US stock car-racing series NASCAR has entered into a partnership with cloud-driven networking company Extreme Networks to enhance its fan experience and streamline raceday operations.
Extreme Networks will participate in the NASCAR Technology Partner Platform, an exclusive community of technology companies.
Verizon Business is the technology integration and managed services lead for the project, deploying Extreme’s large public-venue solution architecture, inclusive of Wi-Fi 6 access points and real-time analytics, to power fan experiences. The deployment will span the 12 speedways operated directly by NASCAR.
The series will leverage Extreme’s cloud-driven Wi-Fi 6 technology to offer high-capacity networking that can power experiences such as mobile ticketing, mobile concessions and mobile sports betting at venues.
ExtremeAnalytics will provide NASCAR with real-time insight into the health and performance of the Wi-Fi network, mobile application usage patterns across the stadium, and fan preferences.
Christine Stoffel-Moffett, vice-president of enterprise technology at NASCAR, said: “Fans expect experiences at the speedway to be immersive, engaging, and highly connected.
“Extreme provides the critical technology foundation for us to offer innovative fan experiences like mobile transactions, sports betting, AR/VR, and biometrics, while providing greater visibility into the effectiveness of our operations. These insights will allow us to regularly calibrate the way we deploy staff, ensure safety and security, and push the boundaries on creating unique experiences.”
Ed Meyercord, president and chief executive of Extreme Networks, added: “NASCAR has taken a forward-thinking approach on how to use our technology to improve operational effectiveness, while creating endless possibilities for the organisation to engage and attract a new generation of fans.
“We’re proud to play such an important role in NASCAR’s business transformation and are confident that our solutions will provide them with the performance and insights they need to drive future innovation.”
Extreme Networks also holds partnerships with the NFL American football league, Major League Baseball and Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
Image: Extreme Networks
