MSB Engineers Pimlico Race Course Wi-Fi Expansion in Time for Preakness

METAIRIE, La.–(May 31, 2018)–M S Benbow & Associates (MSB) and Aruba Networks have completed the installation of a Wi-Fi upgrade and expansion project at Pimlico Race Course that increases network capacity tenfold just in time for the 143rd running of the Preakness Stakes, which drew more than 134,000 people. With the network upgrade, guests are able to comfortably surf the web, engage in social media or view video from their mobile device.

Pimlico owner Stronach Group recently completed upgrades to the racetrack’s food and beverage outlets, revamped the infield layout connecting Infield guests with the races, and installed new Wi-Fi throughout the clubhouse and infield. Featuring a new 10 Gbps backbone pipe supporting the network and 330-plus access points (AP), the Baltimore, Md., thoroughbred horse racetrack’s Wi-Fi upgrade increased the system’s capacity from approximately 5,000 users at a time to 50,000 concurrent users. The new network provided 130 Wi-Fi APs in the main seating area and 200 APs to serve the infield.The telecommunications project, which typically is completed over a period of months, was deployed in just three weeks.

“Nearly 75 percent of U.S. adults own a smartphone today. Boosting capacity and coverage for attendees at entertainment and sporting venues is a necessity for facilities since subscribers expect ubiquitous data coverage in public and private areas,” said Kenneth M. Wright, P.E., MSB director of Telecommunications and Technology. “Wireless connectivity enhances the guest experience by enabling fans to stay connected and share their experience with friends and family. At the same time, it allows venues to realize a closer affinity with their customers.”

In addition to the Pimlico Race Course Wi-Fi expansion, Aruba Networks and MSB have partnered on several Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Beacon projects, including Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC), Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah, and GulfStream Park in Miami, FL.

MSB Telecommunications and Technology division oversees design engineering, design build and system management of large-scale cellular, in-building distributed antenna system (DAS), public safety radio DAS networks, Bluetooth Low Energy Beacon deployments and Wi-Fi networks for airports, professional sports venues, arenas, convention centers, municipalities, universities, and college sports complexes. The division provides specialized engineering and project management services for infrastructure upgrades and new projects incorporating technologies that include cellular, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, location-based services, microwave, satellite, two-way radio, Public Safety radio, fiber optic, and copper technologies.

One of the Gulf South’s most respected and versatile multi-discipline engineering corporations, MSB has been serving the diverse integrated engineering needs of a range of industries, including oil and gas exploration and production, chemical manufacturing, and food processing, manufacturing and derivatives. A leading design and engineering firm serving the industrial, government, institutional and energy sectors, MSB is celebrating 40 years of continued growth as a privately owned professional engineering corporation in 2018.

ABOUT M S BENBOW & ASSOCIATES

A multi-discipline, integrated engineering consultancy, M S Benbow & Associates is regarded as one of the top professional engineering firms in the region serving some of the most notable refineries, airports, convention centers, campuses, and large public venues in the United States. With professional registrations in 30 states and offices in Metairie, Mandeville, Houston and Dallas, MSB provides expertise in Electrical Power Systems, Instrumentation & Controls, Telecommunications & Technology, and Drafting & Design with end-to-end project management services. MSB provides a wide range of engineering services including feasibility studies, front-end engineering design, detailed design packages, site acceptance testing, startup/commissioning services and specialty installation services.