Wi-Fi Installation, Other Renovations Underway at TD Garden

TD Garden is undergoing a $70 million renovation effort.Credit: Delaware North

Guests might see some Pardon our appearance signs at the TD Garden over the next several months, but the ongoing $70 million renovations at the arena look like theyll make for a recharged fan experience.

The renovations were announced earlier this year and detailed today by Garden officials at a tour for members of the media. While much of the work being done will indeed leave a visual marka new pro shop, new food setups, and a redesigned concourse among themthe biggest change might not be visible.

Delaware North Companies, which owns and operates the Garden, is installing 400 antennas to facilitate a high-density Wi-Fi network for fans. The system will be powered by Cisco.

Garden President Amy Latimer said slow Internet connections in the Garden have been a common complaint of patrons, who say processes like sending emails and posting to social media sites can sometimes be interrupted in the crowded venue.

Gillette Stadium currently offers its own Wi-Fi network, while Fenway Park hopes to offer a public-facing Wi-Fi network by the start of the 2015 season, according to Red Sox Vice President of IT Brian Shield. (Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry also owns Boston.com and The Boston Globe.)

The antennas at the Garden will be installed throughout the arena, including in ceilings. The Garden is also exploring installing antennas within the arenas hockey boards.

The renovations will bring new looks to the second, fourth, and seventh floors. The second floor will host a new pro shop. Previously, the pro shop had been located on the first floor. The new shop will be about 6,000 square feet, which Latimer said will about double its size. The second floor location will also allow fans who are already at an event to visit the shop during it. The previous shops location required fans to leave their ticketed event in order to visit.

Just for kicks, heres the Bruins bear in a hard hat in what will eventually become the pro shop.

The fourth and seventh floor concourses will receive new flooring, and LED screens will be installed on the walls, which can show photos uploaded by fans to social media through the new wireless network. Other digital signs will show sponsor messages. Images of sports stars from the past will also adorn the walls.

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Wi-Fi Installation, Other Renovations Underway at TD Garden