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Arena upgrades include video scoreboard
The new video scoreboard in Alumni Arena will provide live action, instant replay and animations. Photo: COURTESY UB Athletics
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“The enhancements in lighting and sound, and the addition of both end and center-court video displays will put our arena into the upper echelon of on-campus facilities in the Northeast.”
Alumni Arena will have a new look and game-day atmosphere as the winter season of athletic and cultural events gets under way with completion of renovation work and upgrades that include state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and a new video scoreboard in the main gym.
The multi-phase project, a collaboration between UB Facilities, Planning & Design and the Division of Athletics, began in late May.
The first phase of the project, designed by DiDonato and Associates, involved structural reinforcement of the arena.
The second phase included installation of state-of-the art sound and lighting systems to accommodate the multi-purpose use of the arena.
The sound system, designed by Acoustic Dimensions, features setups for both athletic and special events, with speaker clusters, new amplifiers and acoustical panels to improve the quality and consistency of the sound.
The lighting system, designed by Lighting Dimensions, features lighting elements that dramatically increase candle power and environmental efficiency, while decreasing operating costs.
The third phase of the project—the most exciting and visible to fans—is the addition of an integrated video and scoring system in the main gym designed by Daktronics. A new four-sided, center-hung, 8 feet by 14 feet LED display will provide live video, instant replay and animations. A 3 feet by 52 feet LED ring underneath the main display will provide the game score, time and other pertinent information.
The video scoreboard will debut at the men’s basketball game on Jan. 7 against Mid-American Conference rival Kent State.
Other improvements designed to enhance the fan experience are new scoreboards in both end-zones that provide scores and individual player statistics, and 70 feet of LED scorer’s tables at court level. A control room designed by Sports Display Systems and Audio-Video Corp. will support the new technology.
The end-zone scoreboards already have been used for volleyball matches this fall. The new scorer’s tables are expected to be up and running for the men’s basketball home opener tomorrow night against St. Peter’s.
The sound, lighting and structural work was funded through the university’s critical maintenance budget. The $2.4 million cost of the video scoreboard, end-zone scoreboards, courtside tables and control room was financed with private donations.
“We are extremely excited that our fans, alumni and students will experience a dramatically improved Alumni Arena,” says Warde Manuel, vice president and director of athletics. “The enhancements in lighting and sound, and the addition of both end and center-court video displays will put our arena into the upper echelon of on-campus facilities in the Northeast. We feel these changes will greatly enhance not only the experience of people attending athletic events, but also our numerous other cultural and social events, such as concerts, the Distinguished Speakers Series and commencement.”
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