Extreme Networks, Inc., a cloud-driven networking company, on Monday said it has extended its partnership with the National Football League.
Extreme Networks said it will remain the official Wi-Fi network solutions provider and official Wi-Fi analytics provider of the NFL through 2024.
Extreme said its solutions have supported every Super Bowl since Super Bowl XLVIII and ExtremeAnalytics will be in use at SoFi Stadium during Super Bowl LVI in February 2022.
The parties said their expanded agreement, terms of which were not disclosed, will allow NFL teams to provide next-generation in-stadium fan experiences while gathering and leveraging real-time analytics that will help to drive better decisions around both business and venue operations, such as redirecting the flow of foot traffic based on device density or repositioning staff based on current demands.
The networking company said its ExtremeWireless access points and/or ExtremeAnalytics software currentlyare deployed across 24 NFL stadiums, supporting 25 teams.Through the extended partnership, Extreme will begin working with an additional five NFL stadiums and six teams.
Extreme recently completed network deployments for the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks, upgrading each stadium with a high-density Wi-Fi 6 network as well as simplified Wi-Fi network management solutions.
The company said Wi-Fi network upgrades in the four stadiums will power faster wireless speeds and lower latency than previous generations of Wi-Fi, giving fans the highest quality connection and improving fan-facing technology including stadium apps, mobile ticketing, and cash-free payments. Additionally, IT and network management staff will have greater visibility into the Wi-Fi network performance and devices as well as greater control over optimization.
“Stadium environments require high-density, powerful Wi-Fi networks that can be adjusted and scaled depending on the needs of each event,” Norman Rice, chief operating officer, Extreme Networks, said in a statement. “With the right network technology and analytics in place, the NFL can continue to make data-driven decisions that advance the game and keep fans engaged. Network analytics are the currency driving innovative new services such as real-time sports betting and mobile concessions. We are proud to extend our long-standing partnership with the NFL, continuing to work together to make technology an integral part of the game both on and off the field.”
Michelle McKenna, chief information officer, National Football League, added, “Fan expectations and demands for technology-driven experiences are evolving, and it is our job to fulfill those expectations every game day. We do that by providing great Wi-Fi connectivity, leveraging insightful analytics to improve business operations, and creating a simple and effective way for our team to manage the network within a single dashboard. Our partnership with Extreme allows us to stay ahead of the curve, providing every team in the NFL with a resource for leading stadium Wi-Fi network technology. We are extending our relationship with
Extreme because we want to continue working with a partner that is equally invested in creating a superior fan experience every single week.”
