Anthony James Partners (AJP) served as Technology Consultant for Northwestern University’s $850 million redevelopment of Ryan Field, leading the planning, design, procurement and implementation oversight of the stadium’s broadcast production and LED display systems.
AJP worked with Northwestern and the project team, including Ryan Sports Development, Eleven Project Management, Thornton Tomasetti, CAA ICON, HNTB, Perkins&Will, Turner Construction Company and Walsh Construction, from the early stages of stadium technology planning. AJP developed the broadcast and LED systems while coordinating the architectural, structural, infrastructure and building requirements necessary to integrate the technology throughout the venue.
The project continues AJP’s longstanding work with Northwestern Athletics. In 2014, AJP designed and managed the implementation of the LED display system at the original Ryan Field, and the firm returned as Technology Consultant for the complete redevelopment of the stadium.
BROADCAST PRODUCTION SYSTEM
At the center of the broadcast program is a 1080p / 3G production control room, designed alongside the camera systems, broadcast positions and supporting technology infrastructure to support game-day production throughout Ryan Field.
The production environment incorporates Grass Valley cameras and production switching, Evertz routing and replay technology, Ross Video display control and graphics integration, and a comprehensive wireless camera system. The production system was developed not only for Ryan Field operations, but with the ability to support broader production and videoboard operations across Northwestern Athletics over time.
ZTransform was awarded the broadcast systems integration package.
LED DISPLAY PROGRAM
AJP designed and managed the procurement of the stadium’s comprehensive LED display program, beginning with extensive modeling, placement studies and sightline analysis to integrate the displays into the architecture of the venue.
The program includes more than 7,000 square feet of LED video technology, anchored by two 45-foot-high by 100-foot-wide, 8 mm end-zone displays. More than 2,400 linear feet of LED ribbon extends throughout the stadium, including a nearly 1,200-foot mid-bowl display that follows the upper concourse and an additional 1,270 linear feet of ribbon displays.
Additional displays include a 1.2 mm outdoor LED display measuring approximately 9 feet high by 24 feet wide in the North Great Hall, along with multiple displays integrated into the stadium vomitories. The overall video package also includes approximately 275 indoor and outdoor televisions and 50 play clocks and locker room clocks.
AJP worked with the project team from early concept development through detailed design and procurement, evaluating display dimensions, viewing angles, content presentation and integration with broadcast and game-production operations. The work also required detailed coordination of display locations, mounting and support conditions, concrete embeds, guardrails, MEP requirements and other interfaces between the technology systems and the building.
SNA Displays was awarded the LED display package.
INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY DESIGN
Rather than approaching the videoboards and broadcast control room as independent systems, the Ryan Field technology program was developed around the relationship between the venue’s production infrastructure and the displays it drives.
The control room, camera systems and LED display infrastructure were designed together to support live game presentation, in-venue content and broadcast production while providing the flexibility for Northwestern Athletics to expand its production model over time.
AJP also led the competitive procurement process for the Ryan Field technology systems, developing technical specifications, managing vendor proposals and interviews, and supporting Northwestern through final selection and implementation.
The Ryan Field project is one component of AJP’s broader technology work with Northwestern Athletics. AJP has also worked with the University to evaluate its existing broadcast infrastructure and develop a long-term technology roadmap addressing production needs across multiple athletic venues.
“We’re grateful to Pat Ryan (Ryan Sports Development), Kacie Renc (Eleven Project Management), and everyone at Northwestern for including us in such an important project for a historic program,” said Michael Rowe, CEO of Anthony James Partners. “It’s great to see a collegiate venue leading rather than following what professional stadiums are doing. They took a different approach from the beginning. Pat was personally engaged in the technology decisions, did the research and challenged the team to think beyond what had traditionally been done at the collegiate level. They bucked trends, thought outside the box and were committed to delivering a professional stadium experience. The result is one of the best display and production environments in collegiate sports.
“I think Ryan Field will establish a new benchmark and have an impact on both the collegiate and professional markets. We also appreciate being welcomed as part of the team, collaborating with Thornton Tomasetti, CAA ICON, HNTB, Perkins&Will, Turner Construction Company, Walsh Construction and the entire team that helped bring it together.”
