Resource Center

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Pepsi Center, Wilson Connectivity & 21,000 Screaming and Streaming Fans 

THE CHALLENGE  

The Pepsi Center, a multipurpose sports and entertainment venue in Denver, Colorado, faced the challenge of providing robust cellular connectivity to enhance the fan experience across its 45-square-acre facility. Home to the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, and hosting nearly 100 events annually, the venue needed a future-proof solution to meet increasing demand for high-speed mobile data. 

THE SOLUTION: A Future-Ready Connected Architecture 

Recognizing the critical importance of wireless service for fans, Verizon Wireless partnered with Wilson Connectivity to implement a state-of-the-art in-building wireless solution. The key features of the implementation included: 

1. Wideband Active DAS: Zinwave by Wilson Connectivity Active Distributed Antenna System (DAS) was chosen for its unparalleled flexibility and future-readiness. This system supports all frequencies between 150MHz and 2700MHz, regardless of protocol or modulation scheme. 

2. Flexible Infrastructure: The solution utilized 16 primary hubs, 18 secondary hubs, and 140 remote units strategically placed throughout the arena. 

3. Cost-Effective Integration: Wilson Connectivity’s remote units seamlessly integrated with the venue’s existing fiber cabling infrastructure, resulting in rapid installation and significant cost savings. 

4. Scalability: The system’s flexibility allowed for easy addition of new frequency bands without requiring costly infrastructure upgrades. 

The advantages of Wilson Connectivity’s flexible system were realized within just a few months of project completion. The initial deployment in early 2013 included support for 700MHz LTE and1900MHz EVDO. 

Shortly after the initial installation, Verizon expanded the system to include 1900MHz LTE 

and 2100MHz LTE. The adaptable nature of the Wilson Connectivity architecture allowed for these additions without any significant infrastructure changes, demonstrating its future-proof capabilities. 

THE RESULTS: Improved Connectivity and Functionality 

Fans now experience superior cellular coverage throughout the 19,000-seat arena (21,000 for concerts), enhancing their ability to share moments, access information, and interact on social media in real-time. 

The improved connectivity also supports various venue operations, including: 

   – Digital ticketing systems 

   – Mobile ordering for concessions 

   – Interactive fan engagement apps 

   – Real-time stats and replay features 

   – Improved point-of-sale systems  

Future-Ready Infrastructure 

The system’s support for a wide range of frequencies positions the Pepsi Center to easily adopt emerging technologies like 5G without major overhauls. 

The Active DAS solution provides comprehensive coverage for all cellular services, including LTE (700MHz, 850MHz, 1900MHz, 2100MHz) and legacy networks (CDMA, 2G, 3G), and the ability to add new frequency bands without significant hardware changes results in long-term cost savings for the venue. 

CONCLUSION 

By implementing Wilson Connectivity’s advanced in-building wireless solution, the Pepsi Center has significantly enhanced its cellular connectivity, providing a foundation for cutting-edge fan experiences and operational efficiencies. This forward-thinking approach ensures the venue remains at the forefront of technological advancements in sports and entertainment, ready to meet the evolving demands of modern audiences and future 5G capabilities.