Liverpool Install Xirrus Wi-Fi Network at Anfield

Liverpool have installed a Xirrus Wi-Fi network at their home ground, Anfield, with the aim of improving the match-day experience for their fans.

Xirrus, specialists in high-performance wireless networks, will begin the installation at the 12,000 seat Centenary Stand and the adjoining corporate facilities. Fans will be able to access the Wi-Fi network at the Premier League club’s next home game, against West Ham on 7 April. 

The new network will also provide unprecedented feedback and insight into fan behaviour for the club.

Andrew Robinson, Head of Digital Media and Technology at Liverpool Football Club, said: “Running our own data network based on Xirrus technology means we can provide our fans with a dedicated, robust and high quality experience. The added reliability and performance of high capacity Wi-Fi over 3G connections will encourage our fans to use social networks like Twitter and Facebook to share their experiences with fans unable to make it to the game.

“A massive driver for this new network is that we can gain more insight into our fans than ever before. Sign-in will be via a one-time registration process using an email address and fans will be encouraged to tell us their likes and dislikes. The technology will allow us to find out what devices fans like to connect with the Club on so we can invest in digital platforms accordingly. We will also find out more about how fans use the stadium and its facilities so we can adapt these to better serve them.

“The experience that we’ve created from day one is something we think fans will get very excited about. We’ll be providing in-match stats, food and drink offers, access to online retail, in-play betting in partnership with Paddy Power and also the ability to engage with a global audience outside of the stadium through social media platforms.

“We looked at a number of options, but decided to go with a leader in this space. Xirrus combines a flexible range of wireless hardware solutions with the capability to handle huge capacity and bandwidth demands. Xirrus has very innovative technology that allows us to prioritise key applications and connect more devices to the network by optimising Wi-Fi spectrum usage. These factors are critical to our long-term vision of providing our fans with the best match-day experience possible.”

Sean Larner, VP International at Xirrus, added: “This is not only a highly prestigious deployment, it’s also technically demanding, and we’re naturally pleased that Liverpool FC has recognised that Xirrus is the best option on the market. Stadia such as Anfield require specialised high capacity wireless networks to ensure an acceptable user experience for a very large number of concurrent users and devices.”

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