The recent Super Bowl at the Caesars Dome Stadium in New Orleans saw Verizon’s bold and somewhat surprising move — encouraging users to turn off WiFi and rely primarily on 5G connectivity. This strategy aimed to showcase the capabilities of Verizon’s 5G Standalone (SA) network in a high-density environment. Verizon says their customers benefited from 2.4x faster median download speeds and 4.8x faster median upload speeds than their competition. Peak download speeds of 4,161 Mbps and upload speeds of 1,067 Mbps were captured during the event. Verizon says this was achieved by deploying hundreds of ultra-wideband and C-band 5G radios within the venue. While this approach demonstrated the potential of 5G in large venues, it raises critical questions about its suitability as a universal model for all stadiums and venue operators.
The Role of Venue Operators in Connectivity Decisions
One key consideration is the role of the venue operator in such decisions. Traditionally, stadiums have invested in their own in-house WiFi networks to provide reliable connectivity to guests. These networks not only offer internet access but also serve as a platform for tailored fan experiences, additional retail opportunities, and enhanced data analytics. Did the Super Bowl venue operator have a say in Verizon’s strategy, or would they have preferred to see guests utilising their Wi-Fi service instead?
The Natural Shift Toward High-Capacity 5G
We’ve seen a trend in major venues worldwide where, as high capacity 5G becomes more widely available, user preference naturally shifts from WiFi to cellular networks. The seamless nature of 5G connectivity eliminates the friction of having to manually switch to a venue specific network, making it an attractive option for fans. However, 5G adoption rates often depend on factors such as data plan costs, regional pricing structures, international roaming fees, and user demographics for specific events.
In the UK, MNOs like EE and VMO2 have heavily invested in 5G upgrades for flagship sites such as Wembley and the Allianz Stadium (Twickenham). These high-profile venues attract significant investment from mobile operators, particularly where sponsorship is involved, but does this model apply to smaller stadiums or less commercially significant events? Where can venue owners expect to benefit from any investment by MNOs and how should they prioritise their own infrastructure investment?
The Evolution of Wireless Expectations
As mobile network operators (MNOs) continue to deploy and showcase high capacity 5G infrastructure in large venues, the long-term impact remains to be seen. Will users come to expect this level of connectivity as standard, or will flagship venues and events like the Super Bowl remain unique cases? Given that MNOs rarely share traffic statistics, the industry is keen to understand the impact of 5G SA on user behaviour and throughput rates in these environments.
The Need for a Tailored Connectivity Strategy
Not all stadiums have the same wireless connectivity requirements. Both WiFi and cellular networks have their place, and the optimal approach often involves a balance between the two. Venue operators have greater control over Wi-Fi infrastructure, allowing them to shape the guest experience and gather valuable insights into visitor behaviour.
Public 4G and 5G infrastructure, on the other hand, is subject to regulatory constraints and controlled by MNOs. Even if a venue is willing to invest in improved connectivity, there’s no guarantee that MNOs will prioritise dedicated infrastructure for their site.
At Real Wireless, we have helped many of our venue clients identify the right connectivity strategy and promote the idea of a ‘Wireless Fabric’ where multiple wireless services need to work together based on the unique characteristics of the target environment, particularly apt in stadiums and high-capacity venues. Our deep knowledge and relationships in the wireless ecosystem can support identifying the approach to meet an organisation’s strategic goals.
Private Networks: A Growing Opportunity
As venues explore innovative ways to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiencies, private 4G or 5G networks present an increasingly viable alternative. Private networks provide venue operators with greater control over performance, security, and user access, ensuring a connectivity solution that aligns with their specific needs.
While the Super Bowl’s 5G-first strategy made for a bold marketing move, it does not necessarily set a precedent for all stadiums. Venue owners and operators should carefully assess their unique requirements and invest in the wireless infrastructure that best supports their operational goals and visitor expectations. Whether through high-capacity public 5G, venue-controlled WiFi, or a private cellular network, the key is to develop a connectivity strategy that ensures seamless, high-quality experiences for all stadium guests and operational teams.
Find out more about Real Wireless’s work with Stadiums.
