In addition to network enhancements, activations, and regional investments for Super Bowl LVII, the NFL has tapped Verizon to support crucial on-field coach-to-coach communications beginning in 2023
NEW YORK — Verizon, an Official Technology Partner and the Official 5G Network of the NFL, is showing customers why football fans rely on Verizon during Super Bowl LVII – whether they’re watching from home, on the go, or in the stadium.
Private network for coach-to-coach communications on the field
Verizon Business today announced a five-year partnership deal with the NFL to deliver a Managed Private Wireless Solution across each of the 30 U.S. NFL stadiums. This solution includes full support for coach-to-coach communications on the field and provides the NFL with speed, security and reliability for critical on field coach-to-coach communication.
This Managed Private Wireless solution was successfully piloted during all five international NFL games this season spanning across the UK, Germany and Mexico. This included deployment and management of the private wireless technology, testing and coordination and in-game operational support.
“In an NFL game, every moment matters – seconds matter – as the margin between winning and losing is miniscule. The backbone of world-class play on-the-field is communication,” said Sowmyanarayan Sampath, CEO, Verizon Business. “The NFL understands and leans into the power of innovation and technology and this Managed Private Wireless solution deployment is a testament to how the NFL uses the latest technology for the game.” Read the full announcement here.
So even after the big game ends, the work will continue for Verizon’s team of network engineers as they implement the solution across all of the country’s NFL stadiums and elevate the experience for NFL personnel. Verizon will showcase this solution in a 30-second commercial spot “Next Season Starts Now,” slated to air immediately following the Super Bowl LVII broadcast on Feb. 12. More information about Verizon upgrades around Super Bowl LVII here.
Network enhancements in State Farm Stadium and surrounding Phoenix areas
Verizon has invested more than $100 million in network upgrades and enhancements in and around State Farm Stadium and the greater Phoenix area over the last few years in preparation for Super Bowl LVII and to support the community for years to come. Phoenix residents, tourists, public safety agencies and businesses throughout the Valley area will benefit from Verizon’s network investments long after the clock runs out on Super Bowl LVII. In 2022, Verizon deployed 5G Ultra Wideband in many areas throughout Phoenix, adding coverage and capacity to serve customers throughout the Valley and neighboring cities like Tempe, Chandler and Scottsdale. These upgrades include bringing wireless home and business internet to the area, which has provided additional choice for customers in the Valley and has been incredibly popular to date.
Throughout State Farm Stadium, Verizon’s customers will be served with a highly complex and sophisticated in-building network, providing game-changing performance for fans to capture and share every important moment of the game when connected. In total, there are 490 5G nodes in the stadium, 1400 4G and 5G antennas under the seats throughout the stadium and eight Matsing balls, including four above the 50 yard line and four in the end zone. Additionally, around the stadium and in the Westgate Entertainment District across from the stadium, there are 90 4G nodes and 180 5G nodes for additional coverage and capacity. Read more about all of the Verizon enhancements in State Farm Stadium and surrounding Phoenix area.
On the ground activations, including the first-ever Super Bowl LVII Watch Party
In partnership with Verizon, the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee will be hosting the first-ever Super Bowl Watch Party on Sunday, February 12. The free ultimate tailgate watch party wraps up the Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe’s at Hance Park. The event kicks off at 11:00 a.m. MST and features live entertainment with DJ Solomon leading up to Super Bowl LVII kickoff on FOX at 4:30 p.m. MST. The game will be broadcast live on the Verizon stage, featuring Arizona’s largest high-definition LED screens. More information can be found here.
In the week leading up to Super Bowl LVII, Verizon will be surprising customers at local retail stores throughout the Phoenix area with appearances from top NFL talent, as well as providing free giveaways and special prizes.
Verizon offers and giveaways to get fans ready for gameday
Verizon has been gearing up NFL fans for the ultimate game day through its ongoing sweepstakes that will send 20 fans to the Super Bowl three years in a row.2 This giveaway is another way to celebrate Welcome Unlimited plan, which, for a limited time, is even more affordable: just $25 per line per month for four lines and Auto Pay (plus taxes and fees) when new customers bring four phones to Verizon, and a three-year price guarantee (price guarantee excludes taxes and fees).3 Customers can continue to enter to win tickets by going to local Verizon retail stores or by entering online before Feb. 15.
Verizon investments and ever-expanding 5G Ultra Wideband availability in the Phoenix metro area is bringing Verizon Home Internet to more and more local residents. Whether it’s a video chat with friends from a backyard tailgate or streaming highlights after the game, Verizon Home Internet delivers the speeds and reliability NFL fans rely on for as little as $25 per month with Auto Pay and select 5G mobile plans.
And across the country, Verizon customers can visit our +play beta, our content hub to discover and purchase subscription services like NFL+, all in one place. Visit plusplay.verizon.com to get started.
Investment in Public Safety
Verizon’s investment in and around State Farm Stadium will help everyone participating, including the public safety community, to communicate effectively. The Verizon Command Center will act as the nerve center for keeping fans and first responders connected. Staffed 24/7 by technicians and engineers monitoring in and around State Farm Stadium during the Super Bowl, Verizon Frontline aims to ensure first responders have the tools and network resources they need at all times.
In addition, Verizon will deploy workers to Emergency Operations Centers, sitting side by side with federal, state and local agencies, ensuring they have the Verizon Frontline technology, information and network support they need.
Verizon Frontline is the advanced network and technology built for first responders – developed over nearly three decades of partnership with public safety officials and agencies on the front lines – to meet their unique and evolving needs.
Giving back to Phoenix
Verizon is celebrating its 10th year as an NFL Green sustainability partner to play it forward by giving back to Super Bowl Host Cities. This partnership extends beyond the Super Bowl to the NFL Draft, Pro Bowl and Kickoff events. Since the partnership began, there have been more than 120 community events and 253,000 trees planted. In addition to participating in community greening events in Arizona leading up to Super Bowl LVII, Verizon will plant 10,700 trees in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, which were decimated by the Wallow fire in 2011. Overall, Verizon has planted 13.9 million trees since 2009, and plans to plant 20 million trees by 2030.
Verizon also continues to tackle the digital divide and promote digital equity in the greater Phoenix area. Through Verizon Innovative Learning, the company’s award-winning education initiative focused on addressing barriers to digital inclusion, 26 Title-I schools in the greater Phoenix area have benefitted, with teachers and over 22,000 students receiving free technology devices, internet access, innovative STEM learning programs, next-gen curriculum and professional development. Twelve of those schools have received a Verizon Innovative Learning Lab, providing students and teachers with access to emerging technologies – such as virtual reality equipment, 3D printing stations, augmented reality apps and more in a custom-designed, state-of-the-art experiential learning environment, with the latest being unveiled recently at Glendale Elementary School District’s Sunset Vista School.
That community-centric approach continues this week: Verizon will be collaborating with Valley of the Sun United Way to welcome over 80 Title-I students to a Feb. 9 Super STEM Digital Equity Day at Arizona State University’s Verizon 5G Innovation Hub. In addition to inspiring the next generation of STEM students, the event will highlight Verizon’s partnership with ASU, as well as the myriad ways Phoenix-area students can thrive on our 5G network. Through Verizon’s responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon, the company has a 10-year goal to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030.
Verizon Communications Inc. was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $136.8 billion in 2022. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.