AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE), the operator of Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) in Atlanta, GA, sets high standards for all aspects of the fan experience at the venue. After opening in 2017, MBS quickly established itself as a world-class venue hosting NFL and MLS teams, CFP playoff and national championship games, concerts, private and corporate events, Super Bowls and international events such as the FIFA World Cup. MBS is a highly utilized venue that hosts nearly 300 events per year, so the demands from a variety of audiences are extremely diverse.
Technology plays a key role in enhancing the fan experience at MBS. AMBSE’s executive team prioritizes making the stadium both fan-friendly and forward-thinking by reviewing feedback from fans and league surveys, as they push the boundaries to achieve top rankings. When MBS originally opened, an Aruba Wi-Fi network was deployed to support both fan-facing and operations use cases. While the original Wi-Fi network served the venue well, it was approaching technological obsolescence, requiring the development of a strategic roadmap to evaluate industry standards and outline a path for an upgrade strategy.
Introducing Disruptive Technology, Without Disrupting A High-Stakes Environment
MSB Consulting Engineers (MSB) was initially engaged by AMBSE to develop a Wi-Fi technology plan and budget for a stadium-wide upgrade project. MSB met with AMBSE technology stakeholders and executives to document the vision for the new network and develop a structured plan for introducing new technology into a robust operating environment.
AMBSE advised the upgrade plan would span several years and begin with a proof-of-concept deployment of 6E technology in specific high-value fan-facing areas of the stadium and specific administration areas.
The challenge was to demonstrate performance improvements to senior leadership while maintaining the network reliability and availability they had become accustomed to with the Aruba product line. Once this internal hurdle was successfully cleared, it would set the stage for the stadium wide upgrade project.
Engineered for Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E At Stadium Scale
In 2023, MSB designed a state-of-the-art, HPE Aruba Very-High-Density (VHD) Wi-Fi network that offers pervasive Radio Frequency (RF) coverage throughout the Mercedes-Benz Stadium utilizing the latest Wi-Fi 6E frequencies.
Initially, MSB worked with project stakeholders to validate use cases, identify premium areas of the building that required sensitivity to aesthetics, and operations areas that need coverage or capacity improvements.
Once the key project input was gathered, MSB provided consulting and design services to develop the Architectural & Engineering (A&E) package for the Wi-Fi 6E upgrade. Once the design was approved by the stakeholders, AMBSE engaged MSB to provide procurement, project management, construction management, network cutover planning, live event support, and technical assistance. The design provides 95% coverage indoor coverage for both 6Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi signals, as well as select outdoor coverage at entry gates, perimeter, loading dock and the Home Depot Backyard. Specifically for the bowl, the design is based on an under-seat mounted Access Point (AP) that meets the performance of today’s best-in-class Very High Density (VHD) Wi-Fi 6E network standards.
MSB oversaw the procurement and construction for the installation of almost 1,800 new APs and the upgrade of a state-of-the-art fiber optic backbone and Passive Optical Network (PON) edge technology which provides all transport services for the Wi-Fi traffic to the core network. Strict adherence to management of change procedures was followed due to MBS being open to the public for a variety of events throughout the network upgrade project.
The Fan Experience, Redefined
After a successful proof-of-concept phase, AMBSE and MSB moved forward with full deployment, and the results have been impressive: better coverage, more capacity, and a smoother experience for everyone, especially in high-traffic zones and behind the scenes operations. Fans immediately felt the difference in the network upgrade.
“This upgrade has completely transformed the connectivity experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium,” said Kevin Pope, vice president and chief information officer, AMB Sports and Entertainment. “From faster app performance and mobile ticketing to behind-the-scenes operational efficiency, the new Wi-Fi 6E network allows us to meet and exceed expectations for every guest, every event, every time. MSB was a trusted partner throughout this process, and together we’ve created a foundation that supports innovation and fan-first experiences for years to come.”
More than 1,800 new HPE Aruba access points now blanket 95% of the stadium, backed by a resilient fiber and PON backbone. Whether fans are in the bowl, a premium suite, or moving through the concourse, high-performance Wi-Fi is just there – no lags, no drops.
Fan satisfaction around connectivity has noticeably increased throughout all professional and collegiate sports. Mercedes-Benz Stadium now surpasses both NFL and MLS tech standards. This upgrade also powers smoother mobile ticketing, faster app features, and more reliable systems that keep things running behind the scenes – exactly what’s needed for major global events such as the FIFA World Cup. By teaming with MSB and getting ahead of the curve with Wi-Fi 6E, AMBSE did more than just boost connectivity at MBS. They proactively laid the groundwork for the future, solidified their role as a tech-forward leader, and showed a strong commitment to giving fans the best possible experience each time they walk through the gates.
