Verizon and National Hockey League Renew U.S. Partnership
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Insights
The deployment of Verizon's Private 5G Wireless Network across NHL arenas represents a significant technological advancement within the sports entertainment industry. This collaboration is poised to enhance operational efficiencies and elevate the fan experience through faster connectivity and innovative applications such as wireless Officials' iPads for replay review and video coaching. The integration of Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) with 5G technology can provide low-latency communication critical for real-time analytics and decision-making processes, which could become a standard in future sports venues.
From a business perspective, Verizon's strategy to invest in high-traffic venues like NHL arenas could drive increased brand visibility and customer engagement. This move also suggests a broader trend where telecom companies are seeking to showcase the capabilities of their networks in high-profile settings, potentially setting a new benchmark for in-arena connectivity. The expansion of 5G Ultra Wideband network is likely to enhance Verizon's competitive edge by offering differentiated services and experiences to its customers.
Verizon's initiative to implement Private 5G Networks in NHL arenas aligns with the increasing demand for immersive fan experiences. By leveraging 5G and MEC, Verizon is not only improving operational aspects of the game but also creating new opportunities for fan engagement. This could lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty, as fans seek more interactive and connected experiences. Additionally, these enhancements may attract a more tech-savvy audience to NHL games, potentially expanding the League's fan base.
On the financial side, such technological investments are often seen as long-term growth drivers. While the initial costs may be substantial, the potential for increased revenue streams from a more engaged and larger fan base, coupled with operational efficiencies, could justify the investment. Moreover, this partnership may serve as a valuable case study for Verizon in demonstrating the commercial viability of 5G applications in other industries.
The collaboration between Verizon and the NHL underscores the importance of modern technology in the business of professional sports. The deployment of Private 5G Networks is expected to revolutionize the way sports venues operate, by enabling advanced solutions such as video coaching and enhanced replay systems. For the NHL, this could translate into improved game management and potentially even impact the way the game is played and officiated.
From a business standpoint, this partnership may also open up new revenue streams for the NHL through enhanced sponsorship opportunities and in-arena experiences that can be monetized. The ability to offer fans ultra-fast connectivity and additional services such as cashierless checkout and mobile hotspots could increase in-arena spending and time spent on-site, contributing to the overall financial health of the League and its teams.
Verizon and National Hockey League to deploy Private 5G Network in NHL arenas; As the Official 5G and Wireless Services Partner of the NHL in the United States, Verizon to continue bringing 5G and Edge Computing innovation to NHL arenas and fans
NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon, the “Official 5G Network of the NHL,” and the National Hockey League (NHL®) today announced a multi-year sponsorship renewal continuing Verizon’s role as the League’s Official 5G Partner, Official Wireless Services Partner and Official Mobile Edge Computing Partner in the United States. Additionally, as an Official Technology Partner for the NHL, Verizon has been selected to deploy Verizon Private 5G Wireless Network across NHL arenas to help game day operations roll out new and transformative solutions to advance the sport and improve the overall fan experience.
“Innovation is driven by a vision and the technology to support it, which makes this partnership with the NHL a perfect fit for Verizon and Verizon Business,” said Kyle Malady, CEO of Verizon Business. “Our collaboration with the NHL showcases what transformative network connectivity can bring to venues and fans alike. Having a forward-looking partner in the NHL opens up significant opportunities from an operational standpoint, when you look at the business of professional hockey, to enhancing in-game efficiencies and the fan experience.”
NHL Venue Innovation
Under the terms of the agreement, Verizon Business is currently piloting Verizon Private 5G Wireless Network in select arenas, with plans to roll out the technology to NHL arenas in future seasons. Utilizing Verizon’s 5G network technology and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), the NHL, and enterprises across industries, can tailor solutions to meet specific business needs, delivering enhanced reliability, security, speed, and flexibility both on and off the ice. These advanced technologies, which are enabled by Verizon 5G, include wireless Officials’ iPads for replay review, which is currently piloted at the Prudential Center, as well as video coaching, and coach/video coach communications.
Furthermore, as the “Official 5G Network of the NHL” in the United States, Verizon will continue efforts to deploy 5G Ultra Wideband network across NHL arenas, providing ultra-fast in-arena connectivity to enable fans to download and watch videos, livestream, manage their fantasy teams and check scores with virtually no lag. By creating more immersive and interactive experiences, through the power of 5G and MEC, Verizon is changing how fans consume live sports.
“The passion for innovation and the work already done in partnership with Verizon makes this renewal even more exciting for us,” said David Lehanski, NHL Executive Vice President, Business Development and Innovation. “Creating the solutions and experiences of tomorrow is not only a function of applying cutting-edge technologies from world-class companies, it’s also a function of being able to truly collaborate with them to uncover meaningful new use cases. In Verizon, we have a partner that listens before bringing to bear their industry-best knowledge and solution set.”
The extended partnership with the NHL demonstrates Verizon’s ongoing commitment to shape the future of sports entertainment. With Verizon’s reliable 5G network and innovations like cashierless checkout, Verizon is paving the way for a new and improved stadium experience.
2024 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™
Fans can experience Verizon’s latest venue improvements and multiple Verizon activations live at the 2024 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ on Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 at MetLife Stadium. Verizon invites fans to the New Amsterdam Vodka® NHL PreGame, located in Parking Lot G of MetLife Stadium, where they can tailgate in style with games, charging stations, comfortable seats with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to win exciting prizes.
By attending the NHL PreGame, Verizon customers can get a chance to win upgraded game seats in Verizon’s exclusive Hotspot section1, which includes comfortable heated seats, cozy blankets and exclusive gift bags. Verizon customers will also have access to the Hotspot Lounge on the 100 level concourse, which will feature charging stations, photo opportunities, and complimentary hot chocolate.
For fans looking for even more Hotspot connectivity, Verizon’s myPlan mobile plans give customers access to
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed in 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
1[NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Saturday Sweepstakes Participation Period is 3 pm – 4 pm ET on 2/17/24. Sunday Sweepstakes Participation Period is 10 am – 12:30 pm ET on 2/18/24, must be physically present at Sponsor’s PreGame Area to participate and to win. Open only to individual customers (1) enrolled in a Verizon internet, wireless, or cable plan as of 2/16/24, (2) with an existing ticket to the applicable NHL Stadium Series game, and (3) who are 18 years of age or older at the time of participation, who prove eligibility. Participate by receiving from a Sponsor brand ambassador a numbered Verizon NHL Stadium Series entry card during the applicable Participation Period. Void where prohibited. See Official Rules for complete details, including prizes and odds disclosures. Sponsor: Verizon Sourcing LLC, One Verizon Way, Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920.]
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About the NHL
The National Hockey League (NHL®), founded in 1917, consists of 32 Member Clubs. Each team roster reflects the League’s international makeup with players from more than 20 countries represented, all vying for the most cherished and historic trophy in professional sports – the Stanley Cup®. Every year, the NHL entertains more than 670 million fans in-arena and through its partners on national television and radio; more than 191 million followers - league, team and player accounts combined - across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube; and more than 100 million fans online at NHL.com. The League broadcasts games in more than 160 countries and territories through its rightsholders including ESPN, TNT Sports and NHL Network in the U.S.; Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada; Viaplay in the Nordics, Baltics, Poland and the UK; MTV3 in Finland; Nova in Czech Republic and Slovakia; Sky Sports and ProSieben in Germany; MySports in Switzerland; and CCTV5+ in China; and reaches fans worldwide with games available to stream in every country. Fans are engaged across the League’s digital assets on mobile devices via the free NHL® App; across nine social media platforms; on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio™; and on NHL.com, available in eight languages and featuring unprecedented access to player and team statistics as well as every regular-season and playoff game box score dating back to the League’s inception, powered by SAP. NHL Productions develops compelling original programming featuring unprecedented access to players, coaches and League and team personnel for distribution across the NHL’s social and digital platforms.
The NHL is committed to building healthy and vibrant communities using the sport of hockey to celebrate fans of every race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. The NHL’s Hockey Is For Everyone® initiative reinforces that the official policy of the sport is one of inclusion on the ice, in locker rooms, boardrooms and stands. The NHL is expanding access and opportunity for people of all backgrounds and abilities to play hockey, fostering more inclusive environments and growing the game through a greater diversity of participants. To date, the NHL has invested more than
Media Contacts:
Erin Cheever
Verizon
erin.dowling@verizon.com
Brad Klein
National Hockey League
bklein@nhl.com
FAQ
What is Verizon's role in the National Hockey League (NHL) as per the press release?
What technology is Verizon deploying in NHL arenas as mentioned in the PR?
What are some of the innovative solutions enabled by Verizon's 5G network technology and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) in NHL arenas?
How is Verizon enhancing the in-arena connectivity for fans in NHL arenas?
What are some of the venue improvements and activations that fans can experience at the 2024 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™?
