NRG Stadium, home of the NFL’s Houston Texans, has received major network enhancements through its partnership with telecommunications company Verizon.
Verizon engineers have added 45 nodes inside the stadium to deliver 5G coverage using the company’s newly acquired C-band spectrum and its premium high-band mmWave spectrum. Verizon has also deployed advanced performance control features and upgraded coverage and performance in the stadium’s outdoor parking lot.
In recent months, a combination of 4G LTE and 5G Ultra Wideband coverage have been added to the stadium, with a particular focus on providing 5G service to the lower bowl. Verizon engineers also added a performance enhancement technology that divides crowds into sectors, which can be adjusted individually to handle wireless traffic.
Elsewhere in the NFL, the Los Angeles Rams have announced a multi-year agreement with Kraft Analytics Group (KAGR) to better capture, understand and engage fans and partners.
The KAGR data platform will provide the Rams with foundational data management, data warehousing, advanced analytics and fan engagement tools, while also fostering customer touchpoints within the data privacy landscape.
KAGR will provide a foundation for team business management and continued expansion throughout the Rams organisation. The team said that KAGR will use the partnership to integrate over 20 customer and operations data sources to offer a new lens into the consumer and accelerate the Rams’ vision to expand data as an asset.
KAGR also has a league-wide partnership with the NFL, while its SaaS data and analytics platform is used by the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has confirmed a decision to trial the broadcasting of video assistant referee (VAR) review decisions inside stadiums as part of plans to further improve communication to fans attending matches.
The 12-month trial exclusively relates to VAR decisions at FIFA tournaments and began at the recent Club World Cup in Morocco. It will also be used at the upcoming U20 World Cup in Indonesia, with a decision to be made on whether it will be continued at other tournaments later this year.
AI-based weapons detection security screening firm Evolv Technology has enhanced its presence in its home region by agreeing a partnership with the Boston Red Sox and the Major League Baseball franchise’s home, Fenway Park.
The Evolv Express screening solution will be introduced at Fenway Park beginning on Opening Day, March 30, when the Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles. Fans will be able to flow through security screening with less interruption for unnecessary alarms, reducing the backups and long lines that have historically developed at the entry gates.
Check out our story from yesterday for full details.
