Video, Visuals & Digital Signage

from mondo | stadia #022 February/March 2022

by Mondiale Media

The Cathedral | Milan, Italy

KICK OFF | VIDEO, VISUALS & DIGITAL SIGNAGE

A closer look at products and projects from the world of video, visuals and digital signage.

VITEC COLIN FARQUHAR, SVP OF SALES, VITEC

Engage, Empower and Evolve – Elevating the Fan Experience Colin Farquhar, Senior Vice President, VITEC, explains how stadia and sports venues can take the fan experience to the next level with IPTV, streaming video and digital signage solutions. As fans around the world are once again increasingly able to enjoy the buzz of ‘full houses’ and atmospheric spectacles at large sporting occasions, a renewed focus on the live sports experience is underway. Close attention to detail regarding the fans’ overall time spent at stadia and sports venues is essential to maximising both visitor enjoyment and business potential. Now is the time for venues to capitalise on audiences seeking out exciting sporting occasions, the likes of which have been scarce in recent years due to public health measures. Thankfully, there are now more technologies than ever in our toolkit to engage, empower and evolve the experience for fans. IPTV, streaming and digital signage solutions can harness the power of video to captivate audiences, drive revenue and ensure an engaging integrated experience – from the moment fans arrive until long after the final whistle (or buzzer) has blown.

IPTV for flexible, scalable and secure viewing With IPTV, in-house distribution solutions can leverage an IT network to take live TV streams from terrestrial, satellite IP, cable, or internal channels and make them available throughout a venue, to be displayed on any desired number of end-points. This enables the delivery of high-quality, live-action TV plus news and sports programming throughout, delivering high-quality entertainment for fans. The combination of live TV and video can be complemented with digital signage displaying visitor information, sponsors’ adverts and announcements, making for a compelling package to boost engagement. At Goodwood, the host of the Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival upgraded to an end-to-end IP video and digital signage system to deliver live feeds from the track alongside TV channels to 150 screens across the venue. The system enables Goodwood to maximise the fan experience during its high-profile horse racing, motor racing, golf, flying and shooting events to make sure no one misses out on the action. As a flexible and scalable system, an IPTV distribution solution can also grow with further requirements to futureproof. At the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground, our IPTV solution played a key role in the upgrade of the Warner Stand. Live TV and digital signage was added throughout the area, including bar and catering spaces and the match control facility. Venue staff can quickly and efficiently add more screens anywhere on the network, presenting a consistent message across the site. The

fully HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) compliant system allows staff to schedule or update signage screens remotely, providing a significant long-term benefit to the venue.

Streaming at Stadia More fans than ever are expecting Wi-Fi and video streaming before, during and after the game, with connectivity playing a key role in the matchday experience. With the latest video streaming solutions, venues can create video channels from existing content and stream them around the venue on any device. In the US at the Kauffman Stadium – home to Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals – a reliable, high quality, low-latency stream implemented to further enhance a much-heralded fan experience with both IPTV distribution and digital signage capabilities. Replacing failing, ageing media players at the beloved ballpark, the new VITEC system manages any type of video content, including streams generated by third-party encoders. Fans have been treated to fresh, eye-catching digital signage content as well as much-improved video quality for game-day feeds – all delivered with low latency – as they walk around the concourse. At German Bundesliga club, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, streaming encoders and media players are integrated into the system to enable Fan-TV to be streamed from the stadium and live events to set top boxes that are connected to every screen in VIP areas. The central management of the system allows the correct content to be delivered to the correct screen. and promotional content in an engaging way, as well as driving additional revenue. At the Matmut Stadium de Gerland in France, home to Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby (LOU Rugby), digital signage is used throughout, including at the LOU Shop, the VIP lounges and event halls. A digital signage solution – in addition to a full end-to-end IP video installation – has enabled the venue to provide interactive information and promotion about new merchandise, upcoming games and other events, as well as the local weather forecast and public transport timetables to keep fans informed. The stadium’s main reception area is also used to host an array of events from seminars to cocktail receptions, gala dinners and tradeshows. The digital signage in this space can be customised for each client event, allowing corporate guests to enjoy a personalised experience and complement sound, lighting and other solutions used to turn the venue into an impressive and immersive environment.

A Win/Win Live sporting events throw up unique unscripted drama, and fans give them power and meaning with their passion. By using the latest IPTV technologies, we can enhance these experiences, add value to the fans and even open additional revenue-generating opportunities – a win/win in anyone’s book. It’s a great time to take a close look at what venues can offer fans, and ensure we can deliver high standards of experience away from the sporting action to match the memorable spectacles themselves.

ADI ALLIANZ ARENA

As they push for an unprecedented 10th Bundesliga title in a row, Bayern Munich have contracted stadium technology specialists ADI to supply the new LED perimeter system at the Allianz Arena. The contract sees ADI installing over 370 linear metres of digiBOARD digital perimeter, including a full 252m camera arc and an additional 120m second row along the camera-facing touchline. ADI have installed the system which was used for the first time in Bayern’s first home match of the season against FC Köln on 22nd August. The digiBOARD system is fully UEFA compliant featuring classleading LED technology, making it one of the world’s highest resolution stadium digital perimeter platforms and providing a future-proof solution for exceptional brand representation at 4K broadcast resolution. In addition to the digiBOARD hardware, ADI are providing their proprietary digiSOFT control software to operate the system. ADI’s Studios Division will provide ongoing content support in the form of a weekly Quality Control Service for club content. With 15 years of experience in creating engaging digital perimeter advertising ADI will also be the preferred creative partner for any club and commercial partner perimeter content throughout the course of the contract. The second row has been positioned to provide a seamless view from the camera gantry, allowing the club to utilise the space for separate content or to create a single, giant “Mega Banner” of content. ADI pioneered the Mega Banner concept with their installation at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2019 and their ADI’s digiSOFT software intelligent scaling to ensure the image retains its size and shape as the camera pans across the pitch. James Robinson, Chief Operating Officer at ADI, commented: ‘As the dominant supplier of LED technology to the English Premier League, ADI are delighted to announce this multi seasonal contract with Bayern Munich. “ADI empower our customers in the Sports and Entertainment Industries by providing innovative digital platforms and production services allowing Federations, Brands, Clubs and Events to directly engage fans and consumers. Through ongoing product innovation, trusted relationships and high levels of service ADI have supported our customer’s growth and success for over 30 years. “For a club of Bayern Munich’s stature to recognise ADI as their supplier of choice naturally reflects our market position and supports our continued strategic growth outside the UK. I am delighted that we can now include one of the most well respected football clubs in Europe among our long term customers.”

www.adi.tv

DAKTRONICS DELAWARE STADIUM | GRANT STADIUM

Adding to the Blue Hens fan experience, the University of Delaware has partnered with Daktronics for the company to design, manufacture and install nearly 3,000 square feet of digital displays at Delaware Stadium and Grant Stadium on campus in Newark. Installation will take place in 2022 and the new displays will be operational for the corresponding sports seasons at both venues. “We are incredibly excited to install brand new, state-of-theart video boards at Delaware Stadium and Grant Stadium this fall,” said Chrissi Rawak, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Services at the University of Delaware. “We are thrilled to add these digital displays as we continue to make upgrades across our facilities that will improve the experiences of our fans and other events that take place in these venues.” At Delaware Stadium, the main end zone video display will measure approximately 40 feet high by 60 feet wide and the auxiliary display at the other end of the stadium will measure nearly 11 feet high by 18 feet wide. Both displays will feature 10-millimeter pixel spacing along with industry-leading environmental protection to ensure they operate as expected in the outdoor, Delaware weather. Similarly, at Grant Stadium a new display at one end of the venue will measure nearly 11 feet high by 24 feet wide and will also feature 10-millimeter pixel spacing. All three of these displays are capable of variable content zoning which allows each to feature one large image or to be divided into multiple zones to show any combination of live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute data and event-relevant information, graphics and animations, and sponsorship messages. “We are very excited to once again partner with the University of Delaware on these two special projects,” said Fran Kulas, Daktronics Sales Representative. “Delaware and Grant Stadiums are great venues for Blue Hen Athletics and other special events, and Daktronics is thrilled to help enhance the live event experience for student-athletes and fans alike.” Daktronics will also be including its powerful Show Control solution with this installation. This industry-leading system provides a combination of display control software, world-class video processing, data integration and playback hardware that forms a user-friendly production solution. In addition to the equipment installation, the Blue Hens will also receive a content package that will be produced and delivered by Daktronics Creative Services.

www.daktronics.com

CLEARGLOW SPORT ADAMS PARK

Wycombe Wanderers Football Club has announced plans to transform Adams Park after appointing stadium technology provider, Clearglow Sport, to install a giant new LED screen and digital perimeter system. The new 42 sq metre LED screen will provide a huge platform through which the club will be able to inform and entertain fans on a much larger scale than the previous screen it replaces. The high-resolution perimeter system will create a powerful channel through which to activate brand partnerships and drive revenue. Since acquiring ownership of Wycombe Wanderers in 2020, club chairman and chief executive, Rob Couhig, has been determined to invest in the club and reward fan’s loyalty with an incredible matchday experience. The new LED screen and perimeter system will play a large part in helping the club to achieve those ambitions. Clearglow Sport will work closely with Wycombe Wanderers to create an outstanding fan engagement platform to rival that of any stadium. As well as being able to deliver live match content, the club will be able to use the screen to keep fans up to date with match stats, team line ups, social media content and much more. The new perimeter system will also enhance the stadium, offering a hugely powerful platform for the club’s commercial partners to reach fans and the wider TV viewing audience. The system, which will span three sides of the pitch, will measure an impressive 900mm high, making it one of the largest in the EFL. Clearglow Sport will install their industry leading technology at Adams Park in collaboration with global leaders in LED manufacturing, Unilumin, whose pitchside perimeter LED system will also be installed at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium this season. Speaking of the development, Wycombe Wanderers’ Chief Commercial Officer, Neil Peters, commented: “We can’t wait to welcome fans back into Adams Park, and we’re excited to be able to enhance the matchday experience for our incredible supporters. We’ve invested in new technology throughout the stadium, with the aim of bringing fans closer to the action and offer a strong platform for our commercial partners.” “After a thorough review of the market, we’re delighted to appoint Clearglow Sport to help us deliver our vision. The team at Clearglow Sport have an incredible record in delivering large scale stadium LED projects which, combined with their industry leading technology, and powerful content management solutions, made them the ideal choice to help us grow.” The screen and perimeter system will be installed by Clearglow Sport over the summer, ready for the planned return of fans to Adams Park at the start of the 2021/22 season. Clearglow Sport Director, Kristian Ball, added: “We are incredibly excited to be working with Wycombe Wanderers, who have demonstrated huge ambition throughout the planning of this project. By combining a giant stadium LED screen with our high impact perimeter technology, Wycombe Wanderers will be able to create an incredibly powerful platform for fans and sponsors.” “It has always been our ambition to make high quality, revenue generating, LED platforms accessible to clubs of all sizes. No club should have to compromise on quality because of the league in which they are playing, and we’re delighted to be able to deliver the same industry leading LED display solutions for Wycombe Wanderers as used by some of the very top teams across Europe.”

PIONEER GROUP THE KIA OVAL

Surrey Cricket Club is one of England’s oldest and most prestigious cricket clubs, taking residence at the iconic Oval ground in South London since establishment in 1845. The ground has always boasted a reputation as one of the UK’s top venues to watch cricket, and ticket sales generated from repeated hosting of domestic and international games have resulted in Surrey Cricket’s lucrativeness as a club. To ensure this is maintained, the ground needs to consistently remain at the forefront of innovation, providing spectators with the best possible experience – it is famously noted for illuminating the game with the first use of artificial lighting at a sports arena in the form of gas-lamps. The venue now has capacity for 25,300 spectators and has undergone constant redevelopment throughout the 21st century. In 2005, the north stands were replaced by the now famous 1845 stand, a sweeping four-tiered grandstand, offering great vantage points for all spectators and world-class corporate hospitality. This stand significantly helped Surrey CCC elevate its position as a leading sports venue and soon became a popular conference and events destination. Important sponsorship deals – the main one being with Kia Motors, hence the naming right, has played a key part in driving revenue for the club and the sweeping design of the 1845 stand lent itself to advertising and brand awareness. Each tier of the 1845 stand is currently used for these purposes. This year Surrey Cricket decided to maximise usage of the top tier, by installing LED to provide the ultimate platform for showcasing content, advertising and improving fan experience. The club has had mixed success with mid-tier LED products in the past and had been actively looking for a solution that combined reliability, robust pixel longevity and excellent content delivery. Because of the precarious location of the display, mounted on a concrete balustrade above three other levels and 20m off the ground, there were obvious challenges with installation, not to forget preventing disruption to the club’s ever growing conferencing and hospitality business. Finding a short window to fit the product was challenging, previous installations were cumbersome, untidy and were distracting to spectators watching from balcony behind. Speed of install was therefore a factor to be considered, with the hectic calendar of back-to-back games, stadium work needs to be done quickly and with minimum impact to operations. The club’s previous technical investment needed to be taken into account when integrating the solution, as the upper-tier LED was not the first display system within the ground. There are a multitude of screens currently in place, used for displaying varying content, all connected to the same IPTV network. From a logical point of view, the decision was made to use the existing infrastructure for content delivery of the new upper-tier system. The club enlisted Pioneer Group to devise the ultimate digital signage solution for the upper-tier 1845 stand largely due to their experience and expertise in stadium LED experience - especially within the cricket environment, having previously completed work at Emirates Old Trafford. As the tier’s balcony had previously been used for static advertising, attention to the concrete balustrade’s inner infrastructure had been unnecessary. However with the weight of LED, considerations needed to be made regarding the reinforced steel rebar which supports the concrete. Engineers therefore needed to scan the framework to locate the inner support system, so as to avoid affecting the structural integrity of the concrete. Interfacing Pioneer Group’s own ultra-high bright p10 LED, a simple rear support system was fixed into the concrete to support the total 76 cabinets, which make up the 80 meter banner, covering the entire surface of the upper-tier. This was then tested, commissioned and connected to the club’s IPTV network. The system, approved by the English Cricket Board, was innovatively designed with ongoing maintenance in mind. In order to reduce the time taken to make repairs and to avoid the whole display being affected by pixel failure, the system is made up of individual cartridges with access at the top of each unit, which can easily be lifted out. Each cartridge is ‘hotswappable’ meaning they can be exchanged, should a fault arise, with the power on, even in the middle of a game. Charlie Hodgson, Managing Director at Surrey County Cricket Club, stressed the importance of the new system and what it means to the club: “We are very pleased with the new mid-tier LED installation, as a club we continue to invest in modernising the ground and are proud to combine some truly iconic architecture with modern technology. The LED helps us to give spectators a great match day experience and helps the club stay ahead of the curve as cricket enters a new era. Fans expect much more when they come to a game of cricket and the mid-tier LED helps us deliver a fantastic experience with maximum crowd engagement.” “We have been hugely impressed with Pioneer Group’s dedication and quality of work. Given the difficult location and short-time frame to complete the project to have reliable and robust mid-tier LED is fantastic, we are looking forward to continuing to best utilise the opportunities for fan engagement and commercial sponsorship that is now available to us.”

TRIPLEPLAY CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA

Seattle Kraken has moved into its newly redeveloped 17,100 capacity, $1.15b home on the site of the Seattle Center, home to the World’s Fair in 1962. Operated by the Oak View Group (OVG), Climate Pledge Arena is a modern home for the city’s NHL team, boasting some of the most progressive, innovative, and modern technology and sustainable architecture. Climate Pledge Arena boasts 28,175 square feet of digital signage, a record in the world for a sports or entertainment venue; with content delivered to display real-estate in suites, concessions, hospitality areas, kiosks, LED boards and concourses via the Tripleplay IPTV and Digital Signage CMS. Deployed by Diversified, Tripleplay’s platform is used to broadcast digital media, live game footage and important messaging across the facility to more than 650 displays; giving the venue operator the ability to individually address each screen or control as groups or instantly rebrand the arena for any event. Dave Curry, Vice President of Technology at Climate Pledge Arena commented: “When building a facility of this nature and scale we needed to work with tried, tested and trusted partners. The experience of Diversified and Tripleplay in sports stadium and arena deployments gave us peace of mind and confidence that our record-breaking venue would have a world-class technology solution. “The solution delivered has given us a communications and branding tool that allows us to better engage our visitors, fans and guests and enhances their experience in a hugely positive way. Climate Pledge Arena is a unique venue, and Tripleplay allows us to continue creating unique experiences for every event we host.” EVP for Tripleplay North America, Paul Harris added: “For a multipurpose and forward-thinking venue like Climate Pledge Arena it was essential they had a way to instantly rebrand the facility for every event that takes place; Tripleplay has enabled that. This is an iconic venue, in an iconic location and we are looking forward to supporting the Kraken and the operations team as they deliver world-class experiences.” Tripleplay digital signage and IPTV has been deployed to more than 650 displays utilizing a mix of Tripleplay’s PLAY3R SP1, BrightSign XT and Bluefin all-in-one displays.