High-Capacity UniFi Stadium Deployment at Citi Field: The New York Mets Case Study
Introduction
Citi Field is home to the New York Mets, a major-league baseball team that hosts tens of thousands of fans at each game. Technological demands for entertainment, security, and vendor operations grow more complex with every season. The Mets sought a network that could support 45,000 simultaneous wireless connections, plus 2,300 computers, point-of-sale systems, and other critical devices. Their existing Cisco Meraki setup proved incapable of handling this massive scale. The organization contacted The UniFi Nerds for a modern, stadium-wide upgrade. The following sections detail our approach to meeting these immense connectivity demands.
Project Overview
The New York Mets made a pivotal decision to overhaul their entire networking infrastructure at Citi Field, aiming to modernize their technology to meet the growing demands of fans, staff, and other stakeholders. Understanding the critical need for a robust and efficient system, their focus quickly shifted to replacing outdated legacy hardware with a state-of-the-art solution. After careful consideration, the organization identified UniFi as the ideal choice to spearhead their technological upgrade, designating this project as their top priority.
The new infrastructure was expected to deliver outstanding performance on all fronts, catering to the unique requirements of a high-traffic stadium environment. Not only did the system need to handle a massive volume of simultaneous connections from fans during games and events, but it also needed to maintain the highest levels of reliability and speed. This ambitious project required expertise in implementing scalable solutions while minimizing disruptions—a challenging task in a venue as large and dynamic as Citi Field.
To bring this vision to life, stadium officials chose to collaborate with The UniFi Nerds, a trusted team known for their specialized experience in designing and deploying networking solutions for large-scale sports venues. This partnership was forged with confidence, as The UniFi Nerds had a proven track record of meeting the demands of environments with extreme capacity requirements.
Up to 45,000 Simultaneous Connections
The core challenge of the project involved balancing the ability to support tens of thousands of concurrent device connections. At the same time, it was crucial to design and manage distinct network environments—one dedicated to public use, ensuring fans could enjoy seamless Wi-Fi connectivity, and another reserved strictly for internal operations, safeguarding essential systems and sensitive data. These separate networks needed to coexist harmoniously without compromising performance or security.
By entrusting this crucial transformation to The UniFi Nerds, the Mets took a significant step toward making Citi Field a technologically advanced and connectivity-friendly stadium, setting the stage for an enhanced fan experience and more efficient operations. This reimagined networking infrastructure showcased a commitment to innovation and an effort to set new benchmarks in stadium technology.
Challenges
A stadium environment presents a set of distinct and challenging obstacles for networking teams, especially on event or game days when the volume of users rises dramatically. The challenges begin with the sheer number of attendees—up to 45,000 fans—that gather in one location and expect access to stable, high-speed Wi-Fi. Whether they are sharing photos and videos on social media, streaming live content, checking game statistics, or messaging friends, these fans require an uninterrupted connection to ensure a seamless digital experience. Even a slight dip in performance could lead to frustration among thousands of users.
POS, Merchandising, and Internal Ticketing Systems
Meanwhile, vendors and stadium staff rely on dependable internet connectivity to conduct essential operations. Businesses operating concession stands, merchandise booths, and kiosks depend heavily on reliable internet access to power their point-of-sale (POS) systems. Any downtime could lead to lost sales, long lines, and a poor fan experience overall. Additionally, communication systems for security, maintenance, and other operational staff depend on stable internet connections to coordinate activities effectively and respond to incidents in real-time.
Further complicating the networking landscape, internal stadium systems must remain securely isolated from external user traffic to maintain their integrity. Critical systems such as scoreboard controls, video boards, lighting, and music synchronization require precise and uninterrupted performance. Any interference from the massive pool of fan devices connecting to the public network could jeopardize these systems, leading to a subpar game experience or even operational failures.
IP Address Pooling
Another significant challenge is IP address exhaustion, arising from the sheer volume of devices attempting to connect simultaneously. From smartphones and tablets to smartwatches and other wearable devices, modern fans often carry and connect multiple gadgets. This overwhelming number of connection attempts places immense pressure on the network infrastructure, demanding robust IP management strategies to prevent connectivity bottlenecks.
Moreover, ensuring uniform and comprehensive coverage across the stadium compounds the complexity of the task. Stadium environments are vast and multifaceted, encompassing both indoor areas, such as luxury suites, food courts, and hallways, and outdoor zones, including open seating sections and parking lots. Dead zones, where the network signal is weak or nonexistent, cannot be left unaddressed, as they would lead to inconsistent service quality and dissatisfied users.
Ultimately, building and maintaining a robust stadium network requires careful planning, advanced technologies, and continuous monitoring to overcome these intertwined challenges. Networking teams must balance reliable performance with ever-growing demand while ensuring security, scalability, and seamless connectivity across every inch of the venue.
Requirements
Citi Field demanded a robust network architecture that could handle heavy traffic volumes without sacrificing performance. The design also needed to separate guests, vendors, and core stadium services into their own segments. Security ranked high on the list of priorities, given the sensitive nature of operational data. A user-friendly controller was essential, since staff needed to monitor and manage the network efficiently. Every corner of the venue had to maintain unwavering connectivity, from concession stands to executive offices.
Extensive Planning for This UniFi Stadium Deployment
Our engineers devoted hundreds of hours to meticulous preparation. Distance measurements, structural considerations, and thorough site surveys shaped the final design. We calculated ideal antenna placements based on crowd density, building materials, and potential signal interference. A deep review of IP assignments ensured that thousands of new connections would not overwhelm the network. Insights from the old Meraki configuration helped us identify which elements to retain and which required a fresh approach.
The Proposed Solution
A stadium-wide UniFi deployment replaced the outdated system. More than 700 U6 LR access points now provide coverage throughout Citi Field, while 220 U6 In-Wall devices serve premium suites and office areas. Over 50 UniFi 48-Port Pro switches handle massive traffic loads, and the Enterprise Fortress Gateway delivers advanced routing and management capabilities. Each device was fine-tuned to optimize throughput, encryption, and roaming. This strategy ensures consistent performance and robust security across the venue.
Implementation
Installation commenced once stadium authorities approved our plan. Crews worked in phases to avoid disrupting games or special events. Access points were mounted on railings, ceilings, and within seating sections to minimize signal loss. IP assignments and VLAN configurations allowed 45,000 concurrent sessions without exhausting address space. Sensitive systems, such as security feeds and scoreboard controls, remained isolated from fan access for greater protection. This phased approach let us maintain continuous operations during the upgrade.
Performance and Security
Citi Field now enjoys high-speed connectivity with minimal latency, even under the heaviest loads. Fans can stream content, upload photos, and engage on social media without downtime. Vendors benefit from dependable internet for rapid point-of-sale transactions, and operational teams rely on dedicated bandwidth for seamless scoreboard updates and music syncing. The Enterprise Fortress Gateway enforces firewall rules for each VLAN and employs intrusion detection to keep data safe. Real-time monitoring tools also help staff track network health and address minor issues proactively.
Project Outcome for the NY Mets UniFi Stadium Deployment
A stadium-wide UniFi installation has transformed Citi Field’s digital landscape. Officials praise the enhanced reliability and advanced management features that reduce both downtime and operational costs. Guests experience stronger signals and faster speeds, leading to a more enjoyable game-day atmosphere. Security teams appreciate the ability to segment internal systems from public traffic. Altogether, the Mets now maintain a network that meets modern standards and adapts to the demands of today’s connected fans.
Key Lessons
This project illustrates that UniFi can perform well in environments traditionally served by enterprise-grade alternatives. Careful site surveys help avoid coverage gaps, and robust VLAN configurations protect sensitive data from public interference. Ample IP provisioning prevents address exhaustion when thousands of users connect simultaneously. Overengineering antenna placement and switch capacity grants flexibility for future expansions. A well-executed UniFi stadium deployment can bring high-speed, reliable connectivity to any large venue.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Citi Field now stands as a leading example of a high-capacity UniFi stadium solution. The New York Mets replaced outdated technology with a network that supports critical operations and delivers top-tier performance to fans and staff alike. Vendors process transactions smoothly, and internal teams coordinate music, scoreboard updates, and security without delay. Potential clients seeking a similar transformation can turn to The UniFi Nerds for customized, large-scale projects. Book an appointment today to learn how we can revolutionize connectivity at your own venue.
