Features

Columbus Crew engages Daktronics as stadium opening date set

Audiovisual systems company Daktronics has partnered with Columbus Crew to design, manufacture and install six LED displays at the Major League Soccer team’s new stadium, which will open on July 3.

The displays span more than 8,700 square feet and will look to enhance the fan experience at the 20,000-seat stadium.

Two main video boards have been installed in the northeast and southeast corners of the stadium. The northeast display measures 25 feet high by 44.5 feet wide and the southeast display is 25 feet high by 108 feet high. Both displays will feature 13HD pixel layouts.

Ribbon displays have also been fitted on each side of the stadium’s seating fascia, with the east ribbon measuring 2.5 feet high by 408 feet wide and the west ribbon measuring 2.5 feet high by 270 feet wide.

Other installations include a perimeter LED display to bring graphics and branding messages closer to the field and a feature video display in the main plaza of the stadium.

Additionally, Columbus Crew will receive a content package that will be produced and delivered by Daktronics Creative Services. The company will also include its Show Control solution with the installation.

Steve Lyons, executive vice-president and chief business officer at Columbus Crew, said: “Daktronics’ state-of-the-art LED screens will provide our supporters with engaging and interactive match content and help elevate the match-day experience at our new stadium, creating a true home-field advantage for our team.”

Daryl Mihal, regional sales manager for Daktronics, added: “The new stadium is phenomenal and we’re excited to be a part of bringing it all together for the team and their fans. The layout will give fans a great view of the action both on the field and on the video boards at every event.”

It was confirmed yesterday (Wednesday) that the Crew will play its first game at its new stadium on July 3 against the New England Revolution. The stadium will replace Mapfre Stadium as the Crew’s new home, with the latter having opened in 1999 as the first soccer-specific venue in MLS.

New Crew Stadium is one of three new MLS stadiums that will open in the coming months. It was also confirmed yesterday that West End Stadium, the new home of FC Cincinnati, will stage its first game against Inter Miami CF on May 16, while newly-formed franchise Austin FC will debut at Q2 Stadium against the San Jose Earthquakes on June 19 after beginning its inaugural season with seven consecutive away games.

Ahead of its debut season, Austin FC has agreed a deal for Lexus to become the club’s official luxury vehicle. The deal will grant the Austin Lexus Dealership Association exclusive entitlement of Lexus Club, the 11,000-square-foot premium hospitality area on the west side of Q2 Stadium.

Lexus will also receive prominent integrations during regular-season matches and host pre-match fan activations. The company’s latest models will also be showcased outside the VIP entrance in the southwest corner of the stadium.

Elsewhere in MLS, wireless infrastructure firm Mobilitie has agreed a deal to bring 5G connectivity to Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas.

The network will feature DAS and DRAN layers to provide high-speed coverage and capacity for all areas of the 20,500-seat stadium, including the stands, suites and concourse as well as the tailgating area.

The new MLS season gets underway on April 16.

Image: Columbus Crew/Daktronics