At a sporting event, every second counts—whether it’s ensuring seamless broadcasting, supporting production teams, maintaining critical timing systems, or providing secure network access security systems. A single outage can disrupt broadcasting feeds, venue security and safety, event coordination, and crucial operational workflows, leading to production failures and dissatisfied attendees and viewers. That’s why having a reliable, secure, and high-performance managed network is essential to keep everything running smoothly.
Key Considerations for Sporting Event Networks
To ensure seamless operations, a sporting event network must support high-bandwidth applications, secure team communications, point of sale (POS) systems, and real-time event control systems. Whether deploying a temporary network overlay or replacing an existing venue system, the right approach ensures uninterrupted service and meets bandwidth demands.
An expert network provider will assess these factors and design a custom solution that ensures secure, high-performance connectivity throughout the venue. They can then help you then determine what kinds of WiFi and networking solutions you may need. But first, there are ways to make sure you choose the right provider.
Evaluate Temporary Network Providers
Not all temporary internet providers are created equal. When selecting a provider, consider their experience with sporting events, ability to deliver real-time network monitoring, and the skill sets and experience of their embedded support staff. Ask potential providers questions such as:
- How much experience do you have with live sporting events?
- Can you provide references from past clients?
- What kind of redundancy measures do you offer to prevent downtime?
- Do you provide full-service support, from planning to post-event analysis?
Even if you don’t yet know exactly what you’ll need for your event, a capable provider will offer key services like:
- Comprehensive design services for the data network, WiFi and CCTV systems with a site build map detailing wired and wireless infrastructure and assets
- Professional installation
- Managed network services
- Live monitoring
- Reports and analytics
- Attendee engagement platforms
- Technology advisory services
- Managed CCTV surveillance systems
- IPTV systems
- VoIP telephony systems
- Digital Signage systems
- Livestreaming and broadcasting capabilities
- Pre-event consultation and network planning
- Custom network design and site preparation
- Seamless deployment and infrastructure setup
- Live network monitoring and on-site support
- Post-event analysis and reporting to optimize future events
Ask About Their Technology and Processes
Talk to prospective providers about how they work on events like yours. Your venue and event type will affect the solutions and timeframes, as will whether you’re hosting a one-time event or ongoing series.
Ask the provider how long setup typically takes. Where will they get the staff and resources for your location? If they don’t have resources in your area, it may take more time and money to set up.
Advanced technology
Connectivity and timing accuracy are critical at sporting events. Make sure the provider you choose offers advanced technology as well as expert recommendations specific to your event. IT and network event services should include:
To keep everything running without interruption, your provider should utilize cutting-edge technology. High-capacity licensed and unlicensed wireless solutions (PtP/PtMP, 60GHz, 70/80GHz, private 5G, CBRS) ensure stable connections. The right hardware and software used for the network infrastructure will ensure optimal performance. Gold standard networking equipment vendors include Cisco, Arista, Ruckus Wireless, Juniper, and Palo Alto Networks.
Firewalls, security platforms, routers, and switches must be properly sized and configured properly to meet the event’s demands. Network security protocols and best practices must also be implemented to protect the network from potential threats.
- Licensed and unlicensed PtP/PtMP wireless design and deployment ranging from 60Ghz, 70/80Ghz through private 5G and CBRS services
- ISP transport procurement and service delivery
- Network replacement or overlay with incumbent venue IT providers
- IPTV systems and services
- Digital signage and wayfinding services
- IP telephony and cellular rental systems
- 2-way communication system rental
- high-speed internet and private wide area network (WAN)
- Timing and control systems
How a Managed Network Ensures Event Success
A reliable network provider should offer a comprehensive service plan, including:
- Pre-event consultation and network planning
- Custom network design and site preparation
- Seamless deployment and infrastructure setup
- Live network monitoring and on-site support
- Post-event analysis and reporting to optimize future events
The Process
Ask providers what services they provide at every stage, from event planning to post-event reporting. Typically, you can look for a company that will:
- Consult with event stakeholders. They should allow stakeholders to share event goals and expectations that will impact network needs.
- Custom designed reliable standardized systems. The provider should be able to customize the design while using industry-standard networking gear to minimize compatibility issues.
- Deliver and deploy infrastructure. They should coordinate the acquisition, transport, and deployment of all hardware and supplies.
- Provide necessary on-site staff. Network engineers and technicians can ensure the network functions optimally during the event.
- Tear down temporary infrastructure. The provider’s team should decommission, pack, and return equipment.
- Provide post-event analytics. The provider should provide event reports as well as recommendations for future events.
Your event will run more smoothly and be less stressful for you if you know that an experienced partner can help you every step of the way.
Planning Your Next Sporting Event
Backstage Networks has decades of experience providing temporary internet solutions and support to sporting events like the Savannah Bananas, Monster Jam®, Supercross/Motocross, WWE, Uber deployments at mega-large sporting events, the Big Game activations, and more.
If you’re planning a sporting event anywhere in the world, Backstage Networks can help. Talk to one of our event experts.
