Case Study: Lepida achieves high-density, stadium-wide Wi-Fi for 36,000 spectators with HPE Aruba Networking

Aruba architecture ensures free high-performance Wi-Fi coverage for over 36,000 spectators at Dall’Ara Stadium

Lepida ScpA, the Emilia‑Romagna regional ICT operator, was tasked with delivering uninterrupted, high‑performance public Wi‑Fi at Bologna’s historic Renato Dall’Ara Stadium — a listed 36,000‑seat venue subject to strict preservation rules. The project needed to support very high‑density crowds and heavy video traffic, comply with a regional mandate for pervasive free internet access, and respect the stadium’s architecture while aiming for up to 10 Gbit/s aggregate capacity.

Lepida implemented an Aruba Mobile‑First architecture, reusing Aruba Instant AP stock alongside Aruba 7220 Mobility Controllers, AP‑277/AP‑325 access points, AirWave management and ClientMatch to centrally manage 180+ hotspots and optimise client performance. The deployment delivered reliable, high‑performance Wi‑Fi across stands, premium areas and press facilities, produced ROI from existing equipment, enabled bandwidth grading and improved IT productivity, and created a scalable platform ready for future location‑based services.

Lepida

Gianluca Mazzini

General Manager