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Verizon Wireless customers had a super night at MetLife Stadium – tweeting, texting, talking and more – generating unprecedented volumes over the company’s wireless network during Super Bowl XLVIII.
Verizon Wireless’ team of wireless engineers closely monitored the network throughout the afternoon and evening to ensure optimal performance. Data connection and volume records were set around the stadium as early as two hours before kickoff. During the game, Verizon Wireless handled record demand as there were more than 800 percent more data connections than during the busiest hour at last year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans. In fact, during the halftime show with Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Verizon Wireless customers shattered records, using more data in MetLife stadium during a single hour than at any previous Super Bowl. Total customer in stadium data usage was 1.9 Terabytes, also a Super Bowl record. To keep those smartphones operating through the night, Verizon Wireless also provided fans at the stadium with free charging stations to keep their mobile devices powered up.
“Our network got the trophy last night and during Super Bowl week, delivering the consistent, reliable performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and throughout the New York metropolitan area that our customers have come to expect from Verizon Wireless,” said Nicola Palmer, chief technology officer of Verizon Wireless.
Preparations and planning for Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium began well over 18 months ago. As part of $400 million invested throughout the New York Metro region in 2013, the company upgraded its Distributed Antenna System (DAS) inside MetLife Stadium to quadruple 4G LTE data capacity and added additional cell sites outside to enhance customers’ game-time experiences.
However, Super Bowl festivities last more than just one night. Verizon Wireless engineers also provided additional network support at more than 30 Super Bowl-related events and venues, including Super Bowl Boulevard at Times Square, the Prudential Center and within Bryant Park. Nearly 30,000 people visited the Verizon Power House in New York City’s Bryant Park to demo LTE Multicast technology and to “Suit Up” as their favorite teams inside the 15,000-square-foot space.
As the official wireless provider of the NFL, Verizon Wireless engaged fans across the country with the first-ever social media driven light show at the Empire State Building. Each day, Verizon Wireless posed a game-related question to fans on Twitter using the hashtag #WhosGonnaWin. The conversations were tracked throughout the day and Verizon Wireless turned fans’ predictions into a nightly light show featuring either Seattle Seahawks or Denver Broncos colors. Fans were eager to participate, answering questions like “Which team has the best fans?” or “Who’s gonna win Super Bowl XLVIII?” and generating more than 470,000 tweets throughout the week.
For those fans that couldn’t be near the stadium, Verizon Wireless made sure they weren’t missing a play. With the NFL Mobile app, fans streamed the game live on their mobile devices and set up alerts to keep track of the score and stats.
Whether they were watching the game live at MetLife Stadium, exploring Super Bowl Boulevard or tweeting which team they thought would win The Big Game, Verizon Wireless kept fans connected throughout Super Bowl XLVIII.
(1) Verizon Wireless has been preparing for Super Bowl XLVIII for more than 18 months, making Network enhancements throughout the stadium, such as adding antennas in tall structures (pylons) surrounding the stadium gates.
(2) Verizon Wireless Network Engineers upgraded a state-of-the art Distributed Antenna System (DAS) inside the MetLife Stadium in preparation for Super Bowl XLVIII, more than quadrupling 4G LTE capacity as a result.
(3) Additional Verizon Wireless Network equipment has been installed on the roof of MetLife Stadium to enhance service for those attending Super Bowl XLVIII.
(4) The Distribution Room at MetLife Stadium is a hub of Network connections.
(5) Throughout MetLife Stadium, Network antennas remain out of customers’ view, such as in the catwalk above the field, providing additional 4G LTE capacity for Super Bowl XLVIII.
(6) Additional Network antennas are hidden throughout MetLife Stadium, including in this Verizon board on the field, providing additional 4G LTE capacity for Super Bowl XLVIII.
