High-Capacity UniFi Stadium Deployment at Citi Field: The New York Mets Case Study
Introduction
Citi Field is home to the New York Mets. On game day, tens of thousands of fans expect fast, reliable WiFi. At the same time, the stadium must support security, vendors, and internal operations without interruption.
The Mets needed a network that could support up to 45,000 simultaneous wireless connections, plus 2,300 computers, point-of-sale systems, and other critical devices. However, their existing Cisco Meraki environment could not handle the scale. Because of that, the organization contacted The UniFi Nerds for a modern upgrade.
This case study explains how we planned, built, and delivered a high-capacity unifi stadium deployment designed for performance, security, and long-term growth.
Project Overview
The Mets made a strategic decision to overhaul their entire networking infrastructure at Citi Field. Their goal was simple: replace legacy hardware with a system that could keep up with modern stadium demands.
After evaluating options, the organization selected UniFi as the foundation. In addition, they chose The UniFi Nerds because of our experience designing networks for high-density environments.
Up to 45,000 Simultaneous Connections
The biggest challenge was capacity. The network had to support tens of thousands of devices at once without collapsing under load.
At the same time, the stadium required separate network environments. One network served the public so fans could connect easily. Another network supported internal operations and protected sensitive systems. Therefore, both performance and segmentation had to be engineered from the start.
Challenges
Stadium networking is different from office networking. On event days, the user count spikes instantly, and expectations are high. Fans stream video, upload photos, check stats, and message friends. As a result, even small performance drops can frustrate thousands of people at once.
POS, Merchandising, and Internal Ticketing Systems
Vendors and staff also rely on dependable internet connectivity. Concession stands and merchandise booths depend on stable point-of-sale (POS) systems. If the network slows down, lines grow and sales are lost.
In addition, internal teams need reliable connectivity for security, maintenance, and operations. Critical systems like scoreboard controls, video boards, lighting, and music synchronization must stay stable. Therefore, those systems must be isolated from public traffic to avoid interference.
IP Address Pooling
IP address exhaustion is another common stadium problem. Modern fans often connect multiple devices, such as phones, tablets, and wearables. Consequently, the network must be designed with enough address space and smart IP management to prevent bottlenecks.
Coverage is also complex. Citi Field includes indoor spaces like suites, offices, and hallways, plus outdoor seating areas and surrounding zones. Because dead zones create a poor experience, every area needed consistent signal and capacity.
Requirements
Citi Field required a network that could handle heavy traffic without sacrificing performance. In addition, the design needed to separate guests, vendors, and core stadium services into distinct segments.
Security was also a top priority because operational data is sensitive. Finally, staff needed a user-friendly controller so they could monitor and manage the environment efficiently. In short, the network had to be fast, secure, and easy to operate.
Extensive Planning for This UniFi Stadium Deployment
Our engineers spent hundreds of hours preparing the design. We completed site surveys, measured distances, and reviewed building materials that could affect signal behavior.
Next, we calculated antenna placement based on crowd density and expected interference. We also reviewed IP planning carefully so thousands of new connections would not overwhelm the network. In addition, we analyzed the old Meraki configuration to identify what worked and what needed a fresh approach.
The Proposed Solution
We replaced the outdated system with a stadium-wide UniFi deployment.
More than 700 U6 LR access points now provide coverage throughout Citi Field. In addition, 220 U6 In-Wall devices serve premium suites and office areas. Over 50 UniFi 48-Port Pro switches handle high traffic loads, while the
Enterprise Fortress Gateway
delivers advanced routing and management.
Finally, we tuned each device for throughput, encryption, and roaming. As a result, the venue gained consistent performance and stronger security across all areas.
Implementation
Once stadium authorities approved the plan, installation began in phases. This approach mattered because we needed to avoid disrupting games and special events.
Access points were mounted on railings, ceilings, and within seating sections to reduce signal loss. Meanwhile, IP assignments and VLAN configurations were built to support 45,000 concurrent sessions without exhausting address space.
Sensitive systems, including security feeds and scoreboard controls, remained isolated from fan traffic. Consequently, the stadium maintained protection while still delivering a strong public WiFi experience.
Performance and Security
Citi Field now delivers high-speed connectivity with low latency, even under heavy load. Fans can stream content, upload photos, and stay active on social media without constant drops.
Vendors benefit from stable internet for fast POS transactions. At the same time, operations teams rely on dedicated bandwidth for scoreboard updates, music syncing, and internal coordination.
The Enterprise Fortress Gateway enforces firewall rules for each VLAN and supports intrusion detection. In addition, real-time monitoring helps staff track network health and resolve minor issues before they become outages.
Project Outcome for the NY Mets UniFi Stadium Deployment
This unifi stadium deployment transformed Citi Field’s connectivity. Officials reported improved reliability and easier management, which reduced downtime and operational costs.
Fans experienced stronger signals and faster speeds, which improved the game-day atmosphere. Meanwhile, security teams gained confidence from clean segmentation between internal systems and public traffic.
Overall, the Mets now operate a network that meets modern expectations and scales with today’s connected fans.
Key Lessons
This project showed that UniFi can perform in environments traditionally dominated by enterprise alternatives. However, success depends on planning and execution.
- Site surveys help prevent coverage gaps in complex venues.
- VLAN segmentation protects sensitive systems from public interference.
- Strong IP planning prevents address exhaustion during peak events.
- Capacity-focused design creates flexibility for future expansion.
In short, a well-designed unifi stadium deployment can deliver fast, reliable connectivity in any large venue.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Citi Field is now a strong example of what a high-capacity UniFi stadium network can achieve. The Mets replaced outdated technology with a system that supports critical operations and delivers top-tier performance for fans.
Vendors can process transactions smoothly, and internal teams can coordinate security, music, and scoreboard updates without delay. If you want a similar transformation, The UniFi Nerds can design a solution for your venue. Book an appointment today to learn how we can upgrade your connectivity.