By alley - May 13, 2015, 3:31 PM ET

Verizon enhances network capability at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Indy 500

By IndyCar.com staff

Published: May 13, 2015

Verizon Wireless, a technology leader with the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network, announced network upgrades at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to handle growing data traffic in May.

Verizon Wireless is an official partner of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway and title sponsor of the Verizon IndyCar Series.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which hosts the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on May 24, is the largest network footprint in the country for a single event. The facility utilizes advanced technology that provides three times the total capacity of the network design for the 2012 Super Bowl at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Verizon network engineers have created a custom wireless network facility at the 560-acre venue to handle the voice and data capacity of nearly 400,000 fans expected to attend events this month. Also, an additional cell on wheels will be implemented for race weekend tailgaters and gate traffic near 30th Street and Georgetown Road.

“Verizon’s network enhancements will ensure that fans can count on their mobile devices to share emails, texts, pictures and videos during ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ ” Verizon Wireless Region President Lauren Love-Wright said. “Small cells are an integral part of Verizon’s commitment to the customer experience to stay ahead of the growing demand for mobile data by boosting capacity for popular venues and large crowds.

“This technology adds 4G LTE capacity in important high-traffic areas so that our customers can share the best moments from the track, especially on social media.”

On Race Day 2014, 4G LTE traffic on the Verizon Wireless network increased 300 percent over usage on Race Day 2013.