Verizon Announces In-House Network Enhancements for Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium

Just in time for tomorrow’s home game against the Cleveland Browns, M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, has been outfitted with in-house network enhancements from Verizon. The overhaul consists of “600 small antennas, 146 remote radio units, 35 miles of coaxial cable, and 327 miles of fiber, or enough to run from M&T Bank Stadium to Providence, Rhode Island” and will provide increased coverage for 3G and 4G users alike. As a season ticket holder and avid fantasy football player who can never seem to find a signal in that stadium to save a life (or to check my team’s stats), I can speak from experience that the news will find me more than merry this Christmas Eve. Commence the Ravens bashing after an admittedly horrible loss to San Diego in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what the Pittsburgh fans have to say about this one.

Verizon Wireless Completes Buildout of In-Stadium Communications Network to Help Fans Stay Connected on their Mobile Devices

BALTIMORE, MD — Fans coming to see the Baltimore Ravens take on the Cleveland Browns on Christmas Eve will have additional reason to cheer when they learn that M&T Bank Stadium is now among a select few NFL venues in the country to feature a state-of-the-art, wireless communications network.

The new customized communications network, designed and built by Verizon Wireless, is a distributed antenna system (DAS) consisting of approximately 600 small antennas, 146 remote radio units, 35 miles of coaxial cable, and 327 miles of fiber, or enough to run from M&T Bank Stadium to Providence, Rhode Island. Verizon Wireless customers will benefit immediately from the installation of this new system and be able to take advantage of improved 3G and 4G data speeds and coverage. Since the system is a universal DAS platform, it is able to accommodate equipment from other carriers to provide improved coverage for all wireless users in the future.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve the fan experience at M&T Bank Stadium,” said Dick Cass, Baltimore Ravens team President. “We believe that the installation of this state-of-the art wireless communication network is an important step forward.”

“Our customers want and need to stay connected with family, friends, co-workers and clients and share their experiences and excitement while attending games at M&T Bank Stadium and cheering on the Ravens to victory,” said Mike Maiorana, regional president, Verizon Wireless. “As a Ravens’ partner and the official wireless sponsor of the NFL, Verizon Wireless is proud that our customers will be the first to enjoy improved coverage and even faster speeds when sending photos, videos or checking other game scores on their smartphones or tablets while watching the Ravens continue their winning season.”

“The Baltimore Ravens, as the AFC North Division leader and having clinched a playoff berth, are a world-class team deserving of a world-class stadium,” said John Morton III, Chairman of the Maryland Stadium Authority. “The installation of this new, state-of-the-art communications network is an important upgrade and investment in Maryland’s infrastructure and places M&T Bank Stadium in a unique group of professional sports venues around the country to offer an enhanced wireless experience for fans.”

The building of DAS platform at M&T Bank Stadium began in February 2011 and was completed in mid-December in time for this season’s remaining home game on December 24, 2011, against the Cleveland Browns.

About the Baltimore Ravens
For a franchise-record fourth consecutive season, the Ravens have clinched a playoff berth and are currently the only NFL team to earn a postseason spot each of the past four years. Since the arrival of head coach John Harbaugh in 2008, Baltimore has produced 46 total wins, tying for second most in the NFL.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.