Verizon Business and Cisco announced a collaboration to offer solution that combining Verizon’s 5G network and 5G Edge to provide a “safer in-person experience” at stadiums, arenas and event spaces as they begin to reintroduce fans.
The two companies said that new measures are needed in order to help make the in-person experience more secure and enjoyable including contactless physical access, social distancing, crowd management, wayfinding and seamless payments.
The joint solution integrates with a variety of Cisco solutions, such as Cisco DNA Spaces for secure location analytics, Cisco’s switching and data center technology and connected venue analytics, among others.
The two companies said that the solutions will, for example, leverage analytics to estimate wait times associated with lines at check in, restrooms and concession stands, and interface with digital signage and mobile applications to direct patrons to alternative locations with shorter lines.
They will also Identify crowd density and manage crowd flows through the use of digital signage and messages to venue staff to help maintain social distancing standards.
“While all sports and entertainment fans are looking forward to the day they can get back to their favorite venues, many are understandably nervous about their safety in large crowds. This solution will help put minds at ease so fans can re-enter venues with the knowledge that strong steps are being taken to safeguard their wellbeing,” said Aamir Hussain, SVP and chief product officer for Verizon Business. “This is one of the many 5G-enabled experiences powered by Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband that is changing the in-person fan experience in dozens of stadiums.”
“Our combined expertise and technology innovation is furthering the evolution of 5G, creating a dynamic offering for the industry that will redefine stadium sports and entertainment for the future,” said Jonathan Davidson, SVP and GM for Cisco’s Mass-Scale Infrastructure Group. “With the power of 5G and MEC solutions, we can bring cloud-powered services closer to the edge for more flexible development of applications, helping venues to deliver new experiences better, faster and with more clarity and precision.”
Verizon has been working on providing immersive and improved sports experiences, even before the pandemic, and last year, the operator brought its 5G Ultra Wideband service to 13 NFL stadiums, including Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina, Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Colorado, CenturyLink Field in Washington, Ford Field in Michigan, Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
