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Cisco connects with SoFi Stadium

Technology specialist Cisco has today (Thursday) been announced as the official IT network services partner of SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park.

Through the agreement, Cisco will deploy its solutions across SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park to create what is hoped will be “one of the most innovative and technologically advanced mixed-use developments in the world”.

The 70,000-seat SoFi Stadium will serve as the new home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers NFL American football teams and will serve as the centrepiece of the Hollywood Park complex. The stadium is due to open in July 2020.

Hollywood Park will be built on Cisco’s intent-based networking technology, which will allow the venues to streamline operations and facilitate IT and business innovation.

Cisco’s connected stadium Wi-Fi network will also utilise the next-generation Wi-Fi 6 standard. SoFi Stadium said the technology deployment will be the largest ever at a sports venue, with more than 2,500 Wi-Fi 6 access points to be set up across the facility. The technology will have four times the bandwidth than the previous Wi-Fi standard.

Additionally, Hollywood Park will implement the Cisco Vision signage solution, which combines HD video delivery with digital signage. It will mark the first-ever entirely 4K deployment of Cisco Vision and will power around 2,500 screens throughout SoFi Stadium’s concourses, suites and concessions, and across Hollywood Park.

Ken Martin, general manager of sports and entertainment at Cisco, said: “By partnering with Cisco, Hollywood Park is making a clear commitment to providing its guests with an unparallelled and seamless experience across the entire footprint of the property, all built on a technological foundation that allows us to be limited only by our collective imagination.”

Jason Gannon, managing director of SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, added: “We envision SoFi Stadium not just hosting world-class events like the Super Bowl and the Olympics, but also serving as a dynamic media platform. Our partnership with Cisco will set a new standard for the fan experience through cutting-edge technology that will enhance the way guests interact with live events, not only at SoFi Stadium but across all of Hollywood Park.”

Hollywood Park will also feature the 2.5-acre American Airlines Plaza and a 6,000-seat performance venue, along with residential, retail and commercial spaces.

Image: SoFi Stadium