United Center

The United Center’s Wi-Fi® network was on its last leg. As fans returned from COVID-19 en masse with new apps and devices, the existing wireless network struggled to keep up with the crowds. To make matters worse, the legacy design couldn’'t properly deliver the robust coverage needed to accommodate the density. 

To upgrade the United Center network, Bob Gorman, the United Center’s senior director technical operations, engaged American Tower along with RUCKUS Networks and their Professional Services team to reimagine the venue’s Wi-Fi and deliver a superior fan experience at the arena.  

To design a plan that would provide complete coverage and deliver strong throughput, Large Public Venues (LPV) Professional Services built a 3-D computer model of the facility that would offer accurate signal numbers based on the components used. But to execute on this vision, the team would have to strategically schedule deployment time within the United Center’s very busy event schedule.

The United Center was also able to elevate their wireless network to 5G by deploying CommScope’s digital ERA® DAS. The United Center now delivers exceptional wireless performance while simultaneously reducing equipment space—cutting down on cooling costs and power utilization.