Florida Panthers and Anthony James Partners Complete Next-Generation Broadcast Production Facility At Amerant Bank Arena
New SMPTE ST 2110 production environment expands live production capabilities and provides a scalable platform for the future
SUNRISE, FL — Anthony James Partners (AJP) and the Florida Panthers have completed a comprehensive modernization of the broadcast production facility at Amerant Bank Arena, transforming the arena’s existing production environment into a fully IP-based system designed to support Panthers games and the venue’s year-round sports and entertainment schedule. The new facility went live for its first game on Sunday, September 20, marking the first live event produced using the Panthers’ new SMPTE ST 2110 production system.
Designed by AJP and implemented by awarded broadcast integrator BeckTV, the project represents the next phase of a multi-year technology program at Amerant Bank Arena. The new production environment transitions the venue from its previous 3G infrastructure to a full SMPTE ST 2110 1080p workflow, providing significantly greater flexibility across production, replay, content creation and signal distribution while establishing a scalable foundation for future expansion.
The project went well beyond replacing production equipment. The existing production facilities were completely demolished and rebuilt, with AJP redesigning the layout of the production spaces to improve workflow between production, engineering, replay, graphics and audio personnel while supporting the operational requirements of the new broadcast environment.
“When we set out to modernize our LED and broadcast infrastructure, we went through a rigorous process to identify the right partner,” said Mike Masino of the Florida Panthers. “With AJP, we immediately felt they had our best interests in mind and were willing to work with us to turn our vision into what we could accomplish technologically. Throughout both the LED and control room projects, we worked hand in hand with their team. We truly owned the vision, while AJP guided us through the process and helped us determine the best way to achieve it. They’ve been a true thought partner from the beginning.”
“AJP is proud of our long-standing partnership with the Florida Panthers and grateful for the trust they’ve placed in our team,” said Michael Rowe, CEO of Anthony James Partners. “It’s always a privilege to work with an organization so dedicated to delivering the best possible experience for their fans. That commitment is reflected throughout Amerant Bank Arena, including what is now one of the most advanced broadcast systems in the NHL.”
At the center of the system is a new Ross Ultrix Acuity 80×80 four-ME IP production switcher, supported by an Evertz DreamCatcher 18×6 SMPTE ST 2110 replay system with three replay operator positions, six-channel clip playback and three Ross XPression graphics stations. New logging, director, producer and multipurpose workstations were incorporated throughout the facility, along with a new front-of-house audio console and rebuilt audio booth.
The Panthers’ camera system has also been substantially expanded. The new 17-camera environment includes Grass Valley LDX 135 hard cameras, handheld and wireless cameras, along with robotic PTZ systems using Grass Valley LDX 135 Compact cameras with MultiDyne technology. The combination provides production teams with greater flexibility to capture live action, fan reactions and content throughout the arena.
Beyond the control room, AJP designed a major expansion of the arena’s broadcast connectivity infrastructure. Thirty-five new junction box locations were installed throughout the venue, replacing legacy cabling with new single-mode fiber, SMPTE fiber and audio connectivity. New truck-dock panels and six new truck-dock racks further integrate mobile production units with the arena’s broadcast infrastructure and Technical Operations Center.
Together, the improvements create an integrated production ecosystem extending from cameras and field locations throughout the arena to the production control room, Technical Operations Center and visiting broadcast trucks.
The broadcast modernization follows the recently completed LED and venue technology program at Amerant Bank Arena, also designed and managed by AJP.
That work included the arena’s new 4K HDR-capable center-hung display, LED halo, ribbon boards and additional displays throughout the venue, together with associated hoist and rigging systems and reconfiguration of the bowl audio system.With the completion of the new production facility, the Panthers now have a broadcast platform designed to take full advantage of those venue-wide systems while supporting the organization’s continued development of live game presentation and content production.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LED PROJECT HERE:
