Anthony James Partners (AJP) served as Technology Consultant to Illinois Athletics for a major stadium-wide technology modernization at Gies Memorial Stadium, providing planning, design, procurement and construction administration for new LED displays, audio, broadcast and high-density Wi-Fi systems. AJP began the program with a comprehensive evaluation of the stadium’s existing technology infrastructure to identify needs, establish priorities and develop a long-term technology roadmap. The resulting improvements modernized critical venue systems while creating an integrated technology platform designed to support the fan experience, game presentation, broadcast operations and future technology needs.
LARGEST SCOREBOARD IN COLLEGE SPORTS
The centerpiece of the LED program is a new South End Zone videoboard measuring approximately 69 feet high by 250 feet wide, with more than 17,300 square feet of active display area. AJP designed the supporting structure and managed the structural engineering process handled by LBYD Engineers. Featuring a 10-millimeter pixel pitch and approximately 16.1 million pixels, the display provides nearly 195 percent greater resolution than the previous videoboard and has the highest absolute pixel count and largest physical footprint of any primary scoreboard in college sports. The stadium-wide LED program encompasses 16 displays and more than 26,700 square feet of LED technology, including the South End Zone videoboard, ribbon displays, auxiliary displays and additional LED elements throughout the venue.
STADIUM AUDIO
AJP designed a complete replacement of the stadium’s sound reinforcement system to provide exceptional speech intelligibility, powerful full-range sound and consistent coverage throughout the Stadium. Integrated with the videoboard, the primay system features a large-scale point-source array using Fulcrum Acoustic AHS digitally steerable loudspeaker technology. A distributed loudspeaker network supplements the main system in under-deck and acoustically shadowed seating areas, with the systems time-aligned to provide consistent and intelligible sound throughout the stadium. The audio modernization also includes new systems serving concourses, support areas and stadium grounds, along with portable field systems supporting pregame activities, ceremonies and special events. A dedicated HVAC-conditioned technical room within the videoboard structure protects amplification, processing and other critical electronics from environmental conditions.
BROADCAST SYSTEMS
AJP planned and designed a multi-phase modernization of Illinois Athletics’ broadcast production and stadium infrastructure. The production control room was completely redesigned and rebuilt, transitioning from legacy 3G baseband technology to a SMPTE ST 2110 IP-based architecture and upgrading production from 1080i to 1080p. The new infrastructure also establishes a pathway to future 4K production without requiring another fundamental rebuild of the underlying production environment. Stadium broadcast infrastructure improvements included new broadcast cabling throughout Gies Memorial Stadium and rebuilt television broadcast interface panels at the truck dock, modernizing connectivity between the stadium and television production trucks.
Together, the improvements provide Illinois Athletics with a modern production environment capable of supporting expanded video capabilities and evolving broadcast requirements.
HIGH DENSITY WI-FI
AJP planned and designed a high-density wireless program incorporating a greenfield deployment across approximately 90 percent of Gies Memorial Stadium and surrounding spaces, together with upgrades to existing premium and back-of-house coverage. The seating bowl solution includes approximately 900 under-seat access points housed in environmental enclosures to provide high-density wireless coverage throughout the venue. Supporting infrastructure includes miles of new conduit pathways, single-mode fiber optic and category cabling, surface-mounted track and seven new intermediate distribution frames (IDFs), including the electrical and environmental infrastructure required to support the network equipment. The system uses Aruba Wi-Fi 7 technology designed to accommodate the connectivity demands of a modern, high-density stadium environment. The design and implementation required extensive coordination with the historic stadium structure and existing conditions.
AJP SCOPE OF SERVICES
Technology Planning & Assessment
LED Display System Design
Videoboard Structural Design & Engineering Coordination
Stadium Audio System Design
Broadcast & Production Systems Design
High-Density Wi-Fi Planning & Design
Technology Infrastructure & Pathway Design
Procurement & Bid Management
Construction Administration
System Testing & Commissioning
