In preparation for the 151st Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs Racetrack has teamed up with Lumen Technologies to introduce Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) capabilities at the event. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity for the hundreds of thousands of fans, media representatives, and operational staff during Derby Week.
"Speed is essential, both on the track and off," stated Mike Wood, Senior IT Director at Churchill Downs. "Thanks to Network-as-a-Service technology, we can quickly establish high-capacity, secure connections to support everything from guest Wi-Fi and vendor assistance to extensive media coverage. This behind-the-scenes innovation ensures a seamless experience for everyone involved in Derby Week."
Typically, the digital requirements during this event surge dramatically, escalating from 2-3 Gbps on normal days to around 200 Gbps to accommodate approximately 385,000 visitors annually. Reliable network connections with low latency are crucial for a variety of operations, including streaming, multi-channel processes, high-definition broadcasts, and mobile point-of-sale transactions—where every millisecond is vital.
"Churchill Downs is a historic venue that operates amidst high stakes and rapid developments," said Dave Ward, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Lumen. "They are leveraging a dynamic, on-demand NaaS platform to replace traditional, hardwired connections, creating a self-service, cloud-like networking experience that scales as needed during the Derby."
Furthermore, Churchill Downs requires robust connectivity year-round, hosting 83 race days each year. With Lumen’s NaaS, the team can adjust bandwidth dynamically, ensuring continuous connectivity for critical operations such as security systems, mutuel platforms, and veterinary services.
Lumen’s network also extends to the backside village, catering to many equestrians and their families who depend on consistent communication and Internet access.
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