Reliable and secure network enhances experience for sports
fans and concertgoers
MONROE, La., Nov. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As the lead
network infrastructure provider for the new Little Caesars Arena in
Detroit, CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL)
is connecting sports fans, concertgoers and other guests to the
power of the digital world.
A catalyst in Detroit's
revitalization, Little Caesars Arena is part of a 50-block,
mixed-use development led by the Ilitch organization called The
District Detroit. The cutting-edge $635
million arena serves as the new home of the NHL's Detroit
Red Wings and the NBA's Detroit Pistons, plus hosts concerts and
other special events. It accommodates up to 20,000
people.
These visitors will be well connected, thanks to CenturyLink's
networking and technology expertise – and years of experience with
similar venues. CenturyLink has designed, engineered and installed
a state-of-the-art, converged LAN (local-area network) for the
arena. The LAN will also serve as the communications cornerstone
for the entire District Detroit.
"Building a world-class communications infrastructure was
critical to the success of the arena, and CenturyLink delivered,"
said John King, vice president,
information & innovation for Olympia Entertainment, Inc., which
provides facility management services at Little Caesars Arena and
serves as the sales and marketing organization for the Detroit Red
Wings. "The arena's advanced communications network helps us keep
our guests connected in multiple ways as they're enjoying our
events, while enabling the operations staff to keep everything
running smoothly and at peak
efficiency."
"Every communications platform, component or device within
Little Caesars Arena is connected to our network," said
Mahesh Dalvi, vice president of
technology architecture, CenturyLink. "We're excited to be
providing advanced networking solutions for such a high-profile,
high-tech arena."
CenturyLink services connect digital signage and
internet-protocol television (IPTV) throughout the arena complex,
as well as Wi-Fi and mobile applications. The company also provides
connections to support telephony, ticketing, parking and concession
point-of-sale terminals. In addition, CenturyLink professionals
provide event-day technical
support.
The arena's communications infrastructure features more than
12,000 active internet ports, over 200 virtual LANs (VLANs) and 45
intermediate distribution frames (IDFs), which connect
telecommunications cables between end-user devices and a main
distribution frame. The core network is capable of supporting 40
gigabits of data throughput, with a redundant 20-gigabit uplink to
each IDF serving the facility.
"These advanced network capabilities help provide arena guests
with an outstanding game-day experience," said Jesse Sullivan, director of business development
for smart solutions, CenturyLink.
Among the most visible CenturyLink technologies at the venue is
the digital signage/IPTV platform, which feeds approximately 1,700
video display screens, including the giant screens in the main
common areas. All these screens are linked together and controlled
from a central command center.
Little Caesars Arena staff can control screens throughout the
venue to display customized content. For example, screens in the
performance area of the arena can display updated information or
images related to the event in progress; those in parking areas can
provide content for the day's event or preview future events; and
screens in private suites can welcome guests to their exclusive
area and inform them about event activities.
Additionally, CenturyLink is providing
voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) service for approximately 700
wired phones in the arena and adjacent operations offices,
including the arena's call center.
CenturyLink has a strong record of success building
high-capacity networks in public venues. The company has installed
similar networks at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, home of the Seahawks; at U.S. Bank
Stadium in Minneapolis, home of
the Minnesota Vikings; and approximately 15 other large venues
nationwide.
About CenturyLink
CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is the
second largest U.S. communications provider to global enterprise
customers. With customers in more than 60 countries and an intense
focus on the customer experience, CenturyLink strives to be the
world's best networking company by solving customers' increased
demand for reliable and secure connections. The company also serves
as its customers' trusted partner, helping them manage increased
network and IT complexity and providing managed network and cyber
security solutions that help protect their business.
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SOURCE CenturyLink, Inc.