When professional rugby club Leeds Rhinos wanted to improve access to their stadium, Express Data provided a complete start to finish solution. As network infrastructure and connectivity experts, we installed a secure wireless infrastructure which gave them the capability to introduce digital access control. Now, the club’s supporters can use smartcards and mobiles to access the stadium, and the club can stay in touch with its supporters!

The Project

With the advent of smartphones, paper ticketing for rugby matches had become outdated. Leeds Rhinos were keen to install a new electronic access control system for supporters, allowing entry via mobile or smartcard.

However, the stadium had none of the wireless network infrastructure required to support network connectivity. Physical and data security was also a prime concern. Leeds Rhinos required a highly scalable, reliable solution which could support its high-profile events.

The Solution

The next level of our technology stack is the network itself. It’s the transit layer for all your data, devices and applications, so it must work.

Site visit

First, our skilled team of mobile network infrastructure engineers carried out a full survey of the stadium. We analysed:

The layout of the site and any existing network infrastructure
The location of the site and any data risks
The fabric and structure of the site, to assess where network infrastructure (including cabling, network racks and cabinets and wireless Wi-Fi access points) could be added.

Network infrastructure recommendations

The stadium is located in the heart of a large student residential area and during the wireless survey it became apparent that security was the main area for concern, as over 20 other wireless networks were detected.

Express Data recommended the installation of high density WiFi using BlueSocket secure wireless LAN, together with all relevant network infrastructure to support network connectivity.

Network infrastructure Installation

Our team planned the installation and managed component delivery, installation and connectivity. The BlueSocket solution was installed with eight access points and over 1,000 metres of high quality fibre-optic cable.

Once installed, the network infrastructure was fully tested to ensure there would be full network connectivity as soon as the stadium was back in use.

The Result

Leeds Rhinos were delighted with the installation of their new network infrastructure. The network supported the installation of a state-of-the-art smartcard solution at the stadium. Stadium access is now well controlled: stewards inside and outside the ground on match days can identify ticket holders using mobile devices connected remotely to the stadium network infrastructure.

This fully-integrated, multi-application system also allows the introduction of e-wallets, loyalty cards and other applications which help enhance the club’s relationship with its supporters.

Network communications were fully operational in time for the opening match of the next rugby league season, and Leeds Rhino’s were delighted with Express Data’s solution.

Express Data helps organisations of all types to achieve great outcomes.

Book a call with our Founder to discuss where you would like to start your journey