OMAHA, Neb. – CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE:CTL, news, filings) and the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) today announced CenturyLink has successfully deployed new communications and technology infrastructure within the CenturyLink Center Omaha arena, making free public Wi-Fi available to event attendees.
CenturyLink installed an integrated IP network in the CenturyLink Center that includes 279 Wi-Fi access points providing internet connectivity to the entire arena, up to 18,300 attendees. In the future, attendees will be able to use the center’s Wi-Fi on their devices to gain special access to venue parking information, arena maps and a list of vendors selling food and other items.
“We are thrilled to partner with CenturyLink to provide facility-wide internet access allowing our guests to enjoy reliable connectivity while inside CenturyLink Center Omaha,” said MECA President and CEO Roger Dixon. “This new technology adds to the fan experience by providing the entire arena with free Wi-Fi access, giving spectators the ability to share their experience with friends and family while easily accessing the information they need.”
“We are excited about this agreement as it allows us to bring technology into a center that bears our name, further showcasing our great support of this facility and the Omaha area,” said Julie Darrington, CenturyLink’s vice president of operations for North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and southwest Iowa. “Through this new technology, visitors now have the connectivity they need while enjoying events at the CenturyLink Center. We look forward to providing the venue with additional technological advancements in the future.”
CenturyLink Center Omaha is home to the Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball team, the NCAA Division 1 basketball program of Creighton University in Omaha. The team averages 17,000 fans at each home game.
“Reliable Wi-Fi connectivity is something our fans have come to expect and MECA and CenturyLink have delivered,” said Mark Burgers, Creighton University associate director of athletics.
The center has also served as the host venue for the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials, NCAA championships, the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting, and numerous other events such as conventions, sporting events and concerts.
About CenturyLink
CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a global communications, hosting, cloud and IT services company enabling millions of customers to transform their businesses and their lives through innovative technology solutions. CenturyLink offers network and data systems management, Big Data analytics and IT consulting, and operates more than 55 data centers in North America, Europe and Asia. The company provides broadband, voice, video, data and managed services over a robust 250,000-route-mile U.S. fiber network and a 300,000-route-mile international transport network. Visit CenturyLink for more information.
About MECA
The Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that builds and manages public event venues in Omaha, Nebraska. The formal operations of MECA commenced on August 25, 2000 with the signing of a 99-year Lease and Development Agreement with the City of Omaha. MECA opened CenturyLink Center Omaha in 2003. In 2009, MECA broke ground on TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, which opened in 2011. The stadium is home to the NCAA Division I Men’s College World Series, the Creighton Bluejays men’s baseball team, and host to numerous other events.
PR Archives: Latest, By Company, By Date