Industry-leading Fortinet solutions protect and optimize traffic throughout all segments of the Steelers’s network

By Isaac Kiguti | January 10, 2025 | 3 min read

The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced an expanded partnership with Fortinet, naming the cybersecurity leader as a "Proud Partner" for the 2024–2025 season. This collaboration enhances the Steelers' use of the Fortinet Security Fabric platform to ensure efficient and secure connectivity across all facets of their operations.

A Legacy of Security:

For over 15 years, the Steelers have relied on Fortinet's solutions to safeguard their digital infrastructure. Implementations span multiple facilities, including:

Acrisure Stadium: The team's official home

UPMC Rooney Sports Complex: Serving as training and corporate headquarters.

Saint Vincent College: The site of their training camp.

Remote corporate and merchandising locations.

A Legacy of Security:

The Fortinet Security Fabric empowers the Steelers to integrate networking and security throughout their environment, reducing risk, enhancing visibility, and ensuring optimal performance. Key components include:

Corporate and Football Operations Protection: FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) with AI-driven security monitor all network traffic, providing comprehensive visibility. FortiAnalyzer compiles essential logs and data to support critical business decisions.

In-Stadium Experience: At Acrisure Stadium, FortiGate NGFWs, FortiSwitch Ethernet switches, and FortiAP access points, along with FortiMonitor, ensure high availability and a positive user experience, even on busy game days. Additionally, FortiExtender wireless WAN gateways secure retail pop-ups and provide backup cellular connectivity to critical systems.

Secure Remote Access: Utilizing Fortinet's Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and the FortiClient unified agent, remote employees and scouts maintain secure connections to vital assets.

Looking Ahead

The Steelers and Fortinet are already planning future integrations beyond the 2024–2025 season to continue providing the best technology experience for coaches, players, operations, and fans.

Leadership Perspectives

Scott Phelps, Vice President of Technology at the Pittsburgh Steelers, emphasized the importance of this partnership:

"Partnering with an industry-leading organization like Fortinet ensures our network remains available and we stay ahead of sophisticated threats. The Fortinet Security Fabric is critical to all our operations, whether a coach accesses a scouting directory on the road, a fan uses the in-stadium internet, or the back office closes a deal. The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for our legendary defense, and we consider the Fortinet Security Fabric a cornerstone of our technology strategy."

John Whittle, Chief Operating Officer at Fortinet, added:

"Fortinet is honored to be a 'Proud Partner' to the Pittsburgh Steelers and a driving force for their technology approach. By leveraging the Fortinet Security Fabric, the Steelers can converge networking and security functions across their hybrid environment to ensure traffic is protected, connections are always available, and users have a superior experience. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Steelers and working together to further enhance their network with the Fortinet Security Fabric."

This strengthened alliance between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Fortinet underscores the critical role of advanced cybersecurity in professional sports, ensuring that both team operations and fan experiences are secure and seamless.

Source: Fortinet