Extreme Wi-Fi network built at Anfield

Article posted by Coliseum, August 12^th, 2024

Image: Coliseum GSVA

Liverpool F.C. has signed Extreme Networks to deploy a high-speed Wi-Fi network at Anfield Stadium.

The new Wi-Fi network is designed to elevate the fan experience for supporters while helping to dramatically streamline operations throughout the historic stadium. Verizon Business is Extreme’s deployment partner for the project.

Liverpool Football Club (LFC) is a professional football club based in Liverpool, England (UK). The club competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football. Founded in 1892, the club joined the Football League the following year and has played its home games at Anfield since its formation.

Anfield Stadium is a football stadium in Anfield, Liverpool, England (UK), which has a seating capacity of 61,276 making it the fifth-largest football stadium in England.

Extreme Networks said the new Wi-Fi set-up will provide seamless connectivity for the hundreds of thousands of fans who come through the turnstiles each year.

Drew Crisp, Senior Vice President of Digital, Liverpool FC, said, “Anfield is an enduring symbol in UK football history and has stood for 139 years, hosting countless historical moments and legendary matches.

“With Extreme Wi-Fi, we’ve brought the stadium into the digital age, seamlessly blending our rich history with modern innovation. This partnership not only empowers us to deliver innovative digital experiences but also provides us with valuable insights to continually enrich fans’ matchday experiences.

“Extreme was a true partner throughout the entire process as they are the gold standard when it comes to providing seamless connectivity in high-density, iconic venues.”

Using ExtremeCloud IQ, LFC can now easily monitor and optimize network performance across the venue.

With ExtremeAnalytics, the club has access to real-time data around fan preferences and experiences to help better personalize and customize fan experiences throughout the stadium.

Seamless Stadium Connectivity for Fans: LFC’s Wi-Fi network supports new digital experiences like mobile ticket scanning, cashless payments and mobile concessions.

The network’s design for high-density outdoor environments helps ensure that even during sold-out games, with all 61,000 seats filled, the connectivity remains robust and fast.

Maximized Engagement and Streamlined Operations: LFC will rely on real-time network insights from ExtremeAnalytics, giving the club access to data relevant to fan foot traffic, popular concessions areas and app usage across the stadium.

It can also pinpoint peak moments during games when fans are most digitally engaged and where they most often congregate in the stadium, helping the club make data-driven decisions such as identifying areas in the venue that may require additional staff, opportunities for future marketing partnerships and prioritizing content to boost fan engagement.

Simple Cloud Management: LFC’s wireless network is managed entirely through ExtremeCloud IQ, enabling stadium staff to easily monitor and control Wi-Fi capacity, adjust and manage the settings and parameters of wireless devices such as access points and access real-time information around network performance.

The operations team has a complete view of the stadium network through a single, centralized dashboard, enabling them to optimize performance in real-time to deliver a seamless experience for fans and staff connected to the network.

Norman Rice, Chief Commercial Officer, Extreme Networks, said, “Partnering with one of the world’s most celebrated football clubs to deliver wireless connectivity that transforms both matchday and fan experiences has been inspiring. Creating a modern experience while still preserving a historical landmark is an area where Extreme continues to excel.

“Our collaboration with Liverpool Football Club goes beyond simply improving connectivity; it’s about shaping the future of one of the world’s most beloved sports organizations, and we’re honored to be at the forefront of this transformative journey.”

Extreme delivers high-performance network solutions to stadiums across Europe, including Borussia Dortmund and the Olympiastadion Berlin.

Extreme is also a trusted provider of venue solutions worldwide, delivering high-performance Wi-Fi and analytics to leagues including the NFL, MLB, NHL, Minor League Baseball and NASCAR.

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