OIT has recently undertaken significant technological upgrades at Gerald J. Ford Stadium to enhance the experience for fans, students, and staff. In collaboration with AT&T, the University has implemented advanced 5G technology to meet the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity during major events.
Strategic 5G Deployment
The deployment process began with a thorough assessment of Ford Stadium to identify high-traffic areas on game days. This analysis guided the targeted installation of 12 millimeter-wave (mmWave) sectors, functioning as a dedicated overlay to the existing CommScope ERA 4G LTE system. To support high-bandwidth requirements, 5G radios are directly connected to the University Data Center via fiber optics.
Coverage specifics include:
- 9 mmWave antennas: Positioned within the main seating bowl.
- 4 mmWave antennas: Enhancing coverage in the newly constructed Garry Weber End Zone Complex.
Significant Increase in Data Usage
The impact of the 5G deployment is evident in the substantial rise in data usage during high-attendance games. Comparing data from before and after the implementation:
Pre-5G Data Traffic:
| Date | Total Data |
|---|---|
| September 10, 2022 | 170 GB |
| September 24, 2022 | 266 GB |
| October 14, 2022 | 226 GB |
Post-5G Data Traffic:
| Date | Total Data | 5G Data | LTE Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 21, 2024 | 2.1 TB | 533 GB | 1.58 TB |
| September 28, 2024 (vs. Florida State) |
2.6 TB | 758 GB | 1.84 TB |
| November 2, 2024 | 2.54 TB | 631 GB | 1.915 TB |
| November 16, 2024 | 2.13 TB | 532 GB | 1.6 TB |
| November 30, 2024 | 2.24 TB | 530 GB | 1.71 TB |
These figures highlight a remarkable tenfold increase in total data usage, with 5G networks accommodating a significant portion, underscoring the enhanced connectivity available to attendees.
Enhancing the Gameday Atmosphere
Beyond the 5G rollout, several initiatives have been implemented to further enrich the gameday experience:
- Concourse Optimization: The concourse area has been re-engineered from a single sector to three sectors, improving density and coverage for fans.
- Distributed Antenna System (DAS) Expansion: Coverage now extends to six ticketing gates outside the stadium, streamlining digital ticket downloads and entry processes.
Looking Ahead: Verizon Integration
In ongoing efforts to provide robust connectivity options, Verizon has signed an agreement to join the Distributed Antenna System (DAS) at Ford Stadium. This integration is slated for completion later this summer, offering fans even more reliable network choices during events.
OIT remains dedicated to leveraging advanced technologies to enrich the experiences of the SMU community. The successful deployment of 5G at Ford Stadium, coupled with the enhancements from the Garry Weber End Zone Complex, exemplifies the university’s commitment to innovation and excellence as it enters its second season in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
