New Orleans Saints fans will be able to get their first up-close look at the extensive renovations being undertaken at the Caesars Superdome, which has undergone $560 million in facility upgrades over the past few years.
The work spans every aspect of the stadium, from new field-level suites to improved concession stands, more spacious atriums and concourses, and smoother fan movement, but today we’re taking a tour of the infrastructure behind the cell service and Wi-Fi Internet access. Anyone who has previously tried in vain to hail a cab while navigating the crowded, sloping concrete ramps that wind through the Superdome’s maze will know the struggle all too well.
“Fans’ use of and demand for technology as part of their game-day experience will continue to grow,” team president Dennis Lauscha said on the Saints’ website. “Providing our fans with the strongest, most reliable connectivity possible is key to our Caesars Superdome renovation project, and these upgrades will allow us to deliver a guest experience with the most effective wireless technology.”
Sixteen MatSing MS-48H180 antennas are bolted to the Superdome roof and painted black so they are less noticeable to the naked eye. Each antenna weighs about 600 pounds and is designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. A matching mesh of 200 existing antennas will be installed inside the building, in the hopes of improving cellular service as the Saints’ season continues. The setup is designed for “high density environments” and can be tweaked as engineers gather data on where and how usage is highest.
Improving cellular service is just one part of the project. Making wireless Internet access more convenient is also part of their ambitions. The Superdome has added 2,500 new Wi-Fi access points throughout the venue to provide more comprehensive coverage for fans, media and the teams themselves. Keeping people connected with reliable service is a big win.
So these are big steps in the right direction toward the goal of maintaining the Caesars Superdome as a world-class sports and entertainment venue. The goal is to continue hosting major events like the Super Bowl (including this year’s championship game), ambitious tours by superstar musicians like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, WrestleMania, Monster Jam, the NCAA basketball tournament, and more. These upgrades will extend the life of the Superdome and avoid the need for costly new stadium construction. Hopefully the Saints and Superdome officials can come to an agreement so the team can continue playing there for decades to come.
