Anthony James Partners (AJP) was pleased to support the Durham Bulls Baseball Club (DBBC) to implement significant technology upgrades aimed at creating a next level fan experience. Key improvements include 4,800 square feet of new LED displays, a new high-powered audio system, advanced field lighting, and high-density Wi-Fi—all set to debut during the 2025 season. AJP’s scope included design, procurement, and construction oversight.

“What is key for us when it comes to AV technology design is tailoring solutions to fit the venue’s unique character,” said AJ Faxel, AJP’s Executive Vice President of Business Development. “The Durham Bulls aim is to enhance fan experience while preserving the ballpark’s history, and we’re committed to finding and delivering the right solutions for them.”

LED DISPLAY SYSTEMS

The upgrades seamlessly blend modern technology with the ballpark’s historic charm, inspired by the classic architecture of downtown Durham. Notably, the ballpark’s iconic Blue Monster—a 32-foot-high wall in left field located 305 feet from home plate—will receive a state-of-the-art technology makeover. Its iconic scoreboard, featuring the Snorting Bull modeled after the one in the 1988 film Bull Durham, will be enhanced with a 10.4 mm pixel pitch LED screen. This upgrade increases pixel density by 400%, adding 1.5 million pixels to the same square footage and significantly improving the clarity and quality of the fan viewing experience.

Additional LED upgrades include a nearly sevenfold enlargement of the speed-of-pitch display, enhancements to the outfield and club ribbon boards with a 400% increase in pixel density, and the addition of new 5.95 mm backstop and dugout displays to create more marketing opportunities.

Key LED Specifications

• Blue Monster: 10.4 mm pixel pitch 70.54’ W x 25.15’ H (400% increase in pixel density)
• Speed of Pitch Display: 10.4 mm pixel pitch, 41.01 W x 18.58’ H (nearly 5x larger / existing is 12.60’ W x 12.60’’ H)
• Outfield Ribbon Display: 10.4 mm pixel pitch, 259.19’ W x 6.56’ H (400% increase in pixel density)
• Club Ribbon Display: 10.4 mm pixel pitch, 121.39’ W x 3.28’ H (400% increase in pixel density)
• (2) Backstop Displays: 5.95 mm pixel pitch, 13.12’ W x 1.64’ H (new addition)
• (2) Dugout Displays: 5.95 mm pixel pitch, 11.48’ H x 2.46’ H (new addition)

CUTTING-EDGE AUDIO SYSTEM
DBAP’s new audio system will redefine sound quality across the ballpark. AJP designed a high-fidelity, full-range sound system to deliver exceptional clarity and powerful program audio reproduction. The system covers the main grandstand seating, extended outfield areas, concourses, concessions, clubs, bars, gates, and ticketing zones. Featuring a distributed full-spectrum loudspeaker system with a full complement of subwoofers for enhanced low-frequency support, the upgrade ensures speech clarity and immersive sound throughout the venue. Additional improvements include refreshed AV control systems for the main club facilities and a portable field sound system for special events.

FIELD LIGHTING ENHANCEMENTS
The LED field lighting solution will enhance on-field light quality and visibility, improve energy efficiency, and take the fan experience to new levels. Custom optics designed around the LEDs will ensure a whiter, more even, and more uniform light distribution, allowing players to see the ball like never before. LED fixtures will direct light with exceptional precision, while virtually eliminating glare from affecting ballpark attendees utilizing Musco’s patented glare control technology.

EXPANDABLE WIRELESS NETWORK
A high-throughput, expandable wireless network is currently in development, aimed at improving operational efficiency and providing a foundation for future fan-focused enhancements.

Uber Displays was the awarded LED manufacturer and installer.
Washington Professional Systems was awarded the audio system integrator.
Musco Lighting was awarded the Field Lighting Contract.
The Wireless Network contract will be awarded in 2025.