Rogers breaks records with next-generation live event network
Learn how Rogers Communications partnered with Ericsson to transform Toronto's Rogers Centre into an industry-leading venue for live event connectivity, implementing advanced network technology to support unprecedented consumer demand during major events. This CDN 8 million infrastructure investment enhanced 5G capabilities with next-generation equipment, delivering a substantial increase in network capacity — equivalent to adding 33 towers of coverage to a single venue.
Highlights
"Today's concert experience isn't just about listening to an artist perform — it's an experience fans want to share with their friends and livestream on social media in real-time. We're investing in 5G network technology at venues to ensure our customers have the best experience. Our goal is to make sure every fan can capture and share their favorite moments without missing a beat."
— Mark Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer, Rogers
The challenge
Modern venue networks face unprecedented connectivity demands:
- Inverted traffic patterns: Peak moments during events have transformed network demands, with uplink traffic now frequently exceeding downlink traffic
- Technical requirements: Support 50,000+ concurrent connections with multi-gigabit throughput
- Complex architecture: Concrete structure, metal retractable roof, and surrounding urban towers create significant signal-distribution complexities
- Infrastructure limits: Traditional solutions cannot handle intensive data demands of today's entertainment experiences
The solution
At The Rogers Centre, Ericsson has deployed an integrated system of advanced 5G technology and innovative small cell solutions, implementing:
Ericsson Hardware
- Strategic Massive MIMO systems for high-density coverage
- Ericsson Radio Dot System for precise connectivity delivery
- Lightweight, energy-efficient Antenna Integrated Radios
Ericsson Software
- Intelligent network management for real-time optimization
- Uplink carrier aggregation for intense bursts of upload traffic
- Advanced beamforming capabilities to serve multiple users simultaneously
Solution Advantages
- High-bandwidth, low-latency infrastructure supports reliable venue operations during major events
- Software-upgradeable 5G infrastructure allows venues to upgrade to emerging technologies without requiring equipment replacement
- Uplink carrier aggregation and advanced antenna systems specifically engineered for high-density environments
- Addresses asymmetric traffic patterns characteristic of live events
- Real-time analytics enable continuous optimization of network resources
"The real innovation lies in our network architecture's ability to handle today's asymmetric traffic patterns. When thousands of fans share content simultaneously, traditional systems struggle. The implemented solution transforms these peak moments into a showcase for next-generation connectivity, enabling the kind of record-breaking performance we've seen at Rogers Centre."
— Ahmad Husseini, Rogers Account CTO, Ericsson Canada
The result
The transformation at Rogers Centre demonstrates clear business impact through network performance metrics:
Record-breaking performance
Rogers Centre now supports unprecedented fan engagement, processing data equivalent to 182,000 photos in a single event. The substantial increase in network capacity — equivalent to adding 33 towers of coverage to a single venue — enabled Rogers to support massive concurrent user activity while maintaining consistent performance.
Enhanced network capabilities
The CDN 8 million infrastructure investment positioned Rogers Centre to handle record-breaking demands, as demonstrated by the benchmark of 7.4 TB in a single show, with a total of 42 TB across six Toronto concerts.
Future-ready infrastructure
The scalable, software-upgradeable 5G infrastructure ensures Rogers Centre can evolve alongside emerging technologies and changing fan expectations, providing both immediate performance gains and long-term scalability.
Technical specifications
- Full venue coverage through distributed Radio Dot System
- Support for 50,000+ concurrent connections
- Multi-gigabit throughput capabilities
- Flexible installation through CAT cabling or fiber
- Integrated network monitoring and optimization
"The network infrastructure at Rogers Centre demonstrates what next-generation connectivity can deliver. Working with Rogers, we've created a foundation that not only breaks records today but stands ready to support tomorrow's innovations in live entertainment."
— Ahmad Husseini, Rogers Account CTO, Ericsson Canada