Vertical: Venues
Application: Fan connectivity, stadium operations, business sustainability, premium fan experiences
Ecosystem: Verizon
Private Network: 5G
The Buffalo Bills have announced a comprehensive partnership with Verizon that will establish a robust private network infrastructure for their new Highmark Stadium, scheduled to open in July 2026. This agreement designates Verizon as both the Official 5G Network and a Founding Partner of the new venue, marking a significant advancement in stadium connectivity technology.
At the core of this deployment is a neutral host Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that Verizon will own and operate throughout the 60,000-seat stadium. This infrastructure will provide enhanced cellular coverage and capacity to support up to 80,000 people during special events, addressing the connectivity challenges that fans currently experience at the existing stadium.
The partnership extends beyond basic cellular service, incorporating Verizon Business Solutions throughout the facility to support sustainability initiatives, streamline operations, and enhance fan experiences. During the construction phase, Verizon Business is already providing temporary Wi-Fi access points at the construction site to support design, integration, and installation activities.
Verizon’s role as the exclusive wireless telecommunications partner includes ownership of the DAS system, which will be available to other cellular carriers through rental agreements. This neutral-host approach ensures that all stadium visitors can benefit from improved connectivity, regardless of their carrier choice, while Verizon customers receive priority access.
The Bills’ IT Infrastructure Project Director, Shaun Handley, emphasized the importance of this upgrade, noting that current cellular technology struggles with latency issues when supporting large crowds. “We have a capacity of around 60,000 right now. We’re planning for 80,000 people,” Handley explained.
Pete Guelli, EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Buffalo Bills, stated: “Partnering with Verizon as the Official 5G Network and a Founding Partner for the new Highmark Stadium is a major step in enhancing the fan experience at every level. Verizon’s technical expertise and leadership in 5G will transform how our fans connect with the game and each other, bringing cutting-edge connectivity to our stadium and its surrounding campus.”
Chris Flood, Atlantic North Market President, Verizon, added: “Bills fans are some of the most passionate in the league, and we’re excited for the opportunity to bring them the power of Verizon 5G at the new Highmark Stadium to elevate their game-day experience like never before. From ultrafast connectivity to enhanced in-stadium features, our partnership with the Bills is all about delivering an immersive experience that keeps fans engaged every play of the game.”
The new stadium will feature state-of-the-art amenities including advanced video and scoreboards, premium sound systems, broadcast facilities, and hospitality spaces. The Bills collaborated with global experiences company Legends to secure Verizon as a founding partner, with Legends serving as a consultant on project development, partnerships, and premium sales.
As Guelli noted, this deployment represents what he calls a “street-to-seat” improvement for fans who rely on cellular networks for digital tickets and sharing moments from games. The implementation timeline aligns with the stadium’s construction schedule, with testing planned well in advance of the first football game to ensure all systems function properly.
Tags: 5g, private5g, privatelteand5g, buffalo, bills, Verizon, fans,
