IoT Helps Improve Conditions at US Squash Center

The world’s largest community squash center is now using IoT to monitor temperature and humidity levels, as well as optimize fan and player experience.

The 76,000-square foot Arlen Specter U.S. Squash Center in Philadelphia’s University City is the training center for Team USA Squash athletes and hosts more than 25 national and international tournaments each year.

MachineQ is providing the IoT-based temperature and humidity monitoring solution and Comcast Business is providing broadband and WiFi connectivity throughout the facility. The companies announced the deployment at the end of March.

Changes in temperature and humidity on the court can warp the wood, while leaks could damage any surrounding electrical or mechanical equipment. To combat this risk, MachineQ installed its MQflex multi-sensor devices around the courts, which consistently monitor conditions and alert the center if they go beyond the limits deemed safe.

“As the first physical space of U.S. Squash, the Specter Center aimed to build a scalable network that would enable the facility to maintain its position as a state-of-the-art facility, both now and well into the future,” Comcast said in a statement.

With the MachineQ IoT technologies, the center can monitor changes to the court conditions, while Comcast's 5G connectivity services allow the center to live stream every match for fans and record matches for players to look back on and improve play.

“From the very beginning, Comcast Business has helped us achieve our mission of creating and promoting opportunities to increase access to the sport and pursuing excellence on and off the court,” said Ned Edwards, Arlen Specter’s executive director.

“A next-generation facility like the Specter Center demands a next-generation network,” said Scott Cohen, Comcast’s executive director of strategic wireless solutions. “We are proud to serve yet another one of Philadelphia’s state-of-the-art sporting facilities and provide scalable, future-ready technologies – both wired and wireless – that will keep the Specter Center at the leading edge of sports for years to come.”