Verizon Business and Wi-Fi provider Extreme Networks have completed a major converged network (Wi-Fi) network deployment at the Enterprise Center, home of the St. Louis Blues, just in time for the 2025 season. A comprehensive wired and wireless internet system was designed and deployed by Verizon, ensuring fast, secure and reliable connectivity across the facility and surrounding areas, according to the carrier.
As the “Official 5G Network” for the Enterprise Center, Verizon owns and operates the neutral host DAS in the arena. The Wi-Fi network is jointly deployed and operated by Verizon and Extreme Networks.
Verizon Business designed and deployed an integrated, converged network, streamlines operations, simplifies management, and ensures both fans and staff benefit from seamless high-speed connections, regardless of whether they are on Wi-Fi or cellular networks.
Both the DAS and Wi-Fi networks ride on a shared backbone infrastructure, which includes public and private LANs. Data from connected devices will also run on the converged network to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. This includes IoT sensors as well as mobile devices, point-of-sale systems, and operational technology.
“Our goal is to empower the St. Louis Blues to deliver the best possible experience for their fans,” said Jake Kornblatt, VP, Global Enterprise Americas, Verizon Business. “By providing cutting-edge connectivity to support operational excellence, we’re making game days at Enterprise Center more immersive, engaging and enjoyable for everyone.”
Fans will experience the converged network upgrades to Enterprise Center beginning on Oct. 9, at the St. Louis Blues’ home opener against the Minnesota Wild.
Intelligent Venues Improve Profits, Fan Experience
Verizon envisions a world where “intelligent venues” provide “hyper-connected” guests with the onsite digital services and real-time data access. To do that, Verizon uses mobile edge computing, which brings cloud computing and AI closer to the edge of its network. Beginning with the entrance to the venue, fans can opt into facial authentication technology, which verifies their identities in near real time.
Devices and sensors collect physical data on fans and transmit it through the 5G network so it can produce real time insights. Fans can see which concession stands and restrooms have the shortest lines. “This accelerated access and monitoring of guest traffic patterns in the venue could increase concession sales, enhance the guest experience and improve safety precautions,” a Verizon spokesman said.
Wi-Fi 7 is becoming the technology of choice for stadiums where thousands of fans and staff connect simultaneously to the network, with ultra-fast speeds, increased capacity, lower latency, and support for more devices per access point, according to eTribeca, a company that specializes in emerging communications technologies.
“With Wi-Fi 7, stadiums can offer uninterrupted connectivity, enable digital experiences, and future-proof their network infrastructure for emerging technologies like AR/VR, real-time betting, and mobile concessions,” the company said. “Venue operators gain real-time analytics on crowd flow, concession sales, and fan engagement, which helps optimize staffing, inventory, and event planning.”
