In October of 2020, we were less than three months away from hosting Super Bowl 55 and our on-site communications needed a serious upgrade. We had been borrowing radios from a local law enforcement agency during events and were experiencing several issues that we knew would not be tolerable under the extreme demands of the Super Bowl. So, after considering several providers, we selected EMCI Wireless to partner with to provide the sophisticated solution our problems required. We selected EMCI because of their technical capabilities, their track record of successful installations and their strong relationship with Motorola Solutions.
We collaborated with EMCI and Motorola to design a system that would provide 12 trunked talk paths using 6 digital repeaters that were placed to maximize coverage throughout Raymond James Stadium. This system allowed us to divide 300 portable radios into 16 different talk groups, allowing multiple departments to talk amongst themselves simultaneously. We also included a feature that allows us to establish an “all call” should the need arise to communicate instantly with all 300 users, no matter which talk group they are on.
We were under a very tight timeline which meant EMCI would have to secure both the end user and infrastructure equipment, apply for and obtain the required FCC licenses, as well as stage, program, install and optimize the system with enough time left to train the users all before the Super Bowl. They met our deadlines, and we were using the new system to coordinate all the personnel and functions required to host the greatest sports event in the world. To ensure things went smoothly, EMCI went the extra distance by providing two on-site engineers to handle any technical issues that may arise during the event. Our relationship with EMCI and Motorola continues as we look to them to help us maintain the system and make additional enhancements as our needs grow.
Brandon Flynn
Security & Parking Manager
Tampa Sports Authority