New Wi-Fi 7 and next-generation autonomous networking will deliver enhanced connected experiences for fans, staff and venue operations
- Miami HEAT is using HPE's AI-native networking capabilities to improve connectivity across the venue, providing enhanced digital experiences for fans and staff.
- The partnership introduces HPE's self-driving network capabilities to automatically optimize performance, reduce operational burden, and simplify troubleshooting.
- The modernized infrastructure provides a scalable foundation for Kaseya Center to easily adapt to future technologies.
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HPE (NYSE: HPE) and the Miami HEAT today announced a network modernization project at Kaseya Center designed to enhance connectivity and create a more intelligent, resilient digital foundation for fans, staff and venue operations. This connectivity refresh is part of a series of updates being made to the venue ahead of the 2026-2027 NBA season to improve the arena experience for attendees.
As one of the NBA’s premier venues, Kaseya Center hosts events attended by tens of thousands of people with changing conditions and a slew of devices that put significant demands on its network infrastructure. To deliver a consistently high-performing connected experience across the arena, the Miami HEAT selected HPE to modernize both its wireless and wired infrastructure and establish Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.
The deployment combines HPE Aruba wireless outdoor and indoor access points and campus gateways with HPE Juniper switching that provides the power, bandwidth and capacity required to support high-density connectivity throughout the venue. HPE will also provide Arena Event Network Monitoring Assistance across five live events to help validate and optimize network performance under real-world conditions.
“Today’s sports and entertainment venues need networks that can deliver exceptional experiences for tens of thousands of people while also simplifying operations behind the scenes,” said Rami Rahim, executive vice president, president and general manager, Networking at HPE. “Together with the Miami HEAT, we’re building a self-driving network at Kaseya Center that is designed to improve connectivity, increase operational efficiency and create new possibilities for digital experiences for fans and staff.”
Building the foundation for a more connected Kaseya Center
The project began with the Miami HEAT seeking to improve wireless performance in high-density areas of Kaseya Center, particularly the lower bowl. Through technical assessment and design, the effort expanded beyond a wireless refresh to include modernization of the underlying wired infrastructure required to support next-generation access points.
The new HPE networking infrastructure will help the Miami HEAT:
- Deliver a Wi-Fi 7 experience for fans and staff across Kaseya Center
- Improve wireless reliability and performance in high-density and critical seating areas
- Provide the power and bandwidth required for next-generation wireless access points
- Establish a modern network foundation that can support future digital experiences and venue innovation
- Optimize performance during live events with self-driving operations, specialized network monitoring and tuning services
“Providing a reliable, seamless digital experience for everyone who enters Kaseya Center is critical, and important to us to ensure the best possible fan experience whether attending a HEAT game, a concert or another live event,” said Drew Dorben, Vice President and CTO of the Miami HEAT. “With HPE, we're modernizing our digital foundation to better serve fans and staff today and into the future.”
Advancing toward AI-driven, self-driving network operations
HPE’s AI-native networking capabilities are designed to help organizations move from reactive network management toward increasingly autonomous operations. HPE’s self-driving network uses AI-driven insights and automation to proactively identify and resolve connectivity issues, optimize performance and simplify troubleshooting, which helps IT teams maintain reliable connectivity while reducing the operational burden of managing increasingly complex environments.
For a high-density venue such as Kaseya Center, this approach provides the Miami HEAT with a scalable foundation to support evolving connectivity demands across basketball games, concerts and other major events.
The wireless deployment is expected to be completed ahead of the start of the 2026-2027 NBA season, with the broader campus switching modernization continuing in phases across the venue.
HPE is working with AT&T, which will provide communication services and CSPi Technology Solutions that will provide implementation expertise and ongoing managed IT services to support the networking environment.
About HPE
HPE (NYSE: HPE) is a leader in essential enterprise technology, bringing together the power of AI, cloud, and networking to help organizations achieve more. As pioneers of possibility, our innovation and expertise advance the way people live and work. We empower our customers across industries to optimize operational performance, transform data into foresight, and maximize their impact. Unlock your boldest ambitions with HPE. Discover more at www.hpe.com.
Contacts
Media Contacts:
Cristina Thai
cristina.thai@hpe.com
Ben Stricker
ben.stricker@hpe.com
