September 8, 2010 | Volume 9, Issue 8

Robert Jordan
Vice President of Design and Construction
New Meadowlands Stadium
[email protected]
(201) 559-1677

Mark Steinkamp
Marketing Director
Daktronics
[email protected]
(605) 697-4451

Daktronics' Video, Scoring, and Advertising Display System

As the only home of two NFL franchises, the New Meadowlands Stadium recognized the importance in being a multi-platform facility. Officials knew that the Jets' and Giants' sponsors and season ticket holders would desire a unique "home field" experience for each game at the New Meadowlands Stadium, regardless if it was a shared facility. Flexibility within the merchandise and concession stands as well as in the signage and video displays around the stadium was a must. Stadium officials were looking for a multi-platform, video-centric display system that could easily modify the stadium's signage to correspond with each team's game day experience. Additionally, stadium officials had seen the "living room experience" greatly enhanced and believed it was deterring fans from purchasing tickets to the games. New Meadowlands Stadium wanted their video displays to provide a valued experience for fans at the stadium that would be a better option to watching the game from the couch.

To do so, stadium officials selected Daktronics, the world's leading provider of LED video systems, to outfit New Meadowlands Stadium with the world's largest and most comprehensive integrated LED video display and scoring system. Daktronics' advanced digital display system allows for both the Jets and Giants to customize their in-game presentations, team branding, and messages to maximize excitement and entertainment for the fans. The system also provides flexibility, impact, and interactivity for each team's corporate partners.

The Daktronics' system includes four large primary video displays inside the four corners of the seating bowl, each measuring to 118 ft. wide by 30 ft. high. These primary video screens utilize Daktronics' latest HD-X technology, which features ultra-wide viewing angles, increased contrast with vivid color, as well as world-class video processing for improved image quality. In addition to the video boards, a 360 degree LED ribbon board was installed within the seating bowl for game-in-progress displays.

Outside the seating bowl, 20 vertical video displays with HD-X technology are mounted back-to-back on 10 plyons around the entrances to New Meadowlands Stadium. These plyons are quite large as well, built in three sizes: 20 ft. wide by either 38 ft., 48 ft., or 54 ft. high. Four large marquee displays also were implemented to promote events to those passing by the stadium. Smaller ticket window displays were added to direct and inform ticket buyers. Altogether, the 47,500 sq. ft. of LED video technology is the largest combined total to be installed in one facility in all of North America.

Lastly, all of these great video displays can be coordinated from one control system and are connected over one converged IP network, allowing for up-to-the-minute alterations as stadium officials see fit. This system truly allows the teams to completely immerse their branding and partnerships, making it a unique fan experience.

A wide angle shot of the 4 large Daktronics' Video Screens installed
in each corner of the New Meadowlands Stadium seating bowl.

Daktronics' implementation of its integrated video, scoring, and advertising display system into the New Meadowlands Stadium was advertised through a press release on the stadium's official website.

New Meadowlands Stadium partnered with Daktronics, the world's leading provider of full-color LED video displays, to equip their video screen and digital signage needs. Daktronics has history with the NFL, having equipment in 29 of 31 NFL facilities. In addition to the NFL, Daktronics scoring and display systems are currently operating in 26 MLB parks, 20 NBA arenas, 22 NHL venues and more than 1,000 collegiate facilities across the country. Since their inception in 1997, they have sold over 6,500 large screen, full-color LED displays to sports, entertainment, and commercial facilities around the world. The company offers truly integrated scoring, video and sound systems with complete after-sales support. President and CEO of New Meadowlands Stadium, Mark Lamping stated, "Daktronics was chosen fro their phenomenal display quality, their experience at more than 20 NFL venues, their ability to integrate and control multiple displays as a single system, and their top notch service capabilities."

Since the NFL season is set to open this week, usage of the Daktronics system at the New Meadowlands Stadium is still in its early stages. However, with growing knowledge of fan purchasing trends and demographics, New Meadowlands Stadium can provide prospect advertising companies targeted numbers that allow for better ROI projections and possibly lead to more effective video display ad sales. With ad impressions available stadium-wide or to an individual sign in a certain section, New Meadowlands Stadium also provide flexibility to prospective advertisers that fits any size budget. This allows stadium officials to strategically use signage to fit the substantial programming effort going on within the entire stadium.

A look at one of the 10 Daktronics' Plyons Video Screens found outside New Meadowlands Stadium.

Even though large video display systems are an irregular purchase, New Meadowlands Stadium continues to evolve their LED displays. Since the installation of Daktronics' integrated video, scoring, and advertising display system, New Meadowlands Stadium has purchased 4 additional boards to use at the facility. We will keep in an eye on these developments as the stadium evolves.

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