Ohio State Shortens Fan Lines, and Improves Stadium Security and Connectivity

An E&I 2-Minute Read, Featuring CDW

Ohio State athletics work with CDW to modernize its stadium technology at The Horseshoe. By implementing high-density Wi-Fi, real-time surveillance and crowd intelligence tools, the university elevated the customer experience, improved wait times, enhanced safety protocols and bolstered stadium operations.

During college football season, more than 102,000 fans squeeze into Ohio State Buckeyes play. They want to be in their seats to enjoy the game, not stuck in lengthy lines for food, beverages and restrooms, potentially missing key moments in the action.

To reduce wait times, OSU’s athletics department is working on technology that will allow fans to check a mobile app and find the shortest lines in the 102-year-old stadium. The AD often heard “I spent 20 minutes in line then five minutes in line at the restroom, and missed half the 3^rd quarter. But now, fans can see if the concession stand three sections over has a shorter line, or the restroom 20 steps below me has no line.

At Ohio State, they now can even increase revenue with new systems. If the university sees that certain concession stands are popular and consistently have double the wait times, it will add more point-of-sale systems in those locations to speed service.

At OSU, by deploying  IP-based security camera solutions to provide real-time situational awareness and improve campus safety and security. They can also use the technology for crowd management during events in stadiums, arenas and other campus venues.

OSU believes future-oriented institutions must remain proactive in their approach to technology. Regular network assessments and technology evaluations are essential to staying competitive. Sophisticated stadium technology can be a key differentiator when attracting top athletic talent or boosting student engagement. This is just a summary of the OSU story - See the full case study by CDW

Here are 4 advanced technology solutions for smarter college stadiums - recommendations given by CDW:

1. High-Density Wi-Fi

Reliable connectivity is non-negotiable in today’s world, especially during large-scale sporting events. High-density Wi-Fi networks can handle high traffic volumes and ensure seamless access for fans, students and staff.

Benefits of high-density Wi-Fi:

• Faster speeds: Enjoy uninterrupted streaming, social sharing and app functionality.

• Improved app adoption: Encourage fans to engage with stadium-specific apps for ticketing, food orders and event updates.

• Operational support: Enable real-time communication among staff for efficient event management.
  
  

2. Wireless Site Surveys in College Stadiums

Before implementing stadium technology improvements, planning is key. Wireless site surveys and site walkthroughs are fundamental to ensure the success and reliability of high-density Wi-Fi networks within college stadiums. These surveys provide valuable insights into the unique challenges and requirements of the venue, laying the groundwork for effective network design and deployment. It also helps to ensure that your cabling infrastructure supports the technology that you're implementing.

Furthermore, site surveys help pinpoint optimal access point placement to maximize coverage and capacity, ensuring that fans, students and staff experience robust, high-speed connectivity in every corner of the stadium. They also allow for the identification of high-traffic areas where additional network resources may be required to avoid bottlenecks during peak usage, such as pre-game rushes or halftime.

Importantly, conducting wireless site surveys supports scalability by providing a detailed understanding of current network performance, making it easier to plan for future upgrades.

3. Advanced Surveillance

Modern stadiums demand advanced video surveillance systems to ensure both fan safety and operational efficiency. By using IP-based surveillance cameras integrated with real-time monitoring solutions, security teams can keep crowds safe and respond quickly to potential threats.

Key features of advanced surveillance:

• Real-time monitoring: Instantly access live footage to address incidents on the spot.

• Crowd analytics: Use AI-driven tools to monitor crowd behavior and identify potential bottlenecks or security risks.

• Scalable systems: Expand surveillance coverage as the stadium grows or new areas are developed.
  
  

4. Network Management

Managing technology effectively is crucial for IT leaders. Consider our personal lives and the tons of apps and calendars we use. Imagine the convenience of having everything consolidated on a single platform. This same principle applies to technology in stadiums.

CDW's focus with customers revolves around standardizing and choosing the right platform to meet your needs and scale effectively. During the technology evaluation process, we delve into these areas to help you sort through your options and make informed decisions. This approach ensures that your technology is not only current but also future-proof, accommodating growth and changes seamlessly.

Some customers may opt for software-defined networking or cloud-based solutions. However, CDW can help IT leaders select the most suitable platform that meets your needs and identify the best strategies for your specific requirements.

Software-defined networking and cloud-based solutions offer these benefits:

• Simplified management: Manage all network functions via a single interface.
• Scalability: Easily adjust to support varying crowd sizes and events.
• Cost efficiency: Maximize network utilization without overinvesting in unused capacities.