The Challenges
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Different types of indoor and outdoor wireless infrastructure were developed to provide an enhanced fan experience for the Big Game and all other events at the Glendale Sports & Entertainment District.
From media to tailgaters to fans, the Glendale Sports & Entertainment District was expecting upwards of 150,000 visitors who were predicted to consume 4 terabytes of data directly before, during, and after the Big Game. Preparing for this unprecedented demand was essential, but presented several challenges:
The Big Game is an event unlike any other in the US, with the largest concentration of wireless users outside of the Olympics.
The complex consists of 5 distinct venues that will all be used for various needs during the Big Game: The University of Phoenix Stadium, the massive parking lot tailgate area, Gila River Arena, Westgate Entertainment District promenade, and the Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa.
The needs of each venue varied—sometimes drastically. The number of occupants, indoor vs. outdoor coverage needs, the relationship to nearby towers—each had to be considered individually.
Concerts, conferences, regular season football and hockey games—none of these ongoing events could be disrupted for the installation.