Extreme Networks deploys high-speed WiFi at Liverpool Football Club

08 August 2024

Extreme Networks, Inc., has completed the deployment of a high-speed WiFi network at Anfield, home of Liverpool Football Club (LFC). Verizon Business is Extreme’s deployment partner for the project.

The new WiFi network at Anfield will elevate Liverpool fan experiences while helping to dramatically streamline operations throughout the historic stadium, providing seamless connectivity for the hundreds of thousands of fans who come through the turnstiles each year.

Using ExtremeCloud™ IQ, LFC can now easily monitor and optimise network performance across the venue. With ExtremeAnalytics, the club has access to real-time data around fan preferences and experiences to help better personalise and customise fan experiences throughout the stadium. Extreme is the only networking vendor to help organisations turn WiFi insights into actionable business opportunities.

Liverpool’s WiFi network supports new digital experiences like mobile ticket scanning, cashless payments and mobile concessions. The network’s design for high-density outdoor environments helps ensure that even during sold-out games, with all 61,000 seats filled, the connectivity remains robust and fast.

Liverpool will rely on real-time network insights from ExtremeAnalytics, giving the club access to data relevant to fan foot traffic, popular concessions areas and app usage across the stadium. It can also pinpoint peak moments during games when fans are most digitally engaged and where they most often congregate in the stadium, helping the Club make data-driven decisions such as identifying areas in the venue that may require additional staff, opportunities for future marketing partnerships and prioritising content to boost fan engagement.

The wireless network is managed entirely through ExtremeCloud IQ, enabling stadium staff to easily monitor and control Wi-Fi capacity, adjust and manage the settings and parameters of wireless devices such as access points and access real-time information around network performance. The operations team has a complete view of the stadium network through a single, centralised dashboard, enabling them to optimise performance in real-time to deliver a seamless experience for fans and staff connected to the network.

"Anfield is an enduring symbol in UK football history and has stood for 139 years, hosting countless historical moments and legendary matches. With Extreme WiFi, we’ve brought the stadium into the digital age, seamlessly blending our rich history with modern innovation. This partnership not only empowers us to deliver innovative digital experiences but also provides us with valuable insights to continually enrich fans' matchday experiences. Extreme was a true partner throughout the entire process as they are the gold standard when it comes to providing seamless connectivity in high-density, iconic venues,” said Drew Crisp, senior vice president of Digital, Liverpool FC.

"Partnering with one of the world’s most celebrated football clubs to deliver wireless connectivity that transforms both matchday and fan experiences has been inspiring. Creating a modern experience while still preserving a historical landmark is an area where Extreme continues to excel. Our collaboration with Liverpool Football Club goes beyond simply improving connectivity; it's about shaping the future of one of the world's most beloved sports organisations, and we’re honoured to be at the forefront of this transformative journey,” said Norman Rice, chief commercial officer, Extreme Networks.