Extreme Networks Partners with Verizon Business for Stadium Connectivity and Fan Experiences

By Erik Linask, Group Editorial Director  |  May 05, 2022

Verizon (News - Alert) Business announced its new International Stadium and Venue business, focused on delivering large venues – particularly in Europe and Asia – new levels of connectivity to event experiences for fans, staff, and teams.  Sports and other venues have longed to deliver a better, technology-driven experience at their events and, now, Verizon’s private 5G solutions make that possible.

“You cannot underestimate the impact transformational technologies such as 5G will have on innovation across the entertainment and sports industries,” said Tami Erwin, CEO of Verizon Business.

But, it’s not just about the 5G connectivity.  It’s about creating a complete network infrastructure supported by network and user analytics to optimize and even customize experiences for users.  That’s why Extreme Networks has partnered with Verizon to transform the stadium experience and bring a new era of engagement to events.

Extreme already has vast experience implementing Wi-Fi networks in major venues through its partnerships in the U.S. with the National Football League, National Hockey League, NASCAR, and major League Baseball.  Each of these leagues boasts venues already supported by Extreme’s network solutions – from switches to Wi-Fi 6 access points to network management and analytics software.  In addition, a growing list of venues – now up to 60 – has rolled out Verizon’s 5G UW connectivity.

“Given our history of success jointly deploying Verizon 5G and Extreme Wi-Fi solutions in some of the world’s largest and most prestigious venues in the U.S., we’ve formalized our relationship into an official strategic partnership that will enable us to continue to deliver that same level of expertise, innovation and impact to large venues across the European and Asia Pacific regions,” explained Scott Lawrence, Group Vice President, Verizon Business (News - Alert) Europe.”

The first beneficiary of this newly announced partnership will be Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium.  Man U tapped Extreme for the buildout of its new Wi-Fi infrastructure and now will double down on the value proposition with Verizon’s 5G access.  Extreme expects this will be merely the first of its stadium partnerships in Europe and Asia.

 “As leagues continue to evolve, the network will permeate every aspect of the in-stadium experience from biometrics, mobile sports betting, and mobile concessions,” said Norman Rice, COO, Extreme Networks (News - Alert).  “Together with Verizon, we’ve been able to completely transform the role that the network plays in how fans interact, engage and show brand affinity, while providing leagues, clubs and teams with insights that allow them to personalize and operationalize to perfection.”

Extreme’s Wi-Fi infrastructure and software solutions – ExtremeCloudIQ and ExtremeAnalytics – combined with Verizon’s 5G capabilities, will drive a new era of in-stadium experiences, including mobile ticketing, cashless transactions, legalized sports betting, personalized experiences, immersive experiences leveraging AR/VR solutions, and much more – not to mention the same level of connectivity for venue personnel and teams and their operational staff.

Key to delivering a modern experience is Extreme’s cloud-driven network approach, including its network management and analytics tools.  Its solutions give IT teams full visibility into network utilization, devices, and applications, along with the network analytics to support data-driven decisions to optimize every experience.

“For years, we‘ve been collaborating with facility leaders, vendors and fans to reimagine fan experiences,” added Erwin.  “We understand the potential of these technologies, we have the experience, and now, an international ecosystem of partners who are just as committed to living up to the passion of fans who build memories at these venues.”




Edited by Erik Linask
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