If you've ever tried posting a touchdown celebration video from Empower Field at Mile High only to watch that spinning wheel of death, those days might finally be over. The Denver Broncos stadium just got a complete network makeover that promises faster, more reliable internet for everyone inside.
Verizon Business has installed over 2,400 wireless access points throughout the 76,125-seat venue, replacing the old system with what's called Wi-Fi 6E technology. According to Verizon, this isn't just about letting fans upload their Instagram stories faster—though that's certainly part of it. The new network also powers everything behind the scenes, from point-of-sale systems to security cameras and digital ticketing.
The upgrade uses a dedicated 6GHz frequency band, which is like having a private highway for internet traffic instead of sharing crowded lanes with everyone else. This means the network should handle huge crowds without slowing down, even when tens of thousands of people are trying to check fantasy football scores or stream replays at the same time.
Daniel Brusilovsky, the Broncos' Chief Technology Officer, says the team is focused on creating a "mobile-friendly experience" for every fan who comes through the gates. The new system is designed to work not just for this season, but for years to come as technology continues evolving.
Verizon previously upgraded the stadium's 5G network before the 2023 season, installing nearly 1,000 antennas throughout the venue and parking areas. Combined with this new Wi-Fi system, fans now have multiple ways to stay connected whether they're in their seats, grabbing concessions, or tailgating before kickoff.
The security side got an upgrade too, with WPA3 encryption protecting both fan data and the stadium's internal operations. That matters when you're dealing with payment systems, access controls, and other sensitive information flowing across the network during game day.
For anyone who's experienced spotty service at packed stadiums, this kind of infrastructure overhaul addresses a real pain point. Whether you're trying to find your friends, order food from your seat, or just stay connected during the game, the network needs to actually work when 70,000+ people are using it at once.
