Features
Superdome Gets Super Wired
Fans coming to the Super Bowl in New Orleans in February should be able to get onto their Wi-Fi devices with more ease.
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SMG Senior VP Doug Thornton told the Times-Picayune the Superdome will join Indianapolis’
“We want to get it done before the Super Bowl so when people from around the world come into the Mercedes-Benz superdome, they’re able to connect to Wi-Fi as well as use their wireless carrier for cell service and we don’t get overloaded,” Thornton said.
Thornton said he believes the NFL will soon require expanded Wi-Fi coverage in league stadiums and adjoining arenas anyway, “So we feel like we’re ahead of the curve a little bit here.”
Lucas Oil Stadium, which hosted the 2012 Super Bowl, expanded its Wi-Fi in part because it was an initiative for Super bowl XLVI.
At first look, it might seem like just another distraction from the Big Game to have a stadium full of fans pecking away on their smartphones instead of watching the action on the field. But the interactivity, gaming and social media that are now in the hands of anyone with a smartphone are considered enhancements to the game, not distractions.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell discussed the topic of stadium Wi-Fi during league meetings in May. The commissioner said the league wants fans to be able to have access to social media, play fantasy football, watch highlights and enjoy other features that require Wi-Fi.
“We’re excited and we really think the fans will get to enhance their experience by using Wi-Fi in the stadium,” district board chairman Ron Forman said after the expenditure was approved.