DALLAS, July 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T*, the nation's largest Wi-Fi network provider with more than 20,000 domestic hot spots and more than 90,000 hot spots globally through roaming partners, announced recent upgrades to AT&T Park's Giants Digital Dugout, the interactive, in-stadium site for San Francisco Giants fans. The Digital Dugout provides an enhanced fan experience with unique applications and exclusive content delivered throughout the ballpark over complimentary AT&T Wi-Fi access for any ballpark visitor with a Wi-Fi enabled device.
Recent upgrades to AT&T Park's Digital Dugout include a new smartphone-friendly interface and additional features, including:
"The Digital Dugout is really changing the game for Giants fans at AT&T Park," said Bill Schlough, San Francisco Giants chief information officer. "We strive to provide an outstanding entertainment experience for each and every one of our ballpark guests, and thanks to AT&T, we have been able to make their visits even more interactive and memorable."
By bringing fans the ability to experience detailed aspects of the game and have instant access through Wi-Fi access to information at their fingertips, fans receive a unique experience unlike that of a regular sports game. Wi-Fi access at sports venues combines the real-life virtue of "being there" with watching instant replay and game stats on TV -- a winning combination. AT&T Wi-Fi Services also provides access at a number of sports venues around the country, including AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, and Quicken Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
"Wi-Fi access is the perfect way to reach fans when they're enjoying a game," said Angie Wiskocil, senior vice president for AT&T Wi-Fi Services. "With the rising popularity of smartphones and other handheld devices offering Wi-Fi access, fans are craving more ways to connect with the game they love, and sports venues have an opportunity to engage fans even more deeply. We're excited to work with AT&T Park and other venues to enable that connection between our favorite teams and today's on-the-go lifestyle."
In 2004, AT&T Park became the first professional sports facility to provide universal Wi-Fi connectivity with the Digital Dugout, and in 2008, introduced its revolutionary AT&T Wi-Fi replay application, which allows fans to watch the game's most exciting plays from multiple angles virtually instantly. The popularity of Wi-Fi service at the venue has surged. AT&T Park now averages more than 840 Wi-Fi connections per game. Wi-Fi usage at AT&T Park has increased a staggering 517 percent in the last two years alone, driven by the proliferation of Wi-Fi enabled smartphones and devices.
In addition to the new Digital Dugout interface built for smartphone users, AT&T has installed 139 Wi-Fi access points at the park, enabling faster data transmission rates and a better solution for the increasing number of fans using smartphones. The growing smartphone usage at the park mirrors nationwide trends. AT&T recently announced that smartphones made up 4 million connections on its Wi-Fi network out of the total 10.5 million connections made in the first quarter.
"Wi-Fi is enabling businesses to reach out to customers in very unique ways with tailored applications designed to serve their needs," said Vince Vittore, Yankee Group principal analyst. "The Giants Digital Dugout is a great example of how successful these applications can be in enhancing the experience for customers or fans."
A full list of AT&T Wi-Fi locations is available at www.attwifi.com.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
Largest Wi-Fi network claim based on non-municipal company and owned and operated hot spots. An 802.11 b/g enabled device required.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T | DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T's Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE(R) magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies.
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