Extreme Networks Named NFL Wi-Fi Analytics Provider

nfl-stadium

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. will be the site of the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. The NFL has teamed with Extreme Networks to improve WiFi connectivity at MetLife and several other stadiums. (Photo: Rich Miller)

Ever tried to get Wifi in a football stadium? In a step toward improving connectivity in its venues, the National Football League has named Extreme Networks (EXTR) as the official Wi-Fi Analytics provider for the League and Super Bowl XLVIII. The sponsorship underscores the NFL's commitment toimproving the in-stadium experience for fans and the critical role big data and analytics play in delivering on that goal for today's highly connected fans.

"Technology is transforming fan experiences," said Crawford Del Prete, chief research officer at IDC. "The NFL is at the forefront of this change. High-density Wi-Fi and analytics provide a true differentiator for connecting teams and fans - offering them a one of a kind game experience.  Extreme Networks has proven its expertise in this area with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, and is expanding that across the NFL.  Innovations around Wi-Fi and network visibility have valuable applicability across a number of industries, including education, manufacturing and healthcare."

Working at Super Bowl Venue

Extreme Networks intelligent Wi-Fi analytics technology is currently deployed for the Lions, Eagles, Patriots and New York Giants/New York Jets. The decision to deploy Extreme Networks Wi-Fi analytics technology is part of the NFL's overall plan to improve the stadium experience through guidelines established by the League for Wi-Fi connectivity. This provides unprecedented near real-time visibility into what fans expect from their in-stadium experience, enabling each team to more easily deploy new applications and services to better the experience.

"The introduction of mobile and social technology has dramatically changed the fan experience and access to high performance Wi-Fi has emerged as a necessary asset," said Chuck Berger, president and CEO, Extreme Networks. "Combined with our analytics technology, we are providing the NFL with the insights needed to bring a rich and digitally immersive game-day event to all fans. It's not just about delivering connectivity, it's about helping deliver an experience and that's the key."

"Installing high-density Wi-Fi in our stadium in 2012 allowed the New England Patriots to deliver an advanced in-stadium experience to all of our fans and guests," said Fred Kirsch, vice president of content, New England Patriots. "With the network in place, we can now offer compelling content seen only at the game. Plus, with deep-dive analytics, we have the knowledge and tools to provide fans the connectivity they've come to expect. Deploying pervasive Wi-Fi was the critical first step, and Extreme's solution was exemplary. The use of analytics will provide a deeper layer of visibility into how fans are experiencing games and will help guide future improvements and next-gen applications."