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Chase Center

As a trusted partner, M S Benbow & Associates (MSB) was chosen to lead the design, execution, and startup of the installation, making MSB’s responsibility as vital as the technology itself. Leveraging technology from Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, the network represents a new standard of excellence for both arena visitors and owners/operators. 

But MSB didn’t just build today’s state-of-the-art network: Chase Center is designed to anticipate and integrate new emerging technologies. Here are just a few innovations involved in creating this cutting-edge, high-performance, high-density wireless and converged network: 

  • Nation’s first arena under-seat antenna deployment, which enables the highest density of capacity in network architecture while greatly streamlining maintenance. 
  • Wayfinding technology that leverages Bluetooth architecture that engages visitors from the moment they arrive for an optimal experience. 
  • Kiosk ordering for concession areas to boost sales and reduce customer wait times. 
  • Top-of-the-line security allowing coaches and players to communicate without interference 
  • Support for sophisticated location-aware marketing strategies. 
  • Broad-based suite of network services to support building operations, from sound and lighting control to A/C and physical security. 

Technology experts would marvel at the complexity of this converged network solution and its elegant integration of core networks, switches and routers, firewalls, and extremely diverse hardware and appliances. The bigger story is how this synchronized network removes the distance between Chase Center’s owners and visitors – allowing for a seamless exchange of value in this extraordinary and beautiful new San Francisco landmark. 

CHALLENGES: VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE

The timeline on the implementation phase of the project – 6 months from start to completion – posed almost as big a challenge as the technology. However, that was just one that presented itself. 

More than 800 Aruba 6 access points had to be installed to provide connectivity to the entire campus, including the parking garage and Thrive City – the 3-acre plaza where people could gather 365 days a year. Concrete barriers and reconfiguration of the bowl to support a diverse set of events were also obstacles the network would need to get around.

M S Benbow and Associates Chase Center San Francisco

More importantly, how could the role of Wi-Fi not only enhance that fan experience, but underscore the seamless, reliable operations in a very dense environment with a large mass of digital activity? 

In addition, once the arena opened to the public, the technology had to be fully executed and tested also within a limited period, but with the addition of a now active venue. 

SOLUTIONS WEREN’T JUST INNOVATIVE – THEY WERE INSPIRING!

MSB provided engineering solutions and a design that was intentional, and that has positioned the arena as a model of possibilities. The opening weekend the San Francisco Symphony and Metallica were set to entertain 18,000 fans at the Chase Center’s inaugural event, and did they ever…

M S Benbow and Associates Chase Center San Francisco

MSB’s innovative design solution for the converged network system included using 1,728-strand fibers to maximize capability and support new technologies. In all, the network infrastructure boasts 600 miles of fiber optic cable for the network backbone, 300 miles of copper cable and 30 network closets to support all systems and applications requiring IP data connectivity, including Voice over IP (VoIP)-enabled wireless, cellular DAS, HD streaming and audio operations. 

The network hosts a 20-GB fiber-linked network providing enough bandwidth to support high-volume multi-media guest experiences and location services throughout the venue and surrounding 11-acre district.

The 800 Aruba 6 access points (APs) each accommodates Wi-Fi connectivity for approximately 75 devices. The key was placing the access points as close to the devices as possible, especially within the bowl of the arena. The solution: Place the APs in secure boxes under the seats so the fans are right on top of them. Literally! 

An added perk to the level of connectivity was the display capabilities of the largest scoreboard in the NBA (coming in at 82-ft-9in x 52ft-8in or 9,699 square feet). The first of its kind, the scoreboard can show data and stats normally only seen by those viewing a game from home.

M S Benbow and Associates Golden State Warriors Chase Center

CONCLUSION 

Our goal was the deployment of a best-in-class high density wireless network with a robust, converged wired network at the largest and most complex venue technology project of its kind in scope, size and network capability. MSB provided engineering, project management, construction and programming services for the fully integrated converged network system providing seamless connectivity to Golden State Warriors and Chase Center guests. In addition, MSB interfaced with more than 30 different stakeholders from the Architects to General Contractors. 

Connectivity for the Tribal Gaming Industry

When a large tribal nation looked to invest in upgrading their network, they deliberately searched for a telecommunications engineering innovator. And that is exactly what they found in M S Benbow. Applying vast experience connecting large public venues and deploying the latest digital technologies for tech-savvy consumers, MSB brought their A-game.

MSB designed and executed a massive wireless network expansion with a combined Wi-Fi capacity of more than 130,000 users at the three casinos. Building on its relationships from previous marque entertainment complex projects, MSB partnered with Tier 1 technology company Aruba, a partner that has deployed high-density wireless networks and wayfinding systems for leading-edge facilities such as Chase Center, Vivint Smart Home Arena, and Saratoga Racecourse. Better still, this new state-of-the-art infrastructure project delivered on all three of the Choctaw Nation’s desired outcomes: quality, cost, and performance.

At the gaming property, MSB designed and deployed a BLE beacon pathway incorporating some 350 beacons throughout the gaming floor, shops and restaurants, as well as adjacent hotel towers. The new wayfinding system now provides guests with seamless location services to navigate the entire resort property and frees up employees’ time by directing customers throughout the sprawling facility.

MSB’s high-performance, high-density wireless network and location services system delivers leading-edge solutions for this tribal nation’s gaming properties, including:

  • High-density Wi-Fi capacity to allow over 130,000 concurrent visitors across three separate properties
  • Wayfinding technology that integrates emerging technologies to leverage Bluetooth architecture and provide location services on the gaming floor and resort towers
  • 1,590 Wi-Fi access points across three facilities, including a 3,000-seat theater

This project provided a unique set of challenges. Namely, all three projects were to be completed in the fast-paced, 24/7 world of casino operations. There was also the not-so-small obstacle of COVID-19 and social-distancing requirements.

The meticulous delivery and utter success of this leading-edge wireless network and BLE system have helped establish an ongoing relationship between MSB and the tribal market. Along these lines, MSB has since been awarded a Wi-Fi network deployment project for the world-class, $500 million expansion of a leading tribal nation gaming facility that will add 1,000 guest rooms, more than doubling the number of rooms in the process. The project also expects to increase the gaming floor by 80%. Upon completion in 2021, this will be the largest casino in the world and its Wi-Fi network will be twice its current capacity with the ability to serve 128,000 guests simultaneously.

Services Provided:

  • RF & Network Design
  • Technology Consulting
  • Wi-Fi Network Design & Engineering
  • Hardware Procurement
  • Project Management
  • Construction Management
  • Beacon Network Integration
  • PCP Server, DNS, and Firewall Configuration
  • Testing, Optimization & Commissioning
  • System Maintenance

 

World-Class Theme Park

Guests don’t seek out attractions with fast wireless speeds, but it’s the backbone of an engaging environment an unforgettable customer experience, nonetheless. Next to a park pass and credit card, nearly every visitor has a smartphone or wearable device. Social media is redefining the guest experience. As the demands for bandwidth and coverage continue to expand, reliable wireless is tantamount to delivering the highest level of hospitality.

With its experience designing high density, high-performance wireless networks at large venues such as stadiums, arenas and convention centers, M S Benbow & Associates was up for the challenge of delivering fully redundant coverage available anywhere on the park’s property.

MSB has deep expertise and technological know-how designing masterful custom-built wireless networks for some of the most high-profile large public venues in the United States. In 2019, MSB teamed with Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, to deliver a future-proofed WLAN for Silicon Valley’s new technological powerhouse arena, the $1.4 billion Chase Center.

Just as much care was taken when preparing a large-scale fully redundant wireless network that would provide 100% coverage for guests of a major U.S. theme park. Partnering again with Aruba, the system is supported by the property’s robust network infrastructure which features a new Cisco switching backbone. The Wi-Fi network deploys thousands of Aruba access points to provide tertiary coverage so park-goers are within reach of three access points at anytime, anywhere on the property.

The state-of-the-art network will not only provide seamless connectivity. Special care was given to ensuring guests will experience coverage without ever laying eyes on the robust, wireless infrastructure that delivers the signals. MSB consulted with architects and artists on location of access points and selection of materials that could shield the hardware without interrupting RF signal in order to minimize visual impact of antennas and other wireless infrastructure to maintain the park’s aesthetics and artist’s intent for the guest experience.