The Reds are installing Wi-Fi "throughout their home" at Great American Ball Park for the upcoming season, the "latest move" to prepare for hosting the '15 MLB All-Star Game, according to Steve Watkins of the CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER. The Reds are "working with their information technology people" to set up the Wi-Fi. It will "likely be operating sometime between Opening Day on April 6 and the July 14 All-Star Game." Opening Day is "typically fraught with slow cellular connections because the game sells out and many people send photos and try to connect with others" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 2/10). Hamilton County officials said that a "10-year deal" requires MLB to pay about $1.5M to "cover profits the county would have received if it had continued to oversee Wi-Fi at the stadium." In Cincinnati, Dan Horn notes MLB is "taking over that role, with the goal of improving the stadium's historically spotty service." The league will "pay the county, which owns the stadium, to get out of the way." Lease terms for both the Reds' and Bengals' venues "require the county to pay a large share of the cost for upgrades, such as seating, concrete patching, lights, sound and a host of other things." County Commissioner Chris Monzel said that the Wi-Fi deal was driven by MLB's "desire to improve and control Wi-Fi in all big-league ball parks." GABP was "among the last brought into the fold" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 2/12).
