Record-breaking data usage for NFL Kickoff Weekend fueled by fan demand

Record-breaking data usage for NFL Kickoff Weekend fueled by fan demand

Total weekend usage equivalent to 172,000 hours of streaming, Saints vs. Panthers for the data win

The 2024 NFL Kickoff Weekend was a technological touchdown, with fans in stadiums across the country consuming an unprecedented amount of data on Verizon's network during the first weekend of the 2024 NFL season.

Fans consumed a staggering 50.3 terabytes of data across stadiums, a remarkable 7.2% increase from the previous year. This surge, equivalent to a mind-boggling 172,000 hours of streaming, highlights the growing role of technology in sports consumption and the unmatched power and role of Verizon's network in how customers live, work and play.

The New Orleans Saints' clash with the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome emerged as the data usage juggernaut, devouring a weekend high 5.1 terabytes.

The average data usage per game also witnessed a substantial uptick, reaching 3.4 terabytes, and a 14.4% increase from 2023. This surge indicates that fans are not only watching games but actively engaging with digital content, enhancing their overall in-person experience.

Several home openers stood out with impressive data usage figures, reflecting the enthusiasm of fans returning to stadiums:

• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium led the pack with a 91% increase in data usage compared to the previous year, reaching 3.1 terabytes.

• Other notable year-over-year increases:

  • 86% at the Buffalo Bills' home opener vs. the Arizona Cardinals at Highmark Stadium

  • 72% at the Detroit Lions home opener vs. the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field

  • 70% at the New York Giants' home opener vs. the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium

  • 68% at the Cleveland Browns' home opener vs. the Dallas Cowboys at Huntington Bank Field

Last year, Verizon released its inaugural Consumer Connections Report that cited:

• 47% increase in total average mobile network usage across all NFL stadiums for the 2023/2024 season

• 8.4M connections to Verizon's network during the season

• 6.8M voice calls made by fans during the games

• 4.8M minutes of call time

• Nearly 1700 terabytes of data consumed

You can view more about the report here.

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