LOUISVILLE, K.Y., April 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mobilitie, LLC, a leading provider of wireless infrastructure in the U.S., is installing a new high-speed Distributed Antenna System (DAS) at Churchill Downs® Racetrack in Louisville, KY, home to the world famous Kentucky Derby®. The Mobilitie DAS network will provide enhanced wireless connectivity to those attending thoroughbred horse racing and other events at the historic track where crowds have exceeded 165,000 on Kentucky Derby Day.
"Exceptional wireless coverage becomes more important each year to patrons who visit Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby and other major races and special events – all of which are experiences that can be enhanced through strong wireless coverage for their smartphone and other devices," said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. "Our partnership with Mobilitie brings the latest wireless technology to Churchill Downs and will strongly address potential coverage and capacity issues that are a concern in any venue."
The new Mobilitie DAS will significantly improve wireless coverage, capacity and data speeds during peak times throughout the venue on Kentucky Derby Day and during the rest of the year through a series of wireless antennas installed at locations in the clubhouse, grandstand, Jockey Club Suites and all premium seating areas, along with the tens of thousands of fans who enjoy the Kentucky Derby each year in the track's infield.
"We are excited to bring the latest 4G wireless technology to Churchill Downs, enabling them to provide the finest wireless experience to their patrons during Kentucky Derby Week and throughout the year," commented Christos Karmis, president of Mobilitie. Mobilitie owns and operates DAS networks at many high-profile public venues across the country. "Our neutral-host DAS networks can be utilized by all major wireless carriers to provide their customers with increased wireless connectivity during games, concerts, and other highly attended events. We are pleased to have also collaborated with AT&T to ensure the network is complete and ready to serve their subscribers in time for the 2013 Kentucky Derby."
AT&T will be the first wireless carrier to connect to the Mobilitie DAS network with additional carriers expected to connect to the DAS later this year. Mobilitie has worked closely with Churchill Downs and AT&T's Antenna Solutions Group (ASG) to ensure the network is designed to meet the needs of AT&T's customers as well as Churchill Downs given the historical nature of the facility that covers nearly 150 acres.
According to Chad Townes, vice president of AT&T's ASG, "Thanks to the enhanced coverage made possible by this joint effort, AT&T customers at Churchill Downs will have a better and more immersive mobile experience than ever before as they capture and share historical moments from the world famous horse race."
In addition to ensuring voice calls are successfully connected, the DAS will allow smart phones, tablets and other devices to access the Internet and run interactive applications including the Kentucky Derby mobile application, FastBet™ Mobile. The Kentucky Derby mobile application allows users to access many features on their mobile devices, including information on the schedule of racing and entertainment events, horse and contender information, betting information, ticket information and sales, video and photo galleries, Kentucky Derby trivia and games, Facebook and Twitter links, and breaking news announcements.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.
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About Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2013 and its 2013 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 27-June 30. The track has hosted the Breeders' Cup World Championships a record eight times. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.ChurchillDowns.com.
About Mobilitie
Mobilitie was founded in 2005 with the goal of assisting wireless carriers in meeting their network infrastructure needs through a strategic partnership model. Mobilitie is recognized as an industry leader for developing, operating, and leasing communication towers, indoor and outdoor DAS networks, and other infrastructure that supports wireless communications. Mobilitie is headquartered in Newport Beach, CA. For more information about Mobilitie, please visit www.mobilitie.com or contact our public relations department at 949-515-1500.
Mobilitie is the official Distributed Antenna System Provider of Churchill Downs.