Executive Network
Click Here, Learn More
Bill Schlough
CIO, San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are an iconic Major League Baseball team playing their home games at Oracle Park.
Supernova Award Category:
The Problem:
The San Francisco Giants are always looking for new ways to enhance the fan experience at Oracle Park. As a premier MLB venue, Oracle Park needed to provide seamless and reliable connectivity for tens of thousands of fans attending games and events. The existing network infrastructure struggled to support the increasing demand for high-speed wireless, mobile ticketing, and digital engagement applications. Fans expected uninterrupted access to real-time stats, social media, and interactive features, but the legacy system was insufficient to meet these needs. In addition, the Giants wanted to use advanced analytics to better understand fan behavior and optimize stadium operations.
The venue required a network solution that could support new initiatives like using analytics as well as mission-critical operations, including point-of-sale systems, digital signage, and security applications, ensuring smooth and secure operations throughout the stadium. Addressing these challenges was crucial for the Giants to maintain their reputation for delivering a top-tier fan experience and staying competitive in the sports entertainment industry.
The Solution:
Extreme Networks provided a comprehensive solution to address the connectivity challenges at Oracle Park. The deployment included robust, high-density wireless access points throughout the stadium, ensuring fans could seamlessly access mobile applications and share their experiences on social media. Extreme wired solutions were implemented to provide a reliable and scalable network backbone, supporting the increased data traffic and enabling real-time analytics. Through Extreme, the Giants had access to centralized network management, allowing the their IT team to monitor and optimize network performance efficiently. Additionally, they gained deep insights into network usage and fan behavior, empowering the Giants to create personalized and engaging fan experiences. The solution also included advanced security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards.
The Results:
The implementation of Extreme Networks' solutions at Oracle Park resulted in significant improvements in fan engagement and operational efficiency. Fans enjoyed seamless and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing them to access real-time stats, share their experiences on social media, and interact with the Giants' mobile app without interruption. The enhanced connectivity also supported mobile ticketing and digital payment systems, streamlining entry and concessions processes. With advanced network analytics, the Giants gained valuable insights into fan behavior, enabling them to tailor marketing campaigns and in-game experiences to meet fans' preferences. The network's robust performance ensured mission-critical applications, such as point-of-sale systems and digital signage, operated smoothly, enhancing overall stadium operations and making stadium experiences more enjoyable for fans. The centralized management allowed the IT team to monitor and optimize network performance efficiently, reducing downtime and improving the fan experience. The successful deployment of Extreme Networks' solutions positioned Oracle Park as a leader in leveraging technology to enhance fan engagement and stadium operations.
Metrics:
The deployment of Extreme Networks' solutions at Oracle Park yielded impressive results, demonstrating the project's success. The stadium saw an average of 35,000 unique Wi-Fi users per game, with peak data transfer rates reaching 23.24 Gbps during high-demand events. The enhanced network supported over 40,000 concurrent devices, ensuring fans remained connected throughout the venue. The implementation of mobile ticketing and digital payment systems significantly reduced entry and concession wait times, boosting overall fan satisfaction. Analytics revealed that 70% of fans engaged with the Giants' mobile app during games, enhancing their in-stadium experience. Centralized management capabilities from Extreme resulted in a 50% reduction in network downtime, ensuring reliable connectivity for fans and stadium operations. Additionally, robust security measures ensured compliance with industry standards, protecting sensitive data and maintaining fan trust. These metrics demonstrated the tangible benefits of Extreme Networks' solutions in transforming the fan experience at Oracle Park.
The Technology:
Extreme Networks deployed a combination of wired and wireless hardware, network management and analytics solutions to overhaul Oracle Park's network infrastructure. This included the first deployment of outdoor Wi-Fi 6E-ready access points in the U.S.
Disruptive Factor:
The deployment at Oracle Park was unique due to its pioneering use of Wi-Fi 6E technology, making it one of the first major sports venues to adopt this advanced standard. Wi-Fi 6E extends Wi-Fi 6 into the 6 GHz band, providing more spectrum and reducing congestion, which is crucial for high-density environments like sports stadiums. This extension allows for faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity, ensuring that tens of thousands of fans can simultaneously access high-speed internet without interruptions. The deployment included strategically placed Wi-Fi 6E access points throughout the stadium, ensuring comprehensive coverage from the concourses to the seating areas and beyond.
Extreme's solution also integrated with the Giants' mobile app, enhancing the fan experience through real-time stats, social media sharing, and interactive features. The deployment supported new stadium operations, including mobile ticketing, digital signage, and point-of-sale systems over wireless, streamlining entry and concession processes. This holistic approach not only elevated the fan experience but also improved overall stadium operations, making the deployment at Oracle Park a standout example of leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance sports venues.
Shining Moment:
Oracle Park was the first ballpark to deliver Wi-Fi to fans back in 2004 and now with this most recent network refresh has become the first Wi-Fi 6E-ready ballpark in North America.
About San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team playing out of Oracle Park in San Francisco, California.
