From left, Carrie McFarland and Lindsey Unhock look at their phone after taking a picture of themselves at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Dec. 11, 2011. (Daniel Petty, The Denver Post file)
CenturyLink and the Denver Broncos announced Thursday a sponsorship deal that should significantly improve Internet connectivity and speeds for certain fans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on game days.
The three-year contract, which starts with the upcoming season, calls for the telecommunications giant to install a new, 1 gigabit per second Internet circuit at Mile High stadium.
The network will have a capacity of 10 Gbps, or more than five times the stadium’s current bandwidth, according to CenturyLink. That means fans who connect to the Broncos Wi-Fi network should have fewer problems uploading photos to Facebook, watching video highlights and performing other bandwidth-eating activities on their smartphones.
Last year, the team expanded the Wi-Fi network at the stadium to cover the parking lot area as well as more of the South Stands and upper bowl.
The Broncos have said they built the network for all four major wireless carriers and that it can handle up to 25,000 concurrent users. But as of last year, were able to tap into the network.
I’ve reached out to the team and CenturyLink to see whether AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint subscribers will also be able to use the improved Wi-Fi network.
The new network will connect to the Broncos training camp facility at Dove Valley, a key benefit as the team has transitioned to .
The agreement also names CenturyLink as an official partner of the Denver Broncos.
“The Denver Broncos are very excited to partner with CenturyLink,” apEO Joe Ellis . “We look forward to utilizing their technology while allowing them to use the Broncos brand to connect with their many customers and employees, so many of whom are passionate fans.”
The sponsorship deal will include in-stadium signage, game day promotions and television and radio spots.
“Becoming an official partner of the Denver Broncos connects CenturyLink with Denver’s largest and most avid fan base,” CenturyLink general manager Scott Russell said in a statement. “CenturyLink is helping the Broncos accomplish one of its goals by providing a significant technology enhancement that will positively impact the game day experience.”
Previously, the Broncos partnered with and AT&T to connections at Mile High.
