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Improve College Stadium Security and Connectivity With Advanced Technologies

Discover how smart solutions elevate college stadium security, connectivity and fan experiences.

Sports Fans Walking Onto Stadium Bleachers

Modern college stadiums are more than just athletic facilities for sports and events; they are focal points for student interaction, fan engagement and community pride. Fans don't just want to watch the games or events, they also want to interact on their mobile devices to record exciting moments or access stadium food delivery services right through their app.

However, as the expectations for seamless experiences rise, stadium operations face growing challenges with outdated technology, security vulnerabilities and connectivity issues.

For IT leaders, athletic directors and operations managers in higher education, investing in cutting-edge solutions can ensure a modern, secure and connected environment.

Why College Stadiums Need a Technology Refresh

From mounting cyber risks to surging crowd connectivity demands, here are the critical challenges that college and university stadiums face today:

  • Outdated infrastructure: Legacy networks often fail to meet the demands of high-density crowds during peak events, resulting in frustratingly slow speeds and spotty connectivity.
  • Device proliferation: The rise of personal devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and other smartphones and gadgets brought by students and fans, often overwhelms existing network capacities leading to these devices possibly crashing the network or worse, hacking into the network.
  • Rising security concerns: Ensuring the safety of hundreds (if not thousands) of people during major events requires robust surveillance systems and cybersecurity measures.
  • Enhancing the fan experience: Fans today expect more than just great views of the game. They rely on stadium apps for food delivery, in-game updates, merchandise purchases and more — all of which require dependable network infrastructure.

4 Advanced Technology Solutions for Smarter College Stadiums

It can be tricky to begin a modernization journey when there is such a wide variety of rapidly changing technological advancements on the market. Here are four advanced solutions we recommend looking into:

1. High-Density Wi-Fi

Reliable connectivity is non-negotiable in today’s world, especially during large-scale sporting events. High-density Wi-Fi networks can handle high traffic volumes and ensure seamless access for fans, students and staff.

Benefits of high-density Wi-Fi:

  • Faster speeds: Enjoy uninterrupted streaming, social sharing and app functionality.
  • Improved app adoption: Encourage fans to engage with stadium-specific apps for ticketing, food orders and event updates.
  • Operational support: Enable real-time communication among staff for efficient event management.

2. Wireless Site Surveys in College Stadiums

Before implementing stadium technology improvements, planning is key. Wireless site surveys and site walkthroughs are fundamental to ensure the success and reliability of high-density Wi-Fi networks within college stadiums. These surveys provide valuable insights into the unique challenges and requirements of the venue, laying the groundwork for effective network design and deployment. It also helps to ensure that your cabling infrastructure supports the technology that you're implementing.

Furthermore, site surveys help pinpoint optimal access point placement to maximize coverage and capacity, ensuring that fans, students and staff experience robust, high-speed connectivity in every corner of the stadium. They also allow for the identification of high-traffic areas where additional network resources may be required to avoid bottlenecks during peak usage, such as pre-game rushes or halftime.

Importantly, conducting wireless site surveys supports scalability by providing a detailed understanding of current network performance, making it easier to plan for future upgrades.

3. Advanced Surveillance

Modern stadiums demand advanced video surveillance systems to ensure both fan safety and operational efficiency. By using IP-based surveillance cameras integrated with real-time monitoring solutions, security teams can keep crowds safe and respond quickly to potential threats.

Key features of advanced surveillance:

  • Real-time monitoring: Instantly access live footage to address incidents on the spot.
  • Crowd analytics: Use AI-driven tools to monitor crowd behavior and identify potential bottlenecks or security risks.

4. Network Management

Managing technology effectively is crucial for IT leaders. Consider our personal lives and the tons of apps and calendars we use. Imagine the convenience of having everything consolidated on a single platform. This same principle applies to technology in stadiums.

CDW's focus with customers revolves around standardizing and choosing the right platform to meet your needs and scale effectively. During the technology evaluation process, we delve into these areas to help you sort through your options and make informed decisions. This approach ensures that your technology is not only current but also future-proof, accommodating growth and changes seamlessly.

Some customers may opt for software-defined networking or cloud-based solutions. However, CDW can help IT leaders select the most suitable platform that meets your needs and identify the best strategies for your specific requirements.

Software-defined networking and cloud-based solutions offer these benefits:

  • Simplified management: Manage all network functions via a single interface.
  • Scalability: Easily adjust to support varying crowd sizes and events.
  • Cost efficiency: Maximize network utilization without overinvesting in unused capacities.

Stadium Technology Trends

IT leaders and stadium managers should keep an eye on emerging technologies that promise to redefine stadium operations and create a better fan experience:

  • Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) solutions such as AI-driven crowd monitoring systems can dynamically manage queues, reducing wait times for concessions or merchandise. Imagine you're at a Texas football game and you want to get a hot dog. You could look at an app that shows you how long the lines are for concessions. This is accomplished using cutting-edge camera technology that views the area to tell you approximately how long the wait is.
  • Real-time analytics: During games, real-time stats can power both fan-facing experiences (e.g., live score predictions) and athlete performance insights.
  • Predictive maintenance: Using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and AI, stadiums can predict infrastructure breakdowns and address them before they cause disruptions.

Real-World Inspiration

Take the example of Ohio State University, which worked with CDW to modernize its stadium technology. By implementing high-density Wi-Fi, real-time surveillance and crowd intelligence tools, the university elevated the customer experience, improved wait times, enhanced safety protocols and bolstered stadium operations.

Future-oriented institutions must remain proactive in their approach to technology. Regular network assessments and technology evaluations are essential to staying competitive. For colleges, sophisticated stadium technology can be a key differentiator when attracting top athletic talent or boosting student engagement.

Partnering With CDW for Seamless Stadium Modernization

Modernizing a stadium is no small feat. From conducting meticulous site surveys to implementing scalable, cutting-edge solutions, the path to a smarter, more secure stadium requires expertise — this is where CDW can help.

Take the first step today by exploring CDW Education’s technology solutions. Elevate your game by enriching the experiences of your students and staff with a smarter and more secure college stadium.

Tony DiGrazia

Higher Education Sales Director, CDW

Tony DiGrazia is a higher education sales director at CDW.