Verizon to equip the home of the Seattle Kraken with 5G Technology
SEATTLE, WA. – Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena is partnering with Verizon to bring the power of 5G to the world-class Oak View Group venue and give the arena the ability to utilize next gen solutions to innovate public safety, access, concessions, crowd management and immersive fan experiences. The multi-year partnership with OVG makes Verizon the exclusive 5G and wireless partner to three OVG arenas, including Climate Pledge Arena, New York’s UBS Arena, and Coachella Valley Arena.
Climate Pledge Arena, home to the NHL’s latest expansion team, the Seattle Kraken, the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and the best in live music and entertainment, will harness Verizon 5G technology, as well as the Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and Converged Network Services (CNS) providing voice, data and wifi services. These will enhance the fan experience utilizing the power of the 5G network.
“The Verizon 5G platform is changing the way that fans experience live events and venues operate,” said Yvette Martinez-Rea, Vice President of Sponsorships and Partnerships, Verizon. “Working with Oak View Group as a strategic technology partner will enhance the in-arena experience for years to come.”
“OVG is committed to innovation and redefining the fan experience across music, sports and live entertainment,” said Tim Leiweke, CEO, Oak View Group. “Welcoming Verizon as a founding partner is key to achieving this and we look forward to a long-term partnership.”
The Verizon Lounge at Climate Pledge Arena, where Verizon is the presenting sponsor of the arena’s concert series, and the Verizon Lounge at UBS Arena, will host private members for an intimate and elegant experience. The company is a signatory of The Climate Pledge, for which the Seattle arena is named.
UBS Arena, Climate Pledge Arena and Coachella Valley Arena are three of the new locations added to the growing list of stadiums and arenas with Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network. Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband is available in parts of more than 70 cities, 11 airports, and 50+ stadiums and arenas. Customers can now experience ultra-fast wireless speeds, up to 4 Gbps in some places under ideal circumstances, giving them the potential to download and stream movies and TV shows in seconds, video chat and collaborate on the go in near real time, and take advantage of new immersive customer experiences never before available wirelessly. Verizon’s 5G Nationwide is available to more than 230 million people in over 2,700 cities.
The Climate Pledge is a community of currently over 100 companies and organizations, initiated by Amazon, working together to combat the climate crisis, by committing to reach net zero carbon by 2040. Verizon recently issued a second $1 billion green bond to invest in innovative solutions to accelerate the company’s sustainability efforts.
Verizon’s customer loyalty rewards program, Verizon Up, will offer members exclusive access at OVG arenas such as VIP entrance access, complimentary food and beverage, merchandise credit, and exclusive player photo opportunities.
About Verizon Communications
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers data, video and voice
services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.
About Climate Pledge Arena
Climate Pledge Arena, located at Seattle Center, will be the first net zero certified arena in the world. It will serve as a long-lasting and regular reminder of the urgent need for climate action. The Climate Pledge, which was founded by Amazon and Global Optimism in 2019, is a commitment from companies globally to be net zero carbon by 2040. The complete redevelopment of this historic landmark, originally built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, will be an industry first. Home to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, WNBA’s Seattle Storm, and the world’s biggest performers of live music and events, Climate Pledge Arena will open in 2021. Learn More at www.climatepledgearena.com.
About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is a global sports and entertainment company founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015. OVG is focused on being a positive disruption to business as usual in the sports and live entertainment industry and currently has 8 divisions across 4 global offices (Los Angeles, New York, London and Philadelphia). OVG is leading the redevelopment and operations of the New Arena at Seattle Center as well as leading arena development projects in Belmont, NY, Austin, TX and Milan, Italy. OVG Global Partnerships, a division of OVG, is the sales and marketing arm responsible for selling across all OVG Arena Development projects.