SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Extreme
Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR), the Official Wi-Fi Solutions
Provider for the NFL and of Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay, today revealed the results of
wireless usage at the most unique Super Bowl in the League's
history. Super Bowl LV marked the eighth consecutive year Extreme
delivered Wi-Fi network solutions and Wi-Fi analytics technology
for the championship event. This was the first 100% cash-free,
mobile ticketed NFL game in history. Though fan presence at Raymond
James Stadium was limited to 25,000 fans, Wi-Fi usage demonstrated
those in attendance were more connected than ever, while network
operations behind the scenes reduced operating risk and aided the
safety of everyone in the stadium.
Data revealed approximately 80% of in-range devices were
connected to the Wi-Fi network, up from 71% during Super Bowl LIV.
Average usage per device has more than doubled since Super Bowl LI,
with fan devices this year consuming 587.8 MB of data compared to
253.7 MB in 2017. Additionally, peak network utilization hit 7.9
Gbps, a 2.5 Gbps difference from last year's peak at 10.4 Gbps but
with a crowd half the size, illustrating the increased reliance on
Wi-Fi connectivity for fan engagement at Super Bowl LV.
Super Bowl LV Deployment Facts:
- Unmatched Connectivity: 1,440 ExtremeWireless™ access
points (APs) are installed throughout Raymond James Stadium to
ensure fast, secure connectivity during the regular season, with
950 APs installed in the bowl of the stadium. An additional 83 APs
were installed just for Super Bowl LV to support fan access to
mobile tickets, use of mobile ticket scanners, the media tent, and
VIP areas. Stadium Wi-Fi was specifically optimized for
bandwidth-hungry applications used by fans and stadium personnel,
including social media apps and tools for crowd management.
- Unparalleled Insights: ExtremeAnalytics™ software
provided real-time insight into how users, devices, and
applications interacted with the Wi-Fi network to assist in
delivering a more robust fan and staff experience during Super Bowl
LV and future NFL games. While the circumstances of this year's
game will not all be applicable to future events, the introduction
of touchless and cash-free technology is likely to expand, and data
from this year's game will help provide insights on how to improve
experiences for all.
- New Standard in Mobile Ticketing: ExtremeWireless APs
deployed at each gate ensured a seamless, all-mobile ticketing
experience. Wi-Fi connectivity extended beyond the gates,
broadcasting wireless connectivity to fans just outside the stadium
so pre-game ticket transfers could take place without delays.
- 100% Cash-Free Interactions: To improve service and
safety, this was the first Super Bowl to move solely to cash-free
transactions. Fans paid using valid debit or credit cards or mobile
wallets, and those who brought cash used reverse ATMs to convert
cash to prepaid Visa cards. ExtremeSwitching™ technology and
Extreme Management Center™ software deployed at Raymond James
Stadium allowed IT administrators to closely monitor the network,
ensuring secure cash-free payments and enabling fans to safely
access banking and financial applications using stadium Wi-Fi.
Super Bowl LV by the Numbers:
- Game Attendance: 24,835
- Data Transferred: 13.97 TB
-
- Before Kick-off: 2.58 TB
- After Kick-off: 11.39 TB
- Network Spikes
-
- Peak Concurrent Users: 12,288
- Peak Network Utilization: 7.9 Gbps
- Fan Engagement
-
- Number of Users: 23,776
- Adoption Rate: 80%
- Average Usage Per Device: 587.81 MB
- Most Popular Apps
-
- Most Used Streaming Apps:
-
- iTunes
- Apple Streaming
- YouTube
- Spotify
- Netflix
- Most Used Social Apps:
-
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Snapchat
- Twitter
- Bitmoji
- Most Used Sporting Apps:
-
- ESPN
- NFL
- Yinzcam
- CBS Sports
- Yahoo Sports
ExtremeAnalytics gives the NFL real-time visibility into network
performance, as well as performance of devices and apps running on
the Wi-Fi network. These insights allow the NFL to make data-driven
decisions, improving fan experiences at every game. Additional
statistics are available in Extreme's eighth annual Super Bowl
Infographic.
Executive Perspectives:
Michelle McKenna, Chief
Information Officer, The National Football League
"This
game proved to be an excellent case study as we look toward the
future of the NFL and the Super Bowl. It has always been our goal
to integrate additional technology like mobile ticketing and
cash-free payments into our operations, and while we faced many
challenges this year, we were able to successfully accelerate our
plans and allow fans to safely attend this year's game. We are
thankful for everyone who was part of planning for and organizing
this year's game and we are excited to see what the future brings
as we continue to introduce cutting-edge technology into our
stadiums."
Aaron Amendolia, Vice
President of Information Technology Services, The National
Football League
"We have increased our technology usage
at each Super Bowl for the past several years to enhance the fan
experience and ensure the best possible game day, but COVID was a
huge forcing function during the planning of Super Bowl LV. We had
to pivot to a totally mobile ticketing strategy and were heavily
reliant on network technology to be flexible and adapt. The success
of this game will be reflected in our plans for next year, and we
anticipate that fans will continue to see increased mobile
ticketing and further technology deployments at Super Bowl LVI and
beyond."
Norman Rice, Chief
Operating Officer, Extreme Networks
"Being trusted to
provide Wi-Fi network solutions during the Super Bowl for eight
consecutive years is a privilege. We know that many people have
faced difficulties over the past year, and the NFL has given us all
a positive outlet to focus on. This year's Super Bowl provided the
foundation to deliver even more innovation to support the fans and
staff in attendance and the bandwidth-intensive applications they
use. We look forward to our continued partnership with the NFL and
to advancing in-stadium connectivity for all users."
Additional Insights and Resources
- ExtremeWireless access points and/or ExtremeAnalytics™ software
are deployed across 24 NFL stadiums and supporting 25 teams, and
for the past 8 Super Bowls.
- Norman Rice, COO of Extreme
Networks, and Aaron Amendolia, VP of
Information Technology Services for the NFL Video Interview
- Wi-Fi Engagement Insights from Super Bowl LV Infographic
- Designing a Successful Wi-Fi Solutions Game Plan for Super Bowl
LV Blog Post
- Wi-Fi Enabled Digital Ticketing for Venues Solution Brief
- Extreme Sports and Public Venues Solutions Page
- Digital Elements for an Enhanced Gameday Experience
Whitepaper
- NFL and Extreme Partnership Page
- Connect with Extreme via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube,
and Instagram
About Extreme Networks
Extreme Networks, Inc. (EXTR)
creates effortless networking experiences that enable all of us to
advance. We push the boundaries of technology leveraging the powers
of machine learning, artificial intelligence, analytics, and
automation. Over 50,000 customers globally trust our end-to-end,
cloud-driven networking solutions and rely on our top-rated
services and support to accelerate their digital transformation
efforts and deliver progress like never before. For more
information, visit Extreme's website or follow us on Twitter,
LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Extreme Networks, the Extreme Networks logo,
ExtremeAnalytics, ExtremeSwitching, Extreme Management Center, and
ExtremeWireless are trademarks or registered trademarks of Extreme
Networks, Inc. in the United
States and other countries. Other trademarks shown herein
are the property of their respective owners.
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SOURCE Extreme Networks, Inc.