Anthony James Partners Supports Technology Modernization at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center
Technology planning, design, procurement support, and construction administration for comprehensive video display and audio upgrades
COLUMBUS, OH — Anthony James Partners (AJP), a technology consulting firm specializing in sports and entertainment venue systems, is providing design, procurement, and construction administration services to support a comprehensive technology modernization at Ohio State University’s Jerome Schottenstein Center. The project includes upgrades to the arena’s video display systems and a recently completed audio system renovation designed to enhance fan engagement and support the venue’s diverse event schedule.
“We’ve seen how electric the atmosphere at the Schottenstein Center can be,” Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President & Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Director of Athletics, said. “The last two men’s basketball games last year, the Michigan series for men’s hockey and the NCAA Tournament games for women basketball were prime examples a great environment for the fans and the athletes and we want to continue to build on those experiences. The enhancements to the video boards will deliver sharper visuals, allow for more dynamic content, and provide greater connectivity to the action. We want the fans to feel immersed in every moment, from the time they walk in the door until end of the game.”
LED DISPLAY SYSTEM UPGRADES
The project includes a new center-hung display system featuring four high-resolution 3.7mm LED display faces configured in a continuous convex design, integrated underbelly displays, four corner displays, a continuous 360-degree ribbon display, and 43 upper and lower vomitory displays located throughout the arena. Together, the upgrades provide more than 7,200 square feet of LED display technology and nearly 64 million pixels throughout the venue.
Anthony James Partners (AJP), working alongside Osborn Engineering, was selected by Ohio State in 2025 to lead the planning, design, procurement, and implementation oversight for the project. Daktronics was later selected as the LED display manufacturer and installation vendor.
The new center-hung replaces a display installed in 2006 that featured four 16-foot by 9-foot video displays. The new design increases the primary display area from approximately 576 square feet to more than 1,900 square feet (a 234% increase) while delivering more than 2.5 times the pixel density through 3.7mm LED technology.
Integrated into the center-hung are two high-resolution underbelly displays that provide enhanced viewing opportunities for guests seated directly beneath the structure. Four corner displays measuring nearly 38 feet wide by 12 feet tall further expand visibility throughout the seating bowl.
A continuous ribbon display extends approximately 951 linear feet around the arena, complemented by 43 upper and lower vomitory displays that enhance communications, event presentation, and sponsorship opportunities throughout the venue.
“We’ve had the opportunity to work with Ohio State on technology initiatives for many years, and we’re grateful for the trust they continue to place in our team,” said Dave Watroba, Managing Director at Anthony James Partners. “The most successful projects begin long before equipment is purchased. Understanding the client’s objectives and developing the right strategy at the outset is often what determines a project’s success. The Schottenstein Center modernization is a great example of that process in action.”
Installation of the LED Displays is scheduled to be completed by September 2026 ahead of the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons.
AUDIO SYSTEM UPGRADE
The Schottenstein Center audio system upgrade replaced the original 27-year-old sound system with a modern performance-driven design that includes new line arrays, a new back-of-house system, mixing console, and support infrastructure located 135 feet above the court.
The audio modernization was designed by Anthony James Partners and integrated by C.V. Lloyde Audiovisual. AJP’s scope included electro-acoustic modeling, public address, sound reinforcement, back-of-house audio systems, commissioning, and tuning oversight.
The system was specifically engineered to support the full range of events hosted at the Schottenstein Center, including Ohio State men’s and women’s basketball, men’s ice hockey, concerts, family shows, commencement ceremonies, and special events.
