Boingo Wireless, the leading distributed antenna system (DAS) and Wi-Fi provider, has been awarded the wireless rights at the new Major League Soccer (MLS) stadium currently under construction in Austin, Texas. Boingo will design, install, operate and maintain neutral host cellular DAS and Wi-Fi 6 networks throughout the stadium, including bowl seating, suites, club sections, concourses and the field, to power a highly-connected, fan-focused experience. The new stadium will be home to Austin FC and is scheduled to open in Spring 2021 for the club’s inaugural MLS season.

“The important selection of Boingo Wireless as a technology provider represents a significant addition to the Austin FC stadium project,” said Andy Loughnane, Austin FC President. “Our stadium will be a world-class facility that prioritizes technology, hospitality, and above all, the fan experience. We selected Boingo to achieve our tech-forward objectives and keep guests connected during all stadium events, notably on matchday. We look forward to Boingo delivering a best-in-class experience to all Austin FC fans and stadium guests.”

Austin FC selected Boingo after a competitive review process. The company stood out for its strong wireless carrier relationships and ability to build converged neutral host networks that meet data demands of the 5G era. Boingo’s DAS will be designed for multi-carrier coverage, with flexibility for seamless 5G upgrades. The Wi-Fi 6 deployment will mark one of the first Wi-Fi 6 launches at an MLS stadium and will offer fans fast, free connectivity. Wi-Fi 6 is the latest generation of Wi-Fi designed to deliver enhanced coverage, capacity, speed and performance in dense, demanding Wi-Fi environments like stadiums. Passpoint, a next generation hotspot technology, will also be offered to connect fans to a seamless and secure Wi-Fi 6 experience.

“We’ve entered a new age of sports where the action takes place not only on the field, but also on the fan’s device,” said Mike Finley, Boingo CEO. “This immersive experience requires strong wireless connectivity that fuels fan engagement and satisfaction. From DAS to Wi-Fi 6 to Passpoint, Boingo has Austin FC covered, and we’re proud to play our part to provide a next generation connected fan experience.”

The Austin FC soccer park and stadium is a $260 million, 100% privately financed project in the tech-savvy City of Austin. When completed, the 20,500-seat multipurpose, open-air stadium will represent one of the most tech-forward, modern and ecofriendly sporting, entertainment and community venues in North America. In addition to hosting Austin FC, it is designed to accommodate other sporting events, concerts, community activities, and cultural events.

Austin FC adds to Boingo’s growing portfolio of MLS, NBA, NFL and NCAA stadiums in the U.S. and expands its wireless footprint in Texas.

Boingo and Austin FC will present at the upcoming SportTechie webinar, “5G and the Future of Live Sports” on Wednesday, August 5 at 12:30 p.m. ET. To learn more and for free registration, click here.

About Austin FC

Austin FC joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as the 27th club in January 2019 and is the City of Austin’s first major league team. Austin FC will officially begin play in 2021 in a new, 100% privately financed, $260 million, state-of-the-art soccer stadium and public park in Austin.

Austin FC operates Austin FC Academy, the fully funded boys development academy, which aims to represent the highest level of competition for elite players in Central Texas. It serves as the feature pathway to MLS for the region’s most talented young players.

Austin FC’s parent company and ownership group is Two Oak Ventures, the entity which manages Austin FC and affiliated assets, including the MLS soccer park and stadium under construction at 10414 McKalla Place in Austin, Texas, and St. David’s Performance Center, the $45 million training facility of the Club and Austin FC Academy, scheduled to open in Spring 2021. St. David’s Performance Center will be located at the Parmer Innovation Center in Northeast Austin.

About Boingo Wireless

Boingo Wireless, Inc. helps the world stay connected. Our vast footprint of DAS, Wi-Fi and small cells reaches more than a billion people annually, making Boingo one of the largest providers of indoor wireless networks. You'll find Boingo connecting people and things at airports, stadiums, military bases, convention centers, multifamily communities and commercial properties. To learn more about the Boingo story, visit www.boingo.com.

Contacts
Melody Walker
Senior Director, Marketing Communications
mwalker@boingo.com
(424) 256-7036

 

Source: businesswire.com

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