Notre Dame switches on advanced Wi-Fi



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Notre Dame stadium to move to wifi 6E standard Image: Notre Dame Stadium, Tysto, Public Domain

The University of Notre Dame’s iconic stadium has become the first college venue in the U.S. to implement advanced Wi-Fi 6E Standard Power technology.

Building Indiana said Notre Dame’s IT team, along with PIER Group fired up the system as fans packed into the 94-year-old stadium as the college football season kicked off.

Running seamlessly since its debut, the Wi-Fi 6E Standard Power deployment marks a historic transformation for Notre Dame, home to one of college football’s most passionate fanbases, delivering an elevated fan experience through state-of-the-art connectivity.

Notre Dame Stadium is a 77,622 capacity outdoor football stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana, and is the home field of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

Known for its traditions and the roaring crowd on game day, the stadium now combines history with high-tech innovation.

For decades, it has been a beacon of college football excellence, crafted by the same architects who designed Yankee Stadium and Comiskey Park.

But as demand for data surged, both PIER Group and Notre Dame recognized the need for a digital upgrade to match the passion of its fans and the expanding role of the stadium as a year-round event space.

John Buysse, senior director of University Network and Telephony Services at Notre Dame said, “Working with PIER Group has been instrumental in achieving our vision for the stadium and the entire campus.

“We’re committed to being a wireless-first campus, and with Wi-Fi 6E Standard Power, we currently have the most advanced wireless infrastructures in college athletics.”

The decision to introduce Wi-Fi 6E Standard Power was a forward-thinking move to support the stadium’s full potential, not just as a sports venue but as a hub for concerts, movie nights, and even international sports matches.

Now, fans can enjoy faster streaming, real-time stats, ticketless entry, and soon, interactive features like augmented reality (AR) views of live highlights and even an Amazon Walk-Out store right in the stadium.

To support the Wi-Fi 6E spectrum, the team installed over 1,100 HPE Aruba outdoor access points, 150 network switches, and Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) technology to dynamically optimize performance.

3D printers were used to create custom covers to hide technology on ceilings and right in the stands, and crafted solutions to unique railing technology. For special events, the team also developed movable Wi-Fi structures, ensuring guests on the field enjoy the same robust connectivity as those in the stands.

Building Indiana further stated that by the second game of the 2024 season, fans were already making full use of the upgraded network. Data usage skyrocketed, setting new records as fans streamed videos, tracked stats, and stayed connected without the frustrating lags of the past.

As well as enhancing fan engagement, the upgrade has also transformed stadium operations, from more efficient crowd control to better concession and security management.

For international sports events, the network even tracks real-time grass growth, ensuring a pristine playing surface. And the infrastructure is designed to scale—prepared not only to support future sports tech but also to facilitate cutting-edge academic research on campus, opening new opportunities for IoT, AR, and AI research.

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