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Stadium Tech Report: MLB stadium technology reports — NL East

August 19, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Editor’s note: The following team-by-team capsule reports of MLB stadium technology deployments are an excerpt from our most recent Stadium Tech Report for Q2 2014, which focuses on Major League Baseball. To get all the capsules in one place as well as our featured reports, interviews and analysis, download your free copy of the full report today.

NL EAST

Reporting by Chris Gallo

Atlanta Braves
Turner Field
Seating Capacity: 50,096
Wi-Fi: Yes
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: Yes

The Atlanta Braves recently announced plans to build a new stadium in Cobb County, but the defending NL East champions are still improving Turner Field. In its 17th season, the TED is now outfitted with iBeacons throughout the ballpark.

Braves fans are encouraged to download the MLB At the Ballpark app to use their smartphones to get into the game, upgrade tickets, and pay for concessions. Fans do not need to be worried about data connectivity with multiple Wi-Fi access points, DAS antennas, and mobile charging stations.

Washington Nationals
Nationals Park
Seating Capacity: 41,888
Wi-Fi: Yes
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: No

On the heels of several Wi-Fi upgrades from a year a go, Comcast continues to expand connec- tivity throughout Nationals Park in 2014. But there are no specifics about connectivity just yet.

The ballpark is still young (in its sixth season) and the club is exploring where to make improvements. A proposed plan for a retractable roof that would cost an estimated $300 million was denied in 2013.

Philadelphia Phillies
Citizens Bank Park
Seating Capacity: 43,651
Wi-Fi: Yes
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: Yes

Just up the road in Philadelphia, Comcast is taking care of its home park. The cable company installed hundreds of Xfinity hotspots inside Citizens Bank Park in 2013. This year the experience is even better with iBeacons throughout the ballpark.

Phillies fans can order a cheesesteak or upgrade tickets as they walk down Ashburn Alley with the MLB At the Ballpark app. And the Budweiser Rooftop, Harry The K’s, and Games of Baseball all include strong Wi-Fi for you to tweet while fans there watch the next Cliff Lee strikeout.

New York Mets
Citi Field
Seating Capacity: 45,000
Wi-Fi: Yes, ~ 500 access points
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: Yes

Built in 2009, Citi Field was one of the first big league stadiums to be outfitted with Apple iBeacons. Installed last September, Mets fans can use beacons to download the MLB At the Ballpark app to use their smartphones as a ticket to get into the game and receive a coupon for a hot dog.

The experience is even more useful now that Citi Field has more than 500 Wi-Fi access points and multiple DAS antennas distributed throughout the stadium. Now when the home run apple lights up, fans can take photos and share instantly across social networks.

Miami Marlins
Marlins Park
Seating Capacity: 37,000
Wi-Fi: Yes, 254 access points
DAS: Yes, 246 antennas
Beaconing: Yes

Marlins Park is the newest stadium in all of Major League Baseball and welcomes fans with increased connectivity in 2014. There are 254 Wi-Fi access points courtesy of Meru Networks and 246 DAS antennas put in by neutral host provider ExteNet Sysyems than host the five major cellular carriers to accommodate Marlins fans.

This season the Marlins worked with Major League Baseball to install iBeacons at every gate and entrance to Marlins Park. The MLB At the Ballpark app allows fans to pay for parking and use their phone for tickets to get to and from the game with ease.

To get all the capsules in one place as well as our featured reports, interviews and analysis, download your free copy of the full report today.

Filed Under: 4G LTE, AT&T, Baseball, Comcast, DAS, Major League Baseball, Wi-Fi Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stadium Tech Report: MLB stadium technology reports — AL East

August 14, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Editor’s note: The following team-by-team capsule reports of MLB stadium technology deployments are an excerpt from our most recent Stadium Tech Report for Q2 2014, which focuses on Major League Baseball. To get all the capsules in one place as well as our featured reports, interviews and analysis, download your free copy of the full report today.

AL EAST

Reporting by Chris Gallo

Boston Red Sox
Fenway Park
Seating Capacity: 37,493 (night), 37,065 (day)
Wi-Fi: Yes
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: Yes

Fenway Park is one of the iconic ballparks in all of sports. It first opened more than 100 years ago, but today it remains a great place to catch a ballgame. Meru Networks outfitted the historic park with Wi-Fi in 2012. Combined with Verizon DAS antennas, Red Sox fans can connect at once while watching the reigning World Series Champions.

Thanks to the solid network, fans can stroll down Yawkey Way using the MLB At the Ballpark app to receive discounts on Red Sox gear and stream video from the Green Monster. This makes the Fenway Park experience even more memorable.

New York Yankees
Yankee Stadium
Seating Capacity: 49,642
Wi-Fi: No for full park; Yes for luxury suites
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: No

Despite opening in 2009 and with money to finance a monster payroll every year, the New York Yankees have yet to bring free Wi-Fi to fans in the new Yankee Stadium. It’s somehow fitting that Wi-Fi is available to fans in luxury suites and to employees. Call Costanza! We want Wi-Fi!

For a team that once banned iPads at its stadium, the Yankees are still behind in the division when it comes to stadium connectivity.

Toronto Blue Jays
Rogers Centre
Seating Capacity: 48,282
Wi-Fi: No for full park; Yes for luxury suites
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: Yes

The Toronto Blue Jays call the Rogers Centre home, but do not benefit from the sponsor’s service. Rogers is one of the largest telecommunications providers in all of Canada, but the Blue Jays do not deliver free public Wi-Fi to all fans.
Wi-Fi is available only in limited seating areas. There are DAS antennas installed and the Rogers Centre is experimenting with iBeacons. But Blue Jays representatives said that fans can expect an expansion of the network throughout the stadium in the near future.

Tampa Bay Rays
Tropicana Field
Seating Capacity: 31,042
Wi-Fi: Yes, 250 access points
DAS: Yes, 680 antennas
Beaconing: No

Lightning struck a transformer near Tropicana Field earlier this year causing a 19-minute delay between the Orioles and Rays. From catwalks that remain in play to blackouts, the stadium has a colorful history. Despite the odd quirks, the indoor stadium does offer free Wi-Fi. Rays’ fans are greeted with 250 Wi-Fi access points and 680 DAS antennas at the Trop.

Baltimore Orioles
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Seating Capacity: 45,971
Wi-Fi: No
DAS: No
Beaconing: No

Opened in 1992, Oriole Park
at Camden Yards does not yet provide free Wi-Fi or DAS to fans. The Maryland Stadium Authority, who owns the ballpark, assures us that the organization is in discussions about how to proceed. A ball- park that’s been to home to historic games, Camden Yards would be a great place to share memories with increased connectivity.

To get all the capsules in one place as well as our featured reports, interviews and analysis, download your free copy of the full report today.

Filed Under: 4G LTE, Baseball, Boston Red Sox, DAS, Major League Baseball, New York Yankees, Wi-Fi Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stadium Tech Report: MLB stadium technology reports — AL Central

August 12, 2014 by 2 Comments

Editor’s note: The following team-by-team capsule reports of MLB stadium technology deployments are an excerpt from our most recent Stadium Tech Report for Q2 2014, which focuses on Major League Baseball. To get all the capsules in one place as well as our featured reports, interviews and analysis, download your free copy of the full report today.

AL CENTRAL

Reporting by Chris Gallo

Minnesota Twins
Target Field
Seating Capacity: 39,50
Wi-Fi: Yes
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: Yes

Target Field, the downtown home of the Minnesota Twins. Credit: Minnesota Twins

Target Field, the downtown home of the Minnesota Twins. Credit: Minnesota Twins

Host of the 2014 All-Star Game, the Minnesota Twins are making necessary upgrades this season to accommodate fans and media for the midsummer classic. Target Field is outfitted with stadium-wide Wi-Fi, as well as a DAS from InSite Wireless and TE Connectivity.

Because Target Field is in downtown Minneapolis, the Twins are forced to be creative in how they deliver new DAS antennas in the stadium. The stadium has gone through a series of reconfigurations to put DAS gear in the right place. A ballpark that is just 4 years old, the Twins’ upgrades are proof that organizations must continually improve their stadium networks to bring the best experience to fans.

Chicago White Sox
U.S. Cellular Field
Seating Capacity: 40,615
Wi-Fi: Yes
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: Yes

With a name like U.S. Cellular Field, it’s no mistake fans are well connected at White Sox games. In 2012, the Chicago White Sox partnered with Boingo Wireless to bring free Wi-Fi to the stadium.

A couple years later, the White Sox have capitalized on a deal with Comcast to bring the XFinity Zone to U.S. Cellular Field. This 2,220 square foot area is the perfect place to grab food, drink, and stay connected with an interactive social media wall.

Detroit Tigers
Comerica Park
Seating Capacity: 41,681
Wi-Fi: No
DAS: No
Beaconing: No

The Detroit Tigers have more than a few screenshots floating around the internet with SSIDs and passwords for their media networks. Unfortunately, it’s hard for Tigers fans to share their tweets the next time Miguel Cabrera drives in a run. That’s because there is still no public Wi-Fi or a DAS for Tigers fans.

Cleveland Indians
Progressive Field
Seating Capacity: 43,545
Wi-Fi: Yes
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: Yes

Recognized as one of baseball’s most Twitter-friendly teams, the Cleveland Indians have featured a social media suite at Progressive Field. But rather than limiting to one area at the ballpark, the Indians have brought Wi-Fi and DAS to all of Progressive Field this season.

The Indians teamed up with Verizon Wireless to deliver DAS antennas and Wi-Fi. And now with iBeacons installed in the stadium, Indians’ fans receive exclusive deals when walking through Progressive Field.

Kansas City Royals
Kauffman Stadium
Seating Capacity: 37,903
Wi-Fi: No
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: Yes

Kansas City is home to one of the fastest internet connections in the world with Google Fiber now available in some neighborhoods. However, the Royals still do not deliver free Wi-Fi to fans. There are the famous outfield fountains, which deliver fun shows at every game. Still, it’s hard to send out a selfie of yourself dancing in the fountains without Wi-Fi.

To get all the capsules in one place as well as our featured reports, interviews and analysis, download your free copy of the full report today.

Filed Under: 4G LTE, Baseball, Cleveland Indians, DAS, Major League Baseball, Minnesota Twins, Wi-Fi Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stadium Tech Report: MLB stadium technology reports — AL West

August 11, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Editor’s note: The following team-by-team capsule reports of MLB stadium technology deployments are an excerpt from our most recent Stadium Tech Report for Q2 2014, which focuses on Major League Baseball. To get all the capsules in one place as well as our featured reports, interviews and analysis, download your free copy of the full report today.

AL WEST

REPORTING BY CHRIS GALLO

Houston Astros
Minute Maid Park
Seating Capacity: 40,963
Wi-Fi: Yes
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: Yes

One of the first professional organizations to charge for Wi-Fi, the Houston Astros allowed four hours of service for $3.95 in years past. Those days are long gone, and now the refugees from the NL deliver free AT&T Wi-Fi throughout Minute Maid Park. Like other parks around the league, the Astros are also testing the iBeacon technology in the park this year.

Seattle Mariners
Safeco Field
Seating Capacity: 47,476
Wi-Fi: No
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: Yes

Owned by Nintendo of America and the home of Microsoft, it’s baffling the Seattle Mariners do not yet offer free Wi-Fi at Safeco Field. The ballpark has experienced several upgrades over the past year including a new wine bar on the main concourse and baseball’s biggest video board, yet no public Wi-Fi.

However, Safeco Field is participating with MLB and has iBeacons installed. Fans can receive text updates when new seats are available and upgrade tickets with the MLB At the Ballpark app.

Oakland A’s
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Seating Capacity: 35,067
Wi-Fi: Yes
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: Yes

After reaching the playoffs in 2012, it became obvious the Oakland Athletics needed a stronger Internet connection to support four times the amount of media members covering the team. A year later, Comcast delivered free Wi-Fi to Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

One of the oldest stadiums and lowest salary totals in all of baseball does not mean the gameday experience is antiquated. With iBeacons installed throughout the Coliseum, A’s fans can upgrade seats with one tap of their fingers by using the MLB At the Ballpark app.

Texas Rangers
Global Life Park in Arlington
Seating Capacity: 48,114
Wi-Fi: No
DAS: No
Beaconing: Yes

The Texas Rangers are one of 20 teams experimenting with iBeacons in Global Life Park in Arlington. Unfortunately, other than beaconing-specific apps, connectivity will likely still be difficult without free Wi-Fi or DAS in the stadium. What comes first – free Wi-Fi in the ballpark or a Yu Darvish no-hitter? (editor’s note: Bet on Darvish!)

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Seating Capacity: 45,050
Wi-Fi: Yes
DAS:Yes
Beaconing: No

Angel Stadium received free public Wi-Fi just in time for the start of the 2014 season. Courtesy of integrator firm 5Bars Inside, fans of the Angels are promised to experience faster load times and easier communication through their devices. No iBeacons yet, but the Angels expect to continue to improve the network in the coming years.

To get all the capsules in one place as well as our featured reports, interviews and analysis, download your free copy of the full report today.

Filed Under: 4G LTE, Baseball, DAS, Los ANgeles Angeles of Anaheim, Major League Baseball, Wi-Fi Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fox to live stream baseball’s All-Star game

July 14, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Target Field, the downtown home of the Minnesota Twins. Credit: Minnesota Twins

Target Field, the downtown home of the Minnesota Twins. Credit: Minnesota Twins

Fox Sports Go will live streaming online coverage of Major League Baseball’s All-Star game on Tuesday, starting at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time, according to Fox. Good news for those of you who prefer commentary in Spanish, Fox will also provide a stream with commentary from the FOX Deportes telecast. (No word on whether we can also get an “anybody but Joe Buck” version of the play-by-play, but Spanish or mute should work if not.)

P.S. — if you look here I think the home run derby is live online right now.

Like previous Fox Sports Go online efforts, the stream will be available to subscribers of “participating video providers,” so if your cable or TV provider is listed here, you just authenticate and you are good to go. According to Fox, here is the list of devices and URLs where you can watch the stream:

“FOX Sports GO is currently available for iOS, Android, and Kindle phones and tablets, select Windows devices, and on desktops through FOXSportsGO.com.”

According to Fox this is the first time the MLB All-Star game is being streamed live online, but our guess is it won’t be the last. If you’re not near a TV, please enjoy Bud Selig’s “meaningful” game. Also if you are at the game live please send us a Wi-Fi and/or DAS network report from the new Target Field network … good luck Twins hosts!

Filed Under: 4G LTE, All Star Game, Baseball, DAS, Fox Sports, Major League Baseball, Minnesota Twins, Wi-Fi Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Report excerpt: At Bat app driving the MLB digital experience bus

July 9, 2014 by 1 Comment

Editor’s note: The following excerpt from our MLB technology deployment analysis comes from our Stadium Tech Report for Q2 2014, which includes a wealth of information, research and analysis about the stadium tech marketplace. With a focus on Major League Baseball technology deployments, the report is available free for download so get your copy today. Enjoy the excerpt that follows.

At Bat driving the application bus

If there is one other thing that defines MLB’s digital advantage, it’s the league-wide requirement to use the MLB.com’s At Bat app as the only in-stadium app offered by every team. Though there is some grumbling heard from time to time from teams who want to innovate at a faster pace, for these early days of digital in-stadium experience having At Bat as a base is most likely a huge bonus, since it makes it easier for fans to learn how to find and use the features, no matter which stadium they are in.

Though we here at MSR are more in favor of an eventual open infrastructure – say, a package of MLB-approved APIs that third-party developers could use to bolster the At Bat ecosystem – in these days when fans are still learning how to connect to Wi-Fi and are still getting familiar with the idea of using their phones to purchase in-game seat upgrades or to order concessions, it’s probably not a bad idea to limit choices.

The interesting thing to watch may be to see if, in a few years, MLB has metrics to back up its all-for-one strategy, or whether the MLB digital team decides (like Apple and the iPhone) that opening up the platform could lead to more innovation. The good news for fans is, with better connectivity and more apps, going to games should be easier and more fun as time goes on.

Giants CIO Bill Schlough (left) talks with workers in the park's main DAS head end facility.

Giants CIO Bill Schlough (left) talks with workers in the park’s main DAS head end facility.

DAS upgrades are good news

Maybe the best news on the DAS front is what seems to be (finally) some benefit from the always-improving pace of technology – accord- ing to several teams we’ve talked to recently, a pleasant surprise that comes about during DAS upgrades is the fact that head end equipment footprints are actually decreasing, meaning that the space crunch often caused by DAS may be easing somewhat.

Of course, some of those space savings may be eaten right back up by additional carriers joining in, or by existing carriers adding more coverage support. A continued issue that we will keep watching is whether or not more teams and stadium owner/operators choose neutral third- party hosts for their DAS, or whether they trust that a single carrier will be able to balance the needs of all. In our interview with AT&T’s John Donovan for this issue he said that he doesn’t think any carriers want to use DAS deployments as a strategic advantage over others; we will track your stories and what happens in the wiring closet to see if his opinion reflects reality.

To read the rest of our analysis, download your free copy of our Stadium Tech Report for Q2 2014.

Filed Under: 4G LTE, Apps, AT&T, Baseball, DAS, Major League Baseball Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
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