AUBURN, Ala., Sept. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to create a more connected game-day experience, Auburn University is working with Verizon to deploy a public Wi-Fi network in the Tigers' stadium.  The new wireless network will go live in time for Auburn's first home football game on Sept. 15 against the University of Louisiana-Monroe, and will enable Auburn fans to use their tablets, smartphones and laptops to keep up with the game.

"Technology has become a significant part of the game-day experience," said Scott Carr, Auburn senior associate director of athletics for external affairs. "Fans are uploading pictures to social networks, checking scores, even watching highlights on their devices. This Wi-Fi network will keep our fans in the stadium connected to Auburn fans across the state and beyond."

Verizon teamed with iBAHN, a global leader in Internet protocol-based information services for the hospitality, meeting, conference and retail industries, to build and install the Wi-Fi network – known as AU Guest W-Fi – with encrypted security and high-speed billing and support capabilities. The network, which has been installed throughout Jordan-Hare Stadium, will provide athletic fans seamless access to email, Internet, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other sites within the high-density access area. It is available by paid subscription.

Verizon Wireless customers can also access the company's 3G and 4G LTE networks via a distributed antenna system (DAS) at the stadium that delivers enhanced wireless coverage, capacity and data speeds during peak network usage. Verizon Wireless currently offers the nation's largest 4G LTE network, covering more than 75 percent of the U.S. population in 371 markets – including Auburn – across the United States. 

"We know that Auburn Tigers fans are among some of the most loyal in college sports," said Mark Bartolomeo, vice president for global enterprise sales for Verizon Enterprise Solutions. "On game day they can use the new network to easily check statistics or watch highlights from the stadium or the parking lot."

Roger Crellin, iBAHN president of Americas, said: "We live in an increasingly connected world, and consumers on the move want the option to access the Internet wherever, whenever, and in public areas of all types, including college campuses and athletics stadiums. Our deep expertise in setting up and managing public Wi-Fi solutions in large spaces prepared us perfectly for this new challenge. The installation is a mark of iBAHN's growth outside of its traditional travel and leisure market, with Wi-Fi solutions that are suitable for large outdoor and sports venues, retail spaces, restaurants and more."

Verizon is providing the connectivity and backhaul to the public Internet and iBAHN is helping to process payments and provide customer support.

About iBAHN

iBAHN creates exceptional information and entertainment experiences for people on the move.
iBAHN is a partner with business owners in the hospitality, conference, food service and retail industries. We complement business strategy with managed services enabling connectivity, entertainment and information over a dedicated enterprise grade IP platform.

The iBAHN managed network operates in more than 50 countries across six continents delivering connectivity, information and entertainment to tablets, laptops, mobile phones and flat screens. Three million times a month, business owners, people on the move and more than half of the Fortune 500 companies rely on iBAHN solutions. For more information, visit www.ibahn.com.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 94 million retail customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500.  A Dow 30 company with $111 billion in 2011 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 188,000.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

SOURCE Verizon