Fish Net: Dolphin Stadium Enhances New Wireless System

Dolphin Stadium during Sunday’s Chiefs-Dolphins game will utilize its new wireless network that “allow[s] fans to order food and drinks from their seats,” according to Bridget Carey of the MIAMI HERALD. Ontario-based BelAir Networks is powering the network, which “blankets the stadium and parking area with high-speed Internet access.” Dolphin Stadium IT Dir Trey Howard said that handheld devices “will be attached to each chair for spectators to order food and drinks.” Howard: “Ideally what we hope to do is validate the concept before the end of the season.” Carey reported the service could be available for the FedEx Orange Bowl January 2 and Super Bowl XLI February 4. The system was launched with the Marlins’ home opener last season, and 35% of the stadium sales -– “from ticket windows to ice cream kiosks -– are submitting transactions through the wireless network.” The stadium “is also considering letting fans use the devices to order souvenirs from their seats,” and plans are being discussed to use the network Sfor enhanced security and to increase response time in a crisis situation.” Dolphin Stadium is talking with Kodak about starting a service “that takes pictures of fans at the stadium and transmits digital photos to their home computers or a nearby kiosk to print out” (MIAMI HERALD, 11/8).