Ford Field & The Detroit Lions
Case Study
Enhancing the Fan Experience: Tech Upgrades at Ford Field
FORD FIELD
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Size: Full Stadium (65,000 seats)
Market: Sports & Entertainment
SERVICES PROVIDED:
Background
KLA has been a long-time partner to the Detroit Lions, since their days at the Pontiac Silverdome in 1975, and continuing on at Ford Field in 2002. KLA regularly makes off-season renovations and upgrades to the facility, and provides on-site support for all events at the stadium. Our goal is simple- keep our client armed with the latest technology to keep fans engaged.
The Solution(s)
KLA completed a neutral host DAS design and installation at the stadium, and subsequent upgrades, including 5G, to boost cell service so patrons can use their wireless products at Ford Field without interference or dead spots. In 2021, 500 new wireless access points were installed to cover the stadium’s bowl areas, as well as a refresh to 500 additional access points to increase capacity to 100 users per point. The overall coverage for the project included back of house, bowl areas, offices, suites, and concourses. These upgrades bring the total number of access points in the stadium to 1,200.
In addition, KLA has installed a new arena sound system, as well as cabling to support point of sale devices, TVs, monitors, and existing network upgrades. New coaxial, triaxial, and fiber optic cabling was installed in 2023 to meet and enhance broadcast system requirements for FOX, CBS, and ESPN. This included support for renovation in the broadcast control room.
In 2021, KLA upgraded the new official sportsbook at Ford Field to bring live betting to the stadium. KLA installed new and larger screens at the sportsbook.