When discussing iconic teams in college football, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish stand out for their rich history and legacy. The team’s journey towards enhancing the fan experience now includes major upgrades to their stadium’s connectivity.

Recognizing the significant demand for a superior customer experience, Notre Dame has partnered with HPE Aruba Networking to implement Wi-Fi 6E in its stadium. This move marks a milestone, making it the first college stadium in the U.S. to utilize the new 6 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum outdoors. This upgrade is not just for the 80,000 fans who fill the stands but serves as part of a larger initiative to ensure reliable Wi-Fi coverage across the entire campus.

The previous Wi-Fi system, set up in 2017, was primarily designed for web browsing and social media engagement. However, the exponential growth of live streaming, video sharing, and app usage among fans required a network capable of handling greater data demands. John Buysse, Notre Dame’s senior director of university network and telephony services, notes that data transfer speeds can now reach up to 25 gigabits per second (Gbps), a substantial increase from the previous 5 Gbps capacity.

The data consumption on game days has surged dramatically, from an estimated four to five terabytes in 2017 to between 15 to 20 terabytes today. To accommodate this growth, Notre Dame has installed 1,100 access points throughout both the indoor and outdoor spaces of the stadium. The new system was thoroughly tested during a playoff game in December 2024, where Wi-Fi traffic exceeded 26 Gbps without any issues, marking a successful debut for the upgraded network.

In addition to improved connectivity, Notre Dame is adapting its operations to enhance the in-game experience further. They have fully embraced mobile ticketing and are rolling out grab-and-go concession stands. With recent approvals to sell alcohol, the university is also exploring mobile cart services. Fans can enjoy streaming multiple games and utilize mobile ordering for food, accompanied by pickup alerts.

Looking ahead, the university is committed to continually enhancing the on-site experience. This may include offering fans access to exclusive camera angles and real-time statistics available only through the in-stadium Wi-Fi, providing an entertaining alternative to watching from home.

Behind the scenes, the facility has also become an experimental hub for advanced technology in partnership with Federated Wireless and the campus’s Wireless Institute. Together, they have tackled the challenges associated with using the new Wi-Fi 6E band outdoors. The implementation of Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) technology helps manage signal interference, allowing for stronger and more extensive network coverage.

While private 5G networks are still in the future plans, the university is ensuring reliable back-of-house communications, particularly for essential services like campus public safety, to maintain connectivity during peak usage.

Despite ongoing updates to the cellular network, Notre Dame’s primary focus for fan connectivity remains with Wi-Fi, as the current cellular infrastructure struggles to meet demand due to structural constraints and aesthetic concerns.

Beyond the stadium, the entire campus network infrastructure is under redevelopment to accommodate Wi-Fi 6E demands, with plans to employ AI-driven tools for better network insights and device troubleshooting.

This modernization is a lesson for organizations everywhere about the increasing criticality of network infrastructure in business success. A recent survey revealed that 93% of IT leaders view the network’s role as more crucial than it was two years ago, reinforcing the importance of customer experience starting with robust network capabilities. Notre Dame’s storied football heritage is complemented now by a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi network, underlining the significance of blending tradition with modern technology.

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