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In preparation for the 151st Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs Racetrack has teamed up with Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) to deploy Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) solutions across the venue. The initiative is designed to enhance connectivity for the hundreds of thousands of fans, media representatives, and operational teams attending Derby Week.
“Speed isn’t just important on the racetrack,” said Mike Wood, Senior IT Director at Churchill Downs. “With Network-as-a-Service technology, we can rapidly activate high-capacity, secure connections to support everything from guest Wi-Fi and vendor services to live media coverage. This kind of behind-the-scenes innovation is crucial for ensuring Derby Week runs smoothly and delivers unforgettable experiences for attendees and viewers around the globe.”
The technology demands during Derby Week have surged dramatically, jumping from a typical 2–3 Gbps to around 200 Gbps daily, as more than 385,000 visitors converge on Churchill Downs. Fast, reliable, low-latency network connections are vital for live HD broadcasts, seamless multi-channel operations, mobile point-of-sale systems, and Wi-Fi access—where every millisecond matters.
Gaining a Cloud-Like Network Experience
“Churchill Downs is a legendary venue operating at an intense pace,” said Dave Ward, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Lumen. “By adopting a dynamic, on-demand Network-as-a-Service platform in place of traditional hardwired setups, they’re getting a self-service, cloud-like network experience that can scale at the speed of the Derby. We’re proud to help bring the future of connectivity to such an iconic event.”
Hosting 83 race days annually, Churchill Downs requires robust, year-round network performance. With Lumen’s NaaS platform, the racetrack’s IT team can flexibly adjust bandwidth as needed to support essential operations, including security systems, mutuel betting platforms, and veterinary services.
Beyond the track and grandstands, Lumen’s network also extends to the backside village, home to many equestrians and their families who rely on stable communication, education, and Internet services throughout the racing season.
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