s wireless networking solution at 10 league stadiums, including the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles, both of which have seen an increase in WiFi adoption and access to teams’ mobile apps. For example, during home games, the Eagles’ Game Day app became one of the top five sports apps accessed by fans in 2016, a four-fold increase from last year.
“For fans today, attending a game goes far beyond just watching the action on the field. We all want to experience the same connectivity in-stadium that we enjoy during our everyday lives, whether that means interacting with friends and family, keeping up with scores and replays from around the league, or personalizing the in-stadium experience,” said Don Smolenski, President of the Philadelphia Eagles in a statement. “Our partnership with Extreme Networks has allowed us to enhance the stadium experience for Eagles fans and has helped us to better understand the mobile trends and engagement in and around Lincoln Financial Field.”