Product Categories: LED Display Systems, Integrated Digital and Static Signage, Broadcast Cabling, Broadcast Control Room, Network Infrastructure, Sound Reinforcement System, Distributed Displays (IPTV), LED Sports Lighting, Wi-Fi/DAS.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
As part of a nearly $8 million facility upgrade project in partnership with facility manager ASM Global, Anthony James Partners (AJP) once again enjoyed working in collaboration with the Louisville Arena Authority, KFC Yum! Center and University of Louisville staff to develop cutting-edge technology solutions for the KFC Yum! Center. It took less than 6 months to overhaul the arena’s audio-visual experience. Key targets for the premiere arena were to improve fan experience and increase sponsorship opportunities. The arena is home to the University of Louisville men’s and women’s basketball teams and hosts a variety of other concerts and events throughout the year.
In early 2019, AJP was contracted to survey the arena’s existing AV technology and develop a feasibility study to serve as a roadmap toward future capital and operating expenses. The comprehensive review gave Ownership the tools needed to appropriately phase and budget future technology renovations and enhancements and provided an objective report to support capital funding requests.
CENTER HUNG DESIGN AND LED UPGRADES
KFC Yum! most notable LED upgrade—a customized center hung scoreboard designed by AJP and awarded to ANC for manufacturing and install—features (2) 4mm primary sideline LED video displays (21.8′ x 42.5′), (2) 4mm LED end zone displays (21.8′ x 25.1′) and (2) 2.5mm LED under belly displays (9.1′ x 38.1′) for courtside seats. The high-definition scoreboard is 3X the physical size of its predecessor, with more than double the pixels to maximize true 1080p resolution. Other LED upgrades include 42 vomitory displays capable of synchronizing with the venue’s courtside LED displays, and continuous upper ribbon board that wraps the arena bowl for a fully immersive experience. The turnkey system included production controls, scoring system and software.
SOUND SYSTEM OVERHAUL
The arena sound system received a complete overhaul, with an audio system designed by AJP and awarded to SLC’s Performance Audio with assistance from Louisville-based Sound Ideas, LLC. The upgrade features an Adamson / LabGruppen Linear Array loudspeaker system, Digico FOH and Broadcast consoles, and Qsys processing. A new, fully-redundant digital audio network was installed to deliver audio and control throughout the facility. Meeting rooms were updated with dedicated touchscreen control providing easier set up and enhanced control for users. Flexible interface of the updated Front of House and remote JBT locations will effectively support the requirements of any touring act or special event.
BROADCAST CONTROL ROOM AND CABLING UPGRADES
AJP worked with KFC Yum! Staff to plan and design updated broadcast control systems and broadcast cabling improvements. The addition of SMPTE fiber to each JBT box enables Broadcasters to use true HD quality cameras with a true 1080i signal. Other improvements include a new Switcher, Xpression Studio (graphic generator), and video router all manufactured by Ross, the industry leader in Broadcast technology. A Dreamcatcher replay system, RTS comms, and Hitachi cameras with Ikegami lenses were also added.
INTERNET PROTOCOL TELEVISION (IPTV)
AJP supported with a venue-wide digital media display network solution (Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)) that delivers multiple live content channels to any display in the venue. The solution is built around a computer network structure that can be expanded to accommodate nearly any form of digital media. Fans now enjoy dynamic content on over 400 large LCD screens in the suites, concession, concourse, and club areas.
LED SPORTS LIGHTING
Scope included a performance specification, financial modeling, procurement, and construction administration for LED Sports Lighting, including a refresh of work lights and DMX control. The new lighting system correlates with current industry standards, improved operability, and significantly reduced energy consumption.
HIGH-DENSITY WI-FI / DAS
High-density Wi-Fi solution for fan engagement, back of house and operational coverage.
“The upgrades are part of a much larger capital improvement plan to allow the KFC Yum! Center to maintain the physical amenities that make us one of the best arenas in the nation,” said KFC Yum! Center General Manager Eric Granger. “Every one of these projects is important to help ASM Global and the Louisville Arena Authority achieve our goal of exceeding our client’s and customer’s expectations and providing the most optimal experience inside the arena. Improved quality and added audiovisual technology provides numerous opportunities to feature robust and entertaining in-event content for the University of Louisville and other event producers at the arena.”
“We are excited for our fans to experience the new video board and other upgrades, and equally excited for our sponsors to see the advantages new technology avails them as well,” said University of Louisville Athletic Director Vince Tyra. “The enhancements continue to keep a top notch arena at the very top. As the primary tenant, we appreciate AEG collaborating with our staff on the best outcome for all users of the arena.”
www.bizjournals.com
September 9, 2019
WHY THESE YUM CENTER UPGRADES WILL IMPROVE THE FAN EXPERIENCE
The KFC Yum Center has made some venue upgrades that officials said will make the fan experience more enjoyable and memorable.
The downtown Louisville arena recently wrapped up two projects that enhance the lighting throughout the Yum Center while also updating hundreds of digital screens inside the facility to provide advertisers more options and guests better picture clarity.
AEG, the Los Angeles-based manager of the Yum Center, and the Louisville Arena Authority worked with Iowa-based Musco Sports Lighting to replace the existing lighting package with a new LED sports lighting upgrade that arena officials said maximizes comfort and minimizes glare during an event. Limiting glare is important for both performers and athletes as well as the fans and photographers who are trying to capture photographs during events.
Arena officials also said the new system is more efficient as it can be shut off and turned on instantaneously. The previous lighting system took up to 15 minutes to reach full brightness.
As part of the project, the Yum Center replaced 184 high-intensity discharge, or HID, lamps with 116 LED fixtures.
In addition to an overall aesthetic improvement, Sandra Moran, marketing director for the Yum Center, said the new lighting system offers a 50 percent energy savings compared to the old system and also will save the arena 50 percent in equipment costs long term.
“The new system will pay for itself,” she said.
The Yum Center also has boosted its Internet Protocol television (IPTV) network, which is the delivery of television content over IP networks.
The arena worked with California tech companies Cisco Systems Inc. and Trace3 to replace 248 digital television displays with larger screens throughout the Yum Center, while also adding 16 75-inch vertical screens on the main concourse.
