WiFi at Etihad

[AG7]

High Density Wifi to be installed at Etihad Stadium

Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium is soon to be transformed into the Premier League’s most technologically fan-friendly stadium.

The 47,000 seat capacity stadium, which has been frequently commended for its leading facilities, will see the installation of Cisco’s Connected Stadium Wi-Fi solution in the coming weeks. The proven technology delivers high speed wireless Internet access to thousands of mobile phones and tablets and will change the face of match-days for City’s legions of supporters.

The intelligent High-Density Wi-Fi network, which will be delivered by O2, will be available in and around the stadium footprint, and will allow fans to use their mobile devices to surf the web to share their live event experiences and to interact with football fans around the world via their favorite social media platforms.

In addition, Manchester City will be offering StadiumVision Mobile to all fans in the near future to enjoy one of the most immersive, video-rich experiences in sports. StadiumVision Mobile is capable of delivering live video and relevant event information to fans’ mobile devices with minimal delay and can offer multiple channels of unique content, which could include a replay channel, an alternate angle view channel, and a dynamic data channel (for stats, trivia contests and multi-player games).

As part of the relationship with O2, the Etihad Stadium will also be equipped with technology that significantly improves mobile phone connectivity, allowing fans to make calls and send / receive text messages, and virtually eliminating the frustration of not getting reception on match-days.

Whether from the comfort of their seats, in the stands, buying food in the stadium concourse or enjoying entertainment in the Club’s outdoor fan-zone, City Square - Blues fans will be able to access high density mobile data and voice services, making for a far richer match-day experience.

Commenting on the news, Tom Glick, Chief Commercial & Operating Officer for Manchester City Football Club, said:

“As a Club that is passionate about innovation and prides itself on constantly looking for ways to enhance our supporters’ experience at the Etihad Stadium, we feel we have found the perfect solution with O2 and Cisco. Live games and concerts are highly enjoyable social events and we are delighted to be able to offer supporters a system that allows them to better utilise their own mobile devices when at the Stadium.

“With the ground and its immediate vicinity offering ubiquitous connectivity, we will soon be able to provide full talk and texting capabilities, while paving the way for exciting new mobile data applications and services – such as mobile video - that will ensure a visit to the Etihad Stadium continues to be one of the best sports experiences available anywhere in the world.”

Paul Lawton, General Manager of SMB at O2 said:

“We are delighted to be working with Manchester City and Cisco to deliver a UK first in the form of High Density Wi-Fi at the Etihad. The underpinning ICT delivery is something we are really excited to be working on, and will result in the provision of high-speed connection anywhere in the stadium for fans, allowing them to capture and share their experience in a digital way – something we are passionate about as a business.”

Phil Smith, CEO Cisco UK & Ireland said:

“Cisco is all about connections. Fans at a premier venue like the Etihad Stadium expect premier Internet connectivity. I am thrilled that Cisco, O2 and Manchester City are jointly leading the field with a media rich environment that is unparalleled in the Premier League. With Cisco Connected Sports solutions football fans can now get information at their finger-tips and share their match-day emotions and thrills without worrying about mobile connection issues.”

The Etihad Stadium becomes the first in the Premier League and the latest elite sports stadium in the world to install the cutting edge wireless technology, joining the likes of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu and the Brooklyn Nets Barclays Center.

OS: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Club-news/20 ... adium-wifi

[john@staustell]

Maybe this is the stadium expansion they were talking about? :-)

[Alioune DVToure]

Although I'm not sure I'd facilitate people's fannying about on phones and tablets during the match, the current 3G coverage is appalling. Did they block it with this in mind and/or so that people couldn't broadcast live from the ground? I've only ever got a sliver of a signal.

[AG7]

Given the FFP, this will come at a price I am assuming ... increasing the revenue and all.

[john@staustell]

Given the FFP, this will come at a price I am assuming ... increasing the revenue and all.

Aimed at Corporate clients too, not Alioune's phone reception.

[Alioune DVToure]

Aimed at Corporate clients too, not Alioune's phone reception.

The inconsiderate bastards.

As usual it's one rule for those who can afford prawn butties and another for the rest of us.

[craigmcfc]

'Bout bloody time too, I've been emailing them about this for the last couple of seasons.

[Alioune DVToure]

'Bout bloody time too, I've been emailing them about this for the last couple of seasons.

Not from inside the ground, obviously.

[Herb]

I doubt that they'll charge for it but if they do then I'll weight the cost against my personal need and either pay up or do without just like everyone else and just like we're all used to what with us living in a capitalist society. So no need for anyone to get paranoid about it being a sneaky way to charge more because we'll only be inspired to pay more if we feel it's worth doing so.
Personally, I'd like to have the choice and I'd like my fellow supporters to have that choice too.

[craigmcfc]

'Bout bloody time too, I've been emailing them about this for the last couple of seasons.

Not from inside the ground, obviously.

Haha, absolutely!

[Yaya Toure is a LAD]

Finally!!!

[lets all have a disco]

Whoooppeeeee more people fannying around on phones.

[Scatman]

Whoooppeeeee more people fannying around on phones.

In a couple of seasons we will all be able to go to the match and watch it live on our phones.

[ruralblue]

In a couple of seasons we will all be able to go to the match and watch it live on our phones.

Like those fools who stay on the concourse do nost of the game. As someone who would be there week in week out if I were in a better financial position that really got to me last few times I went.

[Dameerto]

Although I'm not sure I'd facilitate people's fannying about on phones and tablets during the match, the current 3G coverage is appalling. Did they block it with this in mind and/or so that people couldn't broadcast live from the ground? I've only ever got a sliver of a signal.

I very much doubt anything is blocked, probably bottlenecked. Commendable of the club to do this, I remember there was a thread a while back about how bad the coverage inside the ground was on matchdays - I wonder if it was seen by the club...

[ross.mcfc]

Makes perfect sense. The 3G is awful at the stadium.

I know some people will moan about people playing with their phones at the game but social media is a big part of any clubs promotional campaign. The ad revenue alone would cover the costs.

People checking twitter or the BBC website is same people taking a radio to the games like they used to. Who takes a radio these days anyway when you have radio apps on your phone.

[Wonderwall]

Just started my new job this week with a certain company who have a lot to do with this project..... I might need to request a specific project assignment

[Nickyboy]

Bet they're looking to show replays etc and do their own half time analysis etc.

Charge a subscription.

This is the modern world

[Pretty Boy Lee]

Check yourself in on Facebook then stick the phone in your pocket you jokers.

[Grandad Rosler]

I'd use it more to check the half time scores can never get the signal in the ground