Vol Nation Gets Connected

The iconic Neyland Stadium receives a cutting-edge, custom Wi-Fi network

Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) stands as a testament to the vision of Brig. General Robert Reese Neyland. As the Vols’ record setting football head coach from 1926-1952, Neyland was a true innovator, developing architectural plans that envisioned the stadium’s growth to a staggering capacity of over 100,000. His foresight went beyond the physical structure, as he is credited with being the first coach to utilize sideline telephones, forever changing the way coaching teams communicate with the press box.

Imagine Neyland’s awe if he could see the stadium today – a rising monument to his legacy, with technology that now sets standards and breaks records.

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The iconic structure is the sixth largest collegiate football stadium in the U.S. Built in 1921, it has undergone over a century of transformation, with numerous expansions and renovations adding tons of steel and concrete to the building – natural barriers to any Wi-Fi network.

Neyland’s latest renovation included adding a cutting-edge, very high-density (VHD) Wi-Fi 6/6E network within the stadium and its surrounding areas. Not only was this in high demand by Vol Nation, but UTK knew it was a necessity for a world-class fan experience, and to optimize operations.

Tennessee needed a partner that not only knew how to plan and design such a complex network but has a proven track-record to do so at the scale needed in a venue like Neyland Stadium.

Through the Christman Company, UTK chose to partner with M S Benbow and Associates.

The University of Tennessee recognized the expertise of M S Benbow and Associates (MSB) and their growing reputation in planning, designing, engineering, and integrating a robust Wi-Fi network that would modernize the fan experience. Their innovative approach using precise engineering resulted in the latest generation of Wi-Fi connectivity elevating the stadium to a new standard of technological ingenuity.

“Working with MSB was a great experience.  Their expertise in VHD Wi-Fi systems, complex networking environments, the intricacies of stadium Wi-Fi RF, as well as project management, provided everything we needed to tackle the nuances of installing cutting edge Wi-Fi in a 100-year-old stadium.” said Thomas Moats, Jr., Assistant Athletic Director for Information Technology for University of Tennessee Athletics.

The initial focus was a strategic one – ensuring seamless connectivity at the gates and the plazas surrounding the stadium. This would pave the way to support applications tailored to large public venues (LPVs), such as 100% mobile ticketing, convenient in-seat refreshment ordering and purchasing, and advanced security solutions.

Work then transitioned to the interior seating areas, with installation progressing from the lower bowl seating area through the premium areas and into the upper bowl. MSB’s design included the placement of 1,800 HPE Aruba access points (APs). Connecting each AP required the installation of cabling throughout all those layers of concrete and steel.

In all, the design included:

• New, fully redundant core network

• Approximately 2,300 HPE Aruba Wireless Access Points throughout the venue

• 70 Edge Switches

• All new infrastructure using CAT6A cabling

MSB’s solution raised the bar for connectivity in athletic stadiums.

Neyland Stadium’s lack of network connectivity was a glaring issue, causing frustration for both administration and fans. MSB confronted the challenge head-on, with the same tenacity and determination they bring to complex engineering projects that most companies won’t attempt. The result was a design that didn’t just streamline operations, it redefined the essence of fan engagement.

“When our guest entertainer, Dolly Parton, took the field during our game against Georgia, Wi-Fi utilization spiked to 31GBps,” said Thomas Moats, “The previous throughput record for any stadium in the U.S. was the 2023 Super Bowl at 25.8GBps, demonstrating the scalability and reliability of [MSB’s design deployment.]”