Cisco Connects Fans at Super Bowl XLII

On February 3 the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, will host Super Bowl XLII. Thanks to a partnership between the Arizona Cardinals, Insight and Cisco Systems, an advanced Internet Protocol (IP) network from Cisco will enable every fan in the stadium to enjoy fantasy football and surf the Internet from their wireless-enabled laptops and PDAs. The network supports cell phone service for every seat in the house and enables fans to watch instant replay on the stadium's jumbo plasma screens. Fans also can use the phone's color touch-screen to order food and beverages, buy tickets for future games, shop at the Cardinals' online store and access football statistics.

"The network is designed to maximize and enhance the experience of fans, players, management, vendors, ticket takers and virtually everyone who has business at the stadium," says Mark Feller, vice president of technology for the Cardinals. "I'm convinced that this Cisco-equipped converged IP network is the most advanced communications system in the league, if not in all of sports--it's really world-class."

Tempe, Arizona-based Insight--a hometown company with global reach--brought the expertise and resources to efficiently handle every step of this massive undertaking. "We wanted someone who could provide the entire technology infrastructure for the stadium as well as our headquarters and practice facilities," says Feller. "But we also wanted someone who could support it all--in the long term as well."

"As an Arizona-based, global IT solutions provider, Insight is very proud of our successful partnership with the Cardinals," says Insight CEO Rich Fennessy. "We're particularly excited about being part of a team that is driving the future of spectator sports and offering fans a truly game-changing experience when they visit University of Phoenix Stadium."