How 6 GHz Wi-Fi is Changing the Game for Sports and Entertainment Venues | Extreme Networks

How 6 GHz Wi-Fi is Changing the Game for Sports and Entertainment Venues

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In the ever-evolving landscape of sports and entertainment, connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Wi-Fi has changed everything in venues, from the way fans engage to the way that operations are run. The 6 GHz spectrum is creating even more opportunities for venues to further optimize, enhancing the fan experience through more engaging, personalized experiences and better operational efficiency.

Understanding 6 GHZ Wi-Fi

The 6 GHz band introduces 1200 MHz of pristine spectrum two times more than 2.4 and 5 GHz combined. This wider channel of availability supports ultra-fast, low-latency connections, making it ideal for high-density environments like stadiums and theme parks.

As David Coleman, Director of Wireless Networking at Extreme Networks, emphasized in our webinar, 6 GHz Wi-Fi in Sports Venues; Unlocking Game-Changing Connectivity, “Wi-Fi is a way of life” and 6 GHz is the next evolution of that journey. With cleaner RF environments and larger channel sizes, venues can now deliver seamless connectivity even during peak usage.

Enhancing the fan experience

From real-time stats and AR overlays, to mobile ticketing and in-seat ordering, 6 GHz Wi-Fi unlocks a new level of fan engagement. The capability to serve all devices equally—regardless of carrier—makes Wi-Fi the most inclusive connectivity option for international audiences.

Venues such as Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, and BYU’s LaVell Edwards Stadium are already leveraging 6 GHz to power instant replays, live streams, and interactive fan apps.

“We have a future-proof network here, and Extreme has been an amazing partner, helping to enhance that connectivity and the experience for our fans.”
Bill Schlough
CIO, San Francisco Giants

Operational efficiency at scale

Beyond fan engagement, 6 GHz Wi-Fi enables smarter operations. Real-time analytics can optimize crowd flow, concessions, and facility systems. Entry processes become smoother with mobile access and face ID, while back-end systems benefit from centralized digital resources. In fact, Cedar Fair Parks use outdoor 6 GHz Wi-Fi for operational monitoring and crowd management—showcasing the solutions versatility across venues.

“By working with Extreme, we are one of the first deployed outdoor 6 GHz venues in the nation, providing our associates and guests with next-generation connectivity whether at work or play.”
Ty Tastepe
CIO, Cedar Fairs

Deployment strategies and technical considerations

Deploying 6 GHz Wi-Fi solutions requires thoughtful planning, with key considerations such as:

  • Low Power Indoor (LPI) vs Standard Power: LPI is ideal for enclosed areas, while Standard Power supports outdoor use with weatherizes APs.
  • Automated Frequency Coordination: A new requirement for standard power devices to avoid interference with incumbents.
  • SSID Strategy: Venues can isolate mission-critical operations on 6 GHz or extend existing SSIDs using WPA3 security.

Check out this video showing Oracle Park as an example for what goes into the planning for deploying 6 GHz Wi-Fi in a major league ballpark.

Building the future of connected venues

Wi-Fi in the 6 GHz band is empowering venues to deliver richer fan experiences, streamline operations, and prepare for the next wave of digital innovation. As David Coleman put it, “Wi-Fi is the fuel that powers the enterprise engine,” and 6 GHz is the superhighway that will drive it forward.

Watch the full webinar to learn more about how 6 GHz Wi-Fi is transforming sports and venues.

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Extreme Networks
Extreme Marketing Team

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