SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Teaming with Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT)(TSX:NT), the San Francisco Giants baseball team has implemented a state-of-the-art wireless local area network (LAN) at SBC Park, making the Giants home park not only one of the first professional sports facilities in the world to provide universal public wireless access, but also among the largest public hotspots in the world.
More importantly, this deployment has enabled the Giants to provide a wireless program to fans via the Giants Digital Dugout, which provides instant replays, instant access to statistics, team information and other services to enrich the game for spectators.
"When we opened SBC Park in 2000, our goal was to be one of the most technologically-advanced sports facilities in the world," said Larry Baer, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the San Francisco Giants. "Through the use of wireless, digital and online technology, we have greatly enhanced the fan experience."
"Working with Nortel Networks, we have been able to bring the game closer to the fans in a way that no other ballpark is able to do today," Baer said. "We are now looking to expand the wireless services to allow our fans to order food online, keep track of the game and watch instant video replays."
At every game hundreds of fans log on to the Giants Digital Dugout, a Web site only available at the park, to check out relevant, customized content. The Giants have equipped all ballpark suites with computers, flat-panel displays and wireless accessories that provide Internet access along with more exclusive content from the Giants Digital Dugout, including archived video footage.
At the start of the 2004 season, Nortel Networks and the San Francisco Giants launched SBC FreedomLink Wi-Fi service at SBC Park. A 1 million square foot facility located on 13 acres, SBC Park is a spectacular downtown ballpark that services 42,000 fans at 81 regular-season baseball games per season, and has hosted numerous other events including concerts, football games, supercross and even a World Series.
Powered by a Nortel Networks wireless LAN (WLAN) solution that provides connectivity throughout the ballpark, fans can access the Internet free of charge using their wireless-enabled laptops, tablet PCs and PDAs. From the gates of Willie Mays Plaza to the waters of McCovey Cove, users are able to access the most sophisticated multimedia content available, thanks to the industry-leading throughput capabilities of Nortel Networks WLAN solution.
Media and photographers are the biggest proponents of the service, according to the Giants, as well as early adopter fans who continually rave about it.
"SBC Park is one of the best in baseball and we are thrilled to provide a wireless solution that enables the Giants to connect more closely with their fans," said Atul Bhatnagar, vice president and general manager, Enterprise Data Networks, Nortel Networks. "In teaming with the Giants, we are able to provide a customized service that truly provides a richer, more meaningful experience for fans and provides a whole new dimension to the spectator experience."
Nortel Networks Ltd.