2023 BROADCAST CORE UPGRADE
In Spring and Summer 2023, AJP worked with closely Nationwide Arena and the Columbus Blue Jackets to strategically plan and design broadcast core system updates. Improvements included a complete replacement and re-cable of the Technical Operation Center for Broadcast. The new design eliminated outdated equipment and processes, re-elevating the entire core to reduce the footprint and overall heat and electrical loads. The new technology centered around an Evertz Routing Core, Telemetric SPG and Evertz terminal gear deployed as the base of the system. Adder was used for the KVM system along with Riedel as the house intercom and Bolero for wireless intercom. The switcher was replaced with a Ross Video Acuity 3ME switcher with a 1ME companion switcher that will be used in the Blue Jacket’s studio.The entire cabling system in the TOC was removed to make room for an updated system backbone, with new interconnects added to tie the production truck interconnect room.
2023 LED DIGITAL SIGNAGE UPGRADE
To further the goal of enhancing guest and team experience, AJP worked with the Blue Jackets to design, procure and oversee the installation of more than 50 LED displays throughout Nationwide Arena. The awarded vendor, SNA Displays, retrofitted dozens of static signs with video displays throughout the arena’s bowl. The home team tunnel now features a custom, three-faced display known as the “waterfall” that includes two 9-foot-tall screens that meet at a corner, joining an 11-foot ceiling display that extends across the hall, making the custom setup ideal for 3D and anamorphic creative content. Other highlights include removeable displays for both player tunnels where players exit the ice, as well as a wall-mounted, slim-profile LED screen used as a backdrop for press briefings. In the arena bowl, LED
Display upgrades included both lower and upper vomitories and the zamboni entrance, along with a West Endzone Ribbon display and Power Tower Lower Fan Zone display.The program also included new LED signage for various internal rooms and corridors throughout the arena, as well as several LED displays at the east and west entrances.
| Display/Location (Qty) | Pixel Pitch | Product Series |
| Waterfall Home Player Tunnel | 1.5 mm | BRILLIANT™ Interior |
| Press Room | 1.5 mm | BRILLIANT™ Interior |
| West Endzone Ribbon (4, staggered) | 10 mm | BOLD™ Interior |
| Party Tower Lower Fan Zone (2) | 10 mm | BOLD™ Interior |
| Lower Vomitories (19) | 4 mm | BOLD™ Interior |
| Upper Vomitories (18) | 4 mm | BOLD™ Interior |
| Player Tunnel Entrances (2) | 4 mm | BOLD™ Interior |
| Zamboni Entrance | 4 mm | BOLD™ Interior |
| West Arena Entrances (2) | 3.9 mm | EMPIRE™ Exterior |
| East Arena Entrances (3) | 3.9 mm | EMPIRE™ Exterior |
2021 LOCKER ROOM MINI CENTER HUNG AND BOWL LIGHTING SYSTEM
AJP designed a mini center hung video display system for the Blue Jacket’s Locker room at Nationwide Arena as part of a multiphase renovation led by general contractor Barton Malow Builders. Built with high-resolution 1.25 mm pixel pitch curved and angled LED screens, the new installation is essentially a miniature version of the scoreboards seen at the center of many sporting arenas. Each screen has a high-definition resolution of 1,080 pixels high by 1,920 pixels wide, giving the locker-room center-hung approximately 8.3 million total pixels. The locker room is fully integrated with audio-visual elements. Each display can be controlled remotely and synced with the state-of-the-art sound system in the room.
Anthony James Partners provided consulting services throughout each phase of the project. The awarded vendor, SNA Displays, used their BRILLIANT™ Interior line of display technology. The AV integrator, SoundCom, built the rack, ran low-voltage cabling, and was contracted to install the LED center hung. The installation team coordinated closely on dimensions, weights, and specifications with the center hung frame fabricator, Jones Signs. Osborn Engineering designed and oversaw the development of the center hung structure of the display.
For this round of Nationwide Arena updates, AJP also supported Columbus with a turnkey solution and pricing for a Sports and Entertainment Lighting replacement project.
2019 FEASIBILITY STUDY
In 2019, AJP was contracted by the Blue Jackets to provide a phased, 5-year Feasibility Study outlining technology enhancements and related budgetary guidance. Priorities were based on end-of-life, and where projects intersected or required consideration based on synergies or common infrastructure needs. The study looked at LED design options for Bowl, Concourse, and Entrances (indoor/outdoor); Broadcast Control renovation (including infrastructure); Concourse Digital Signage/Wayfinding (IPTV Displays/Digital Menu Boards); LED Lighting (facility and theatrical); Audio; Wi-Fi.
2012 CENTER HUNG SCOREBOARD AND LED DISPLAY SYSTEM UPDATES
2012 saw a redesign of the existing center hung scoreboard with four HD Displays (25’x15.5’) and LED rings. The arena bowl was also outfitted with new LED Ribbon Board and Auxiliary Displays for in-game entertainment and advertising. AJP also supported with exterior marquee signage design and procurement.
2012 CONTROL ROOM UPGRADE AND SOUND SYSTEM
The new scoreboard required a bigger control room and significant technical upgrades. For Sound Reinforcement, AJP designed and managed the installation of the eight point-source cluster $500,000.00 sound system with delay ring for the main bowl seating. This included new speakers, amplifiers, DSP processing and Front of House equipment.
