NFL and network partners enter 12th season

NFL clubs rely on Extreme Networks to improve the fan experience, increase profitability and provide innovative mobile services. Extreme, meanwhile, began its 12th season as the official supplier of the NFL.

Extreme Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR) announced that numerous NFL clubs – such as the Chargers, Packers, Texans and Vikings – are deploying a variety of Extreme’s innovative solutions to significantly improve the fan experience, increase operational efficiency and provide reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless game day activities. Currently, 27 NFL teams are using Extreme solutions such as Wi-Fi 6E and ExtremeCloud™ Business Insights for Venues to create seamless Wi-Fi connectivity in stadiums and training facilities. The 2024 NFL season will mark the 12th consecutive season that Extreme has been the league’s official Wi-Fi solutions and analytics provider.

New implementations this season include:

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Extreme to improve area-wide coverage at the club’s new 150,000-square-foot state-of-the-art training facility, The Bolt. The Chargers’ implementation includes cloud-managed, high-speed connectivity (Wi-Fi 6E) that provides higher capacity and data transfer to improve mobile application performance, quick access to game schedules and analytics, and live video analytics, among other features.

The Minnesota Vikings have selected Extreme’s AI-native cloud networking and Wi-Fi solutions to improve connectivity across the 66,000-seat stadium and significantly improve the performance of mobile ticketing, mobile services, video replays, interactive applications and connected devices such as security cameras, laying the groundwork for the next generation of experiences such as AR/VR and fan competitions and promotions.

The Green Bay Packers have equipped historic Lambeau Field with a new Wi-Fi 6E network. Fans attending games this season can look forward to uninterrupted connectivity to capture and share their favorite moments and use mobile services.

The Houston Texans are offering a modern stadium experience this season, providing a fast network for their fans and attendees of other events like Monster Jam. With ExtremeCloud Business Insights for Venues, the Texans have greater insight into fan preferences and are helping the stadium operations team monitor crowd flow, optimize on-site vending opportunities and improve resource management to make game day even more enjoyable and seamless.

Gary Brantley, Chief Information Officer, National Football League, on the partnership: “Connectivity is now the 12th man in every stadium. To ensure a successful match day and a new experience for fans and clubs, the network must deliver excellence. Extreme keeps this promise and exceeds expectations. In our 12th season as a partner, we will continue to create innovative and engaging experiences, whether by using network analytics to gain insights into fan preferences or by introducing new services in the stadium, such as self-service shops or in-stadium apps.”

Kenny Ansel, IT Director for the Green Bay Packers, added: “This season, we have improved our performance both on and off the field with Wi-Fi 6E from Extreme.” Fans at Lambeau Field will experience seamless mobile ticketing and payment, as well as uninterrupted connectivity to stream highlights and capture and share their favorite game day moments. Wi-Fi 6E is the key enabler to create new experiences that excite and engage fans. Thanks to the improved visibility into fan activity, network activity and visitor flow in the stadium, we can deploy our staff more effectively and ensure continuous smooth and safe operations.”

Norman Rice, Chief Commercial Officer, Extreme Networks concludes: “There is no provider that can handle the complex implementations of wireless connectivity in stadiums and other venues better than Extreme.” That’s why we are continuing to expand our collaboration with clubs like the Chargers, Packers, Vikings and Texans. Combining our best-in-class Wi-Fi connectivity with industry-unique analytics and insights helps clubs create personalized and seamless experiences throughout the stadium. Together we are shaping the future of immersive experiences such as AR navigation and video replays, fan interactions and live streaming.” (Stadionwelt, September 9, 2024)