Pioneers of Connectivity: How the Cubs Took Control of Their Digital Future

Wrigley Field, an iconic symbol of baseball history, has long been known for its ivy-covered walls and hand-operated scoreboard. Yet, beneath its nostalgic exterior lies a sophisticated wireless infrastructure that has set a new standard in stadium connectivity. The driving force behind this transformation? The Chicago Cubs’ bold decision to control their own Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and their long-standing partnership with DAS Group Professionals (DGP), now part of AFL Wireless Services.

“Wrigley Field is an iconic ballpark that blends history with modern technology,” said Steve Inman, Vice President of Technology for the Cubs. “Our goal was to upgrade our wireless infrastructure without any financial burden while maintaining control over the system. DGP delivered exactly what we needed”​.

Taking Control of the Fan Experience

When the Cubs embarked on the 1060 Project—a multi-year restoration and expansion of Wrigley Field—enhancing wireless connectivity was a top priority. But there was a catch: the Cubs wanted complete ownership and control of their DAS to ensure an unmatched fan experience. This decision was about more than technology; it was about owning the digital future of Wrigley Field.

“By controlling the DAS, the Cubs ensured that every aspect of the fan experience—from mobile ticketing to sharing game-day moments—was seamless and reliable,” explained Steve Dutto, President and CEO of DGP. “Our goal was to upgrade their wireless infrastructure while giving them control over their own system”​.

At a time when many teams relied on carrier-owned systems, the Cubs’ choice to own their DAS was revolutionary. The move empowered them to optimize network performance and maximize revenue opportunities without the restrictions of carrier agreements.

A Legacy Infrastructure Reimagined

Built in 1914, Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. Upgrading its infrastructure without disrupting its historic character was a significant challenge. DGP’s solution was a state-of-the-art DAS tailored to the unique architecture and operational demands of the ballpark. This system not only delivered robust wireless coverage but also integrated seamlessly with the venue’s historic design.

“The biggest challenge was aligning the DAS deployment with the Cubs’ renovation timeline without impacting the ballpark’s day-to-day operations,” said Dutto. “By securing a new anchor carrier, we unlocked the pathway to bringing all four major carriers on board under optimal terms”​.

Strategic Execution Amid Challenges

The road to DAS deployment was not without obstacles. Construction delays during the 1060 Project compressed the installation timeline significantly. With only a few months to complete the work, DGP pre-installed infrastructure components and executed the final deployment in just three days—an achievement that set a new benchmark in the industry.

“Our DAS solutions ensure seamless mobile coverage for Cubs fans, whether they’re posting highlights, accessing mobile tickets, or staying connected,” said Seneca Mullins, President of AFL US Services. “This partnership elevates the fan experience”​.

Key Strategic Moves:

• Renegotiating Carrier Agreements: Created lasting benefits that support all parties.
• Infrastructure Design: Tailored to enhance network performance while preserving Wrigley Field’s historic architecture.
• Coordinated Carrier Integration: Ensured all four major carriers were signed on and fully integrated at launch.

Immediate Impact and Long-Term Gains

The results were immediate and impressive. The DAS quickly became one of the best-performing wireless networks in Major League Baseball, allowing fans to share moments, stream content, and stay connected with ease. Financially, the system delivered record-breaking profits, transforming wireless infrastructure into a significant revenue stream for the Cubs.

Key Outcomes:

• Best-in-Class Performance: Recognized as one of the top-performing wireless network in MLB.
• Revenue Generation: Created a sustainable and growing income stream for the Cubs.
• Enhanced Fan Experience: Freed up WiFi bandwidth for proprietary applications, improving fan engagement.

“The most remarkable aspect of this project was how precisely everything unfolded as planned,” said Inman. “From securing carrier commitments to delivering superior connectivity, DGP executed flawlessly”​.

An Enduring Partnership Built on Innovation

Over a decade after the initial deployment, the partnership between the Cubs and DGP has only strengthened. The expanded collaboration, supported by AFL’s global telecommunications expertise, continues to evolve with ongoing system enhancements and coverage expansions throughout the Wrigleyville area.

“Wrigley Field was a trailblazer in ballpark connectivity, becoming the first MLB venue to own the DAS network,” said Inman. “Since then, we have entrusted DGP to be our exclusive DAS partner, enhancing and evolving the network with every upgrade”​.

As part of its commitment to innovation, DGP, along with AFL and its parent company Fujikura, is also supporting the MLB Tokyo Series, further solidifying its influence in sports connectivity.

Setting a Blueprint for the Future

The Cubs’ approach to owning their DAS has become a blueprint for other professional sports venues. By combining technical expertise with strategic leadership, DGP and AFL Wireless Services have demonstrated how venue-owned infrastructure can drive both superior fan experiences and significant financial returns.

“This project proved that a venue can have a state-of-the-art DAS without a direct capital investment,” said Dutto. “More importantly, it showcases how a well-structured agreement can turn wireless infrastructure into a major revenue-generating asset”​.

As technology continues to evolve, DGP remains committed to supporting the Cubs with innovative solutions that ensure unparalleled connectivity at one of baseball’s most historic ballparks. For other stadium owners looking to take control of their digital destiny, the Cubs’ strategy offers a powerful and proven roadmap.