Baylor Enhances Fans’ Gameday Experience at the Ferrell Center
Robust Wi-Fi network, Baylor In-Game App debuts Saturday during the Baylor-OU game
Media Contacts: Lori Fogleman, 254-710-6275; Carl Flynn, Baylor Information Technology, 254-366-4432; and Nick Joos, Baylor Athletics, 254-710-3043
WACO, Texas (Jan. 22, 2016) – When the No. 13 Baylor Bears tip off against the top-ranked Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday, Jan. 23, basketball fans in the Ferrell Center will discover a new Wi-Fi network and new ways to engage with the game right at their seats through the Baylor In-Game app.
Baylor Information Technology Services and Baylor Athletics again have collaborated with Extreme Networks and Yinzcam to enhance the basketball gameday experience by using the same technology successfully rolled out in 2014 for football fans at Baylor’s inaugural season in McLane Stadium.
“Now Baylor fans and visitors can enjoy quality Wi-Fi and game engagement that is on par with NBA arenas. Fans can stay connected during games and the many other events held in the Ferrell Center,” said Pattie Orr, vice president for information technology and dean of University Libraries at Baylor.
In August 2014, Baylor, Extreme Networks and Yinzcam initially rolled out the Baylor In-Game app, the first college athletics application to provide instant replays from multiple views to Baylor fans, right at their seats, at McLane Stadium.
Ferrell’s new Wi-Fi network provides robust bandwidth to every seat in the arena that will support game video and enable users to use social media and other online resources. Through the Baylor In-Game app, Ferrell Center visitors will be able to access a number of other features, including video replays, Baylor Athletics news, shareable media, keepsakes and much more.
“I am proud to work with Baylor University to bring YinzCam’s unique in-venue mobile experience to the Ferrell Center,” said Priya Narasimhan, CEO and Founder of Yinzcam Inc. “YinzCam leverages the robust Wi-Fi environment to create a unique and engaging fan experience on fans’ smartphones. Whether it is reviewing the last play or sharing moments and digital keepsakes from the game with family and friends, the Baylor In-Game app brings a new, truly immersive experience to the game. Baylor has continuously pushed the envelope in terms of venue technology and the fan experience in sports.”
This enhanced experience is provided through a robust Wi-Fi network infrastructure developed by Extreme Networks.
“Providing Wi-Fi for environments like the Ferrell Center requires a system with specialized hardware that can not only handle but balance the data load generated by those attending athletic events,” said Bob Hartland, associate vice president for IT infrastructure at Baylor.
“We are excited to enhance our Ferrell Center gameday experiences through the new Wi-Fi network and the Yinzcam In-Game App,” said Nick Joos, executive associate athletic director for external affairs at Baylor. “We believe the technology in place in our athletic facilities places Baylor on the cutting-edge within intercollegiate athletic venues.”
In order to support fans and visitors, Wi-Fi coaches will be on hand during men’s and women’s home basketball games throughout the remainder of the season. These coaches, who can be easily identified by their bright neon yellow shirts, assist fans with configuring devices for the Wi-Fi network and ensuring the Baylor In-Game app is properly installed. Wi-Fi coaches will be located in the Ferrell Center concourse.
“We are confident that these enhancements at the Ferrell Center will be enjoyed by all of our fans not only this season, but in years to come,” said Joos. “Baylor Athletics and the University’s Information Technology Services staff have worked hard to bring these enhancements to the Ferrell Center, and we look forward to continue working together to provide the best possible technology options for our fans within all of our athletic venues.”
The new Wi-Fi network will be available during Baylor sporting events and all other community events held in Ferrell Center throughout the year.
The Baylor In-Game app is available for download in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.