Florida Gators partnering with new network to enhance The Swamp's WiFi

Plans for renovations at The Swamp remain ongoing, but starting next season, Florida football fans should enjoy better Wi-Fi at the 90,000-seat stadium.

Extreme Networks, Inc., a leader in cloud-driven networking, announced on May 6 the deployment of the first Wi‑Fi 7 network in a collegiate stadium at UF's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

The network promises a faster, more seamless, and more connected experience for Florida Gators fans. Highlights of Extreme's Wi-Fi 7 network include seamless 4K/8K video streaming, lower latency for responsive mobile experiences, including in-seat ordering and interactive apps and consistent coverage across seating bowls, concourses, suites, and outdoor areas

"On game day, The Swamp transforms into one of the most electrifying and densely connected environments in college sports," UF Assistant Athletic Director for Information Technology Matt Vincent said. "As we continue to invest in the fan experience at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, adding Wi-Fi 7 allows us to significantly increase capacity while enabling smarter, real-time connectivity that helps everything run smoothly at peak demand.

Florida is nearing the end of the design phase of its proposed multi-million-dollar renovation of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, affectionately known as The Swamp. In March, UF sent out a survey to season ticket holders, fans and alumni to gauge their interest on a variety of amenities, including Wi-Fi capacity. The ability to share photos and videos from college football games has become an essential part of the game day experience.

Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’sFlorida