The University of Cincinnati has revealed that it will be installing brand-new video display technology including a center-hung video board at the Fifth Third Arena as part of its US$87m renovation.
Home to the University’s Bearcats basketball teams, the 29-year-old venue is undergoing a complete overhaul with new seating sections, concourses, main entrance and exterior all transforming the arena.
When the works are expected to be completed in time for the 2018-2019 season, which begins on November 7, fans will also be treated to a host of new screens and displays located around the facility, with a nine-display center-hung system suspended above the court surface the stand-out addition.
In total there will be 36 displays supplied and installed by AV experts Daktronics providing 5,700ft² (530m²) of screen real estate with more than seven million LEDs. The center-hung unit boasts 2,000ft² (186m²) of display space alone and has a rectangular shape configuration with two large screens facing the sidelines measuring 16 x 27ft (5 x 8m) and two screens facing each end of the arena measuring 16 x 16ft with curved corner displays and a ring display circling the entire unit measuring 3ft (1m) high and 86ft (26m) in circumference.
“This project brings a large, unique center-hung configuration to Fifth Third Arena as the focal point of their facility upgrades,” said Daryl Mihal, Daktronics regional manager. “The project also features many other displays being installed including column wraps, auxiliary displays and ribbons to immerse fans in the action. These LED displays represent a significant upgrade to the University of Cincinnati’s facilities and we’re excited to be a part of it.”
In addition to the center-hung system, there will also be four additional upper-level LED video displays, four ring LED video boards on the four pillars of the facility, and ribbon boards on the seating fascia will surround the court. Elsewhere, Fifth Thirds Arena will have 10 LED scorer’s tables at court level, two stanchion displays, and a new marquee display to welcome fans to events.
The whole system will be able to be controlled from a single control unit, with live video, replays, stats and sponsorship messages, said to deliver transition and playback of a broadcast quality experience.
June 20, 2018
