Upgraded Mobile Service becoming slam dunk for NBA and Sponsors

Many fans attend an NBA game for a fun experience seeing their favorite players like Lebron James, Kevin Durant, and Carmelo Anthony. However, what takes the game to the next level is the ability to share the experience. The landscape of NBA venues is changing to address issues surrounding Wi-Fi connectivity, wireless systems for broadcast, and real-time data for sponsors. People expect their mobile devices to receive quality service wherever they go, especially large venues that host special events. The Orlando Magic’s Amway Center was one of the first NBA arenas to install Wi-Fi service into their venue. The team took the initiative to own and operate their Wi-Fi network rather than allowing a cellular carrier or third party to control it. “When we went to put in Wi-Fi we saw it as a capital investment — we wanted to own the network,” said Jack Elkins, business innovations manager for the Orlando Magic. Cisco and AmpThink were thorough in preparing multiple radios frequencies [2.4 GHz and 5 GHz] so when fans get new updated devices, they’ll be able to use up to 5 GHz without changes to the system being made. The advantage to this upgrade was in improving its ability to gather and share information with the fans. The system is certainly being utilized as the Magic have seen an average of 2,700 fans on their Wi-Fi network during NBA games. More teams are looking to this as an example to provide Wi-Fi in their own arenas. The benefits go beyond basketball games as these venues are often utilized for concerts and hockey as well. This situation in Orlando is only a microcosm of the entire wireless landscape in the NBA. The NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans was covered top to bottom with the help of Profession Wireless Systems and Packet Logix. The press was closely monitored to confirm that they were utilizing the arena’s Wi-Fi instead of logging on to the Internet through their own cellular hotspots. This was necessary to the event to prevent any potential crash to the entire Wi-Fi system. Wi-Fi infrastructure equipment has become less expensive, more efficient and quick enough so that upgrades will no longer handcuff ownership and even opens them up for new opportunities. Verizon has sought out teams like the Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trailblazers to utilize incoming data for sponsorship purposes. Verizon devices can be connected directly to specific locations. The ability to measure data would demonstrate how effective marketing campaigns are that are being used during games. "We can tie a device back to the cell towers which it registers against," said Colson Hillier, VP of Verizon Precision Market Insights. This process is easily achieved through the use of a Verizon cell phone. The percent of an audience that attended a game and proceeded to visit a sponsor's store or restaurant during a particular time can now be measured. This would revolutionize how sponsors gather big data by monitoring your location; however, the user would have to opt-in to such a program. Similar to the NFL venue upgrades, the NBA is growing with the demand and need for wireless service. It is beneficial in keeping their fan base satisfied as well as learning more about them. The NBA will continue to see expansion of Cell Service and Wi-Fi throughout their arenas in the coming years. For the league, ownership, and fans, everybody is a winner. This will be an important issue to tackle in the coming years for NBA arenas. To learn more about big venue Wi-Fi or if you are interested in buying/selling TerraWave Solutions,  Aruba Networks, Cisco, Juniper Networks, Meru Networks, or Motorola Solutions equipment, contact Launch 3 Telecom at 877-878-9134 or email sales@launch3.net.
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