PIER Group recently implemented Wi-Fi 6E Standard Power at the University of Notre Dame’s stadium.
As fans filled the 94-year-old stadium this fall, the university’s IT team and Jasper-based PIER Group launched the network upgrade. The historic venue was crafted by the same architects who designed Yankee Stadium and Comiskey Park. With the demand for data surging in recent years, the university started planning a digital upgrade.
“Working with PIER Group has been instrumental in achieving our vision for the stadium and the entire campus,” said John Buysse, Notre Dame senior director of university network and telephony services, in a press release.
Wi-Fi 6E Standard Power will support the stadium’s potential as a hub for concerts, movie nights and international sports matches. Fans can enjoy faster streaming, real-time stats and ticketless entry. Soon they will have access to interactive features like augmented reality views of live highlights and an Amazon walk-out store in the stadium.
The transition to Wi-Fi 6E in a nearly century-old venue came with challenges. Thick concrete walls, high-density crowd areas and a packed event schedule made the project complex.
The team installed over 1,100 HPE Aruba outdoor access points, 150 network switches and Automated Frequency Coordination technology. They used 3D printers to create custom covers to hide technology on ceilings and in the stands. For special events, the team developed movable Wi-Fi structures.
By the second game of the 2024 season, fans were making use of the upgraded network. Data usage skyrocketed, as fans streamed videos and tracked stats. The upgrades help with more efficient crowd control and better concession and security management. The network even tracks real-time grass growth.
“This project was about more than just upgrading Wi-Fi. It’s about staying ahead, giving our fans and community the best experience possible and making this campus a leader in connectivity,” Mike Atkins, infrastructure architect, said. “With this network, the possibilities for fans and academic research are endless.”
PIER Group provides IT and cybersecurity services. The company specializes in working with research universities and large academic institutions. PIER Group installs, secures and works to optimize campus and research networks.
