Extreme Networks Exec: Solution Providers Should Grab A Piece Of Hot Sports Market

http://www.crn.com/ckfinder/userfiles/images/crn/images/networkcables400.jpg

How important is it for the NFL to provide connectivity during the Super Bowl?

The CIO of the NFL, Michelle McKenna-Doyle, lobbied with the league a few years ago and said, ''Hey, we need to make it mandatory that a host team or facility needs to require connectivity and technology to be qualified for [hosting the Super Bowl].' This is the first Super Bowl where it's been mandatory. Prior to that, venues would have it, but it didn't have to meet a standard. Now it's mandatory. It was mandatory in their application to get the Super Bowl. It's very important that the fan experience is just as good as the home experience.