AT&T and Sprint Sign On for All-New, Future-Forward Wireless Communications at Wrigley Field, Joining T-Mobile to Provide Their Subscribers with Uncharted Connectivity

The distributed antenna system (DAS) is ready for implementation. It will deliver on the Cubs’ vision of lightening-fast speeds, 100% coverage and the ability to carry all the data load ballpark-goers could demand.

When the Chicago Cubs committed to the renovation of Wrigley Field and its surrounding campus, they included future-forward cellular connectivity on the list of “must-haves” for the project. Today, the resulting distributed antenna system (DAS) is ready for implementation. It will deliver on the Cubs’ vision of lightening-fast speeds, 100% coverage and the ability to carry all the data load ballpark-goers could demand. In the past few weeks, AT&T and Sprint have joined T-Mobile in contracts with the venue, leaving only Verizon of the major networks yet to sign – a temporary absence, project developers hope.

That system, which has been designed and is being deployed by DAS Group Professionals (DGP), will deliver faster and higher quality service than ever before to fans inside and around Wrigley Field. “Fans are going to be impressed with the connectivity,” said Andrew McIntyre, VP of Technology for the Chicago Cubs. “They’ll be able to rely on their devices at top network speeds – redefining expectations in this area.”

AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile networks will be operational by opening day. They have signed agreements to be part of the ballpark-owned and managed DAS network. The model in use at Wrigley Field is the same as what was recently used in other winning venues, including the tech-forward 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium and Sacramento Kings’ Golden 1 Center.

The DGP model disrupts the common, more traditional model of a single lead carrier or third party neutral host.  This model puts control of system design and performance in the hands of the venue owner. Rather than a system designed and optimized for a single lead carrier, all participating carriers can showcase their network speeds and technologies.

“Our venues opt for this fully managed and integrated system because it ensures that all ticket holders and fans will have a great communications experience – regardless of carrier,” explained DGP President Steve Dutto. “It removes the variation of experience and allows the user to witness their provider’s true network performance on a level playing field.

The new model still allows each carrier to use its proprietary technology, while creating a platform for the wireless providers to showcase their networks’ speeds on a neutral platform. (This is why all four providers publicly highlighted those network speeds using live screen shots and Twitter during Super Bowl 50.)

DGP is a Silicon Valley tech and engineering company that has a reputation for developing record-shattering systems that seamlessly blend into the environment. DGP’s infrastructure has been featured at Levi’s Stadium and Golden 1 Center, where employees and fans enjoy the full capacity of their wireless devices while preserving the aesthetics of the respective venue.

“To deliver on its vision, DGP will deploy true best-in-class base station technology.” says Dutto. DGP will also install remotes, antennas and connectors to facilitate coverage not just in historic Wrigley Field, but also in the nearby Hotel Zachary, the new Park at Wrigley and the adjacent office and retail building.