Manchester United Implement Old Trafford Connectivity Upgrade
Extreme Networks became the Club's official Wi‑Fi network solutions and Wi‑Fi analytics provider last year, with a commitment to deliver the latest generation of Wi‑Fi connectivity around the famous stadium for the hundreds of thousands of fans who visit the Theatre of Dreams each season.
The scale of the project has been huge, with over 1,600 access points installed – the largest of its kind in the UK, utilising under‑seat Wi‑Fi 6 technology. Over 4,000 holes have been drilled, over 10,000 seats temporarily removed and replaced, and over 90 miles of cabling installed across the stadium, delivering the latest generation of wireless connectivity for fans attending the biggest domestic football stadium in England.
The full roll‑out of Wi‑Fi at the opening fixture of the Premier League season against Wolves on 14th August follows test events at the closing games of last season, when over 120,000 fans benefited from faster, more reliable connections before, during and after matches.
The ultra‑fast connectivity complements the club's growing range of digital offerings, including mobile ticketing and membership rewards, as well as providing the best possible platform for the club to explore new immersive services to further improve the matchday experience for those at the stadium or watching from afar.
Extreme will support Manchester United access real‑time network analytics to drive more personalised and informed decisions around both the fan experience and overall venue operations.
Attiq Qureshi, the club’s Chief Digital Information Officer, said: “We are delighted to be supported by Extreme Networks to deliver world class connectivity to our fans within the Theatre of Dreams. Old Trafford is steeped in history, however it is vital we keep innovating with the best possible modern digital solutions which allow us to improve the overall matchday fan experience.
“The next generation of connectivity at Old Trafford will provide the club with a great platform for future digital innovation as well as help the club better understand the wants and needs of our huge fanbase.”
Norman Rice, Chief Operating Officer of Extreme Networks, said: “The network is at the heart of every organisation, whether you’re a hospital serving patients both in clinics and at home, a manufacturer leaning into warehouse automation or a sports franchise playing in a 113‑year‑old stadium. With functions from EMS services to retail stores, a stadium on gameday is like a small smart city, and the network supports every digital service.
“Extreme has years of experience designing and delivering networks and Wi‑Fi experiences at some of the world’s most historic and coveted venues. The new network at Old Trafford will enable its operations team to improve experiences for everyone who visits the stadium while streamlining match day operations.”
