AHL Selects Official Arena Wireless Network Provider
(SPORTS TECHNOLOGY)
Last week, ExteNet Systems, Inc., a provider of distributed networks for the wireless industry, secured exclusive rights to design, build, own and operate distributed networks for the provision of enhanced wireless networks for AEG venues. Now, it inked a similar deal with the American Hockey League. The company will design, build, own and operate distributed networks in the arenas of the American Hockey League to enable Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G LTE (News - Alert) services.
Chris Nikolis, the executive vice president of marketing and business development for the American Hockey League, calls it a “win-win” for the AHL and their own teams, “because connecting with our existing fans, attracting new fans and delivering the best in-arena experience are priorities for all 30 member clubs.” Nikolis cites Extenet’s history with “prominent” facilities and their past ability to enhance the fan experience as potential benefits for the AHL.
Jon Davis, the vice president of business development for Extenet, says that its work with “prestigious sports and entertainment facilities,” which have included the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, are “great examples of how enhanced mobile connectivity at venues can help attract fans to those venues, enable mobile applications, enhance the overall fan experience, and facilitate new revenue-generating opportunities.”
Hockey is not the only sport that sees potential benefits in offering its fans connectivity: the NFL is working hard to fulfill NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s vision of Wi-Fi in all NFL stadiums. Currently, there are 12 stadiums offering their fans Wi-Fi, enabling them to perform such tasks as accessing fantasy football, engaging in social media, an accessing highlights.
Soon, every sports arena and live music facility in the country will offer their fans as much connectivity as they have at home or in the office, which may be a win for the wireless age, but a loss for the age in which people went to sports games to watch them live and connect with their friends who attended with them, not the ones who were just a post or an SMS away.
Edited by Rachel Ramsey
