Building WiFi Networks for Stadiums and Large Public Spaces

Season ticket holders have come to expect a certain level of quality from their clubs – and we’re not just talking about their on-pitch prowess. WiFi networks at stadiums and large public spaces are the norm today, but performance and reliability still vary wildly.

It’s important to get this right. For one, premiership football teams are required to have a certain level of wireless network performance – for public access as well as operational requirements (media and broadcast units will expect reliable WiFi, for example).

But here’s the problem; of all the large public spaces – shopping centres, hospitals, airports, museums, you name it – stadiums are probably the most difficult spaces to serve wireless networks to. While the deeserve team is well-versed in building reliable, rocket-fast WiFi for the most demanding applications (including sporting grounds with tens of thousands of network users), all stadiums have unique constructions and exceptionally high-volume use.

And while these challenges are totally unavoidable, we’ve developed design strategies and systems that can overcome them.

So, what exactly makes WiFi in a stadium so hard to achieve?

Well, it’s a combination of worst-case scenarios; thousands of people, high levels of analogue and digital noise, and huge spaces – all surrounded by a Faraday cage…

The Physical Challenges of WiFi in Stadiums, Airports and Other Venues

Stadiums are architectural marvels – and we love them. Designed to accommodate tens of thousands of spectators for sporting events, concerts, and more, absolutely nothing beats the atmosphere and experience that a stadium offers. But their design poses significant hurdles for WiFi installations, and overcoming them is a major stumbling block, even for international tournament-level grounds.

Physical Limitations

Stadiums are constructed using materials like steel and concrete, often with massive cavities. These materials can impede wireless signals on a good day, but the specific distribution and format of spaces in a stadium just make matters worse. The vast open spaces, tiered seating, and structural designs create complex environments for signal propagation – and this is generally difficult to overcome without bespoke design and planning.

Outdoor stadiums also have to contend with varying weather conditions, which can impact equipment and signal stability. Metal roof coverings and concrete-lined cavities can inhibit the signal of nearby 4G and 5G mobile network masts, making visitors more reliant on WiFi – and this kind of demand is incredibly intense.

User Density

During major events, stadiums can host upwards of 80,000 attendees. And while not everyone will, you can expect most of them to attempt to connect to the WiFi network. To make matters worse, 4G and 5G connectivity in stadiums are usually unavailable due to the reasons listed above, but also due to high network demand. This high user concentration can lead to network congestion, resulting in slow speeds or dropped connections.

Interference

A massive volume of smartphones and Bluetooth accessories can introduce significant interference, affecting the quality and reliability of the wireless network. But it’s not just public devices that present a problem.

Stadiums require huge bands of the comms spectrum to operate and communicate wirelessly. And these are high priority, critical services that can’t be affected under any circumstances – like security systems, fire detection, and radio comms.

A stadium may have broadcast requirements, as well as wireless connectivity for concerts and other events, which will introduce all kinds of interference in precisely the range a good WiFi connection needs.

The world has become incredibly noisy in the upper ranges of the EM frequency spectrum, where wireless networks operate – and as we increase the range, we’ll face new issues every time. But that’s probably a discussion for another blog post…

For now, let’s focus on how we design and build solutions to these challenges.

Strategic Approaches to Building Effective Stadium WiFi

Addressing the unique challenges of stadium WiFi takes meticulous planning, diligent design – and the adoption of advanced technologies. At deeserve, we recommend Cisco Meraki wireless networking for large spaces, including stadiums. The Meraki range includes enterprise-class hardware in ruggedised, IP67-rated housings – for no-compromise performance in all weather.

Installing a large number of wireless access points is often the key to success, and the Meraki ecosystem is brilliant for this; it scales up almost effortlessly. Multiple APs can be added and managed through a single device management platform, making Meraki ideal for public spaces with growing ambitions.

But this isn’t a game won by brute force alone.

Positioning APs strategically in three dimensions provides good localised coverage with minimal interference. Directional antennas can help focus the wireless signal to specific areas, reducing overlap and interference – and they can help with dispersion in open areas, where naturally occurring boosts from signal reflection aren’t possible.

This targeted approach enhances signal strength and quality for users in designated sections. Sophisticated network management solutions also allow for real-time monitoring and dynamic adjustments. This means that the network can respond to fluctuating demands and issues promptly, including prioritising signal quality in certain areas.

This is important for broadcasters, but also for in-house and external teams operating on the grounds; like concession stands and merchandise vendors, and ticketing. All of these services rely heavily on digital platforms. Reliable WiFi enhances the overall attendee experience, and makes all those additional revenue streams so vital to commercial success possible.

WiFi Installations for Airports and Museums

Stadiums might be the toughest challenge – but other public spaces have their own unique needs. Airports cover vast spaces, with a continuous movement of passengers. Airports need seamless connectivity throughout terminals, lounges, and gates – not only to support passenger devices, but to drive operational systems like baggage handling and security.

Museums are often large, historic buildings with unique architectural features. Deploying a WiFi system for museums requires a different approach, to preserve the structure first and foremost. A compromise usually has to be found – because drilling and cabling up a listed building isn’t always possible – but good coverage for interactive exhibits and visitor services should still be expected.

deeserve Recommends Cisco Meraki for Public WiFi

Want to learn more about our Cisco Meraki WiFi installation services? Call us on 01509 80 85 86 or send your message to [email protected].

Posted on: 2nd April 2025.