The answer is simple network saturation. Too many people trying to connect via Verizon to the same server at one time caused severe load issues.
As Doug mentioned, the DLCC really does want $50k to turn on public wifi. You’d think they’re dropping new fiber to the entire hall for that kind of change, but the simple reality is that they vastly overcharge on this service. After realizing early in the week that we would not be able to scrape by with the meager wireless we cobbled out of them last year, I ordered two Cradlepoint cellular modems specifically designed for convention/stadium type usage.
And it worked awesome on Thursday! 
Friday we saw some degration in the connectivity. It was far worse on Saturday, and I apologize. All I can tell you is that I spent 2 hours before we opened trying to make some changes to help it, and then I made Aiton and Kevin work on it for at least an hour, and I spent 3 hours in the early afternoon trying to help it, before I decided I could no longer look at anything network related for the remainder of 2017.
Last week I ordered some better antenna, which should boost the single and provide a stronger connection to the modems. We’ll be testing this in Buffalo. (Hey, @ASG you wanna come to Buffalo?)
We would love your help. Please feel free to reach out and offer your skills: PAPA 20 results online? (PAPA Scoring Software Feedback) - #79 by coreyhulse