Notre Dame Stadium first outdoor college venue with Wi-Fi 6E

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The University of Notre Dame announced on Tuesday that Notre Dame Stadium is the first outdoor college venue to implement Wi-Fi 6E, just in time for the Dec. 20 College Football Playoff game against Indiana University.

According to school officials, Wi-Fi 6E standard power taps into a new part of the Wi-Fi “highway” in the 6 GHz band, offering faster speeds, stronger connections and less congestion — even in packed venues.

For fans inside Notre Dame Stadium, that means reliable streaming, no dead zones and a consistently strong signal no matter where they’re sitting," according to the school.

While Wi-Fi 6E has been available since 2020, the Federal Communications Commission didn’t approve it for outdoor use until September — and on Sept. 28, Notre Dame Stadium implement Wi-Fi 6E.

To do so, the University of Notre Dame’s Office of Information Technology partnered with PIER Group to overhaul the stadium’s wireless network.

“Moving to 6E standard power isn’t just about creating a better experience for fans — it’s about improving connectivity for staff, faculty and students across the University,” said John Buysse, senior director of University Network and Telephony Services. “We’re thinking long-term.”

The school says the goal of the upgrade is not only to enhance the current experience, but also to meet the needs of fans as technology evolves and devices such as smart glasses and other wearable tech become more popular.

“Imagine viewing a replay instantly in 3D or accessing interactive player stats in real-time from your seat,” Buysse said. “This advanced network makes things like real-time play tracking, augmented reality highlights and immersive experiences not just a dream, but an inevitable reality.”

The 6E Wi-Fi infrastructure is built to handle these data-heavy applications even in a sold-out stadium.

Popular aspects of a gameday experience such as ticketless entry and in-seat concessions ordering are supported by this network.

Officials say the technological innovation will also benefit stadium staff through improved crowd management, optimized concessions and advanced security monitoring.

"To preserve the aesthetics of the historic stadium, the network was designed to be as invisible as it is reliable, Buysse said. More than 1,100 access points were carefully installed across the stadium, seamlessly integrated into the architecture to maintain the venue’s iconic look.

For other events, such as concerts or movie nights, the school is also introducing flexible, movable Wi-Fi setups that help ensure coverage wherever needed — even down on the field.

Buysee says the university has embraced a Wireless First initiative, a three-pronged plan to install cutting-edge wireless technology all over campus. The 6E standard wireless network is future-proofed to accommodate the growing needs of the university, in sports as well as academics.

“With Wi-Fi 6E standard power now in place, Notre Dame is laying the foundation for advanced research and supporting academic and operational growth across campus,” Buysse said. “At Notre Dame, the things you don’t see — like a powerful wireless network — help make the things you do see extraordinary. At this point, if we can imagine it, we can find a way to do it.”