The Wild also turned to a third party to help it roll out the networking upgrade, partnering with CDW for its expertise with network technology and experience on large stadium IT projects.
Before it started on the wireless access points, CDW conducted a site survey to measure network operations, then came up with a design and implementation plan to improve network performance. CDW’s engineers helped the Wild upgrade its wired network to deliver the bandwidth and performance needed to support the Wi-Fi deployment, says Tom Plankers, regional sales director for CDW.
The team also installed a massive video board above center ice, as well as other LED displays at strategic spots around the arena. And it deployed a ribbon of LED display completely around the seating area. The displays are integrated via a Cisco StadiumVision system that allows the team’s staff to deliver content to fans from a control center at the top of the arena. The content includes prompts for fans to cheer, sponsor messages, statistics, scores and trivia.
In addition to keeping fans in mind, the Wild also gave careful consideration to the environment. The Xcel Energy Center has been certified to meet three international sustainability standards: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Green Globes and APEX/ASTM. The steps the team has taken to achieve these standards help to save energy, reduce waste and conserve resources.
Written By:
Matt McLaughlin
www.seatconsortium.com @SEATconference
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“We showed results, and that got the attention of our owner,” Ibister says. “He said, ‘Yeah, we want to continue this kind of thing.’ ”