For Immediate Release: 5/6/25

Winona, MN – HBC (Hiawatha Broadband Communications) has proudly partnered with Winona Area Public Schools (WAPS) to enhance the district’s athletic facilities with the donation and installation of WiFi equipment to support their transition to e-ticketing and cashless concession transactions. This upgrade marks a major step forward in modernizing fan experience at Winhawk sporting events.

New point-to-point wireless equipment was recently installed at Paul Giel Field, the Winona Senior

 

High School (WSHS) softball field, and the WSHS baseball field. This equipment uses a type of wireless technology called millimeter wave, which works on a special 60GHz frequency. This lets devices talk to each other quickly and without interference, sending and receiving data at the same time at speeds up to 1 gigabit per second. The WiFi upgrade brings Winona in line with other schools in the Big 9 Conference with their ability to offer robust options that support e-ticketing and cashless operations for events. HBC’s support will allow WAPS to meet conference standards while streamlining event access and concessions for fans.

“We are incredibly grateful to HBC for their generous support,” said Brad Berzinski, Superintendent of Winona Area Public Schools. “HBC has long been a valued partner of our school district and this project is the latest example of how they have helped WAPS provide a high-quality experience, both in and outside of the classroom environment. This investment in our community will enhance the experience for our students, families, and visiting fans.”

HBC’s donation included all necessary hardware and infrastructure to facilitate mobile ticket scanning, credit/debit card payments, and real-time transaction processing. The move also supports broader goals of reducing cash handling and enhancing operational efficiency at WAPS athletic events.

“HBC has a long-standing commitment to supporting local schools and communities,” said David Dicke, Community Relations Manager at HBC. “We’re proud to help Winona Area Public Schools stay competitive and connected, and we look forward to seeing these upgrades serve students, staff, and fans for years to come.”