Comcast Spectacor, which operates Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center, has announced that the arena is to be fitted with what it claims is the world’s first Kinetic 4K centre-hung scoreboard.
Wells Fargo Center is the home of NHL ice hockey franchise the Philadelphia Flyers and NBA basketball team the Philadelphia 76ers. The state-of-the-art new scoreboard will be fitted in time for the start of both teams’ 2019-20 seasons.
The system, which is currently in development, will feature 65 per cent more LED screen real estate than Wells Fargo Center’s current model. The display will be complemented by two massive crown trusses, which have been designed to enhance the fan experience through multi-directional movement.
Comcast Spectacor said the system, when fully expanded and combined with the crown trusses, will feature the most square feet of centre-hung 4mm LED video technology in an arena that hosts both NBA and NHL games. The system will feature more than 6,600 square feet of 4mm LED video technology.
Comcast Spectacor has partnered with video display specialist ANC on the project.
Valerie Camillo, president of business operations for the Flyers and Wells Fargo Center, said: “Comcast Spectacor is proud to highlight the next phase of the Wells Fargo Center’s ‘Transformation 2020’ initiative with the first Kinetic 4K centre-hung ever to be installed in a professional sports venue.
“Together with technology partners like ANC and Comcast, the Wells Fargo Center continues to innovate and further our commitment to be the most technologically advanced arena in the world.”
Comcast and ANC have worked with concert specialists TAIT and Mitsubishi Electric Power Products’ Diamond Vision System Division to create the custom-designed system.
“With revolutionary Kinetic 4K technology, this new centre-hung entertainment system will usher in a new era for how venue technology will be designed in the future,” Jerry Cifarelli, founder and vice-chairman at ANC, said.
“ANC is proud to partner with Comcast Spectacor and TAIT on this iconic project and we look forward to future collaborations.”
The truss technology package will incorporate theatrical lighting and will highlight pre-game shows, intermission activities and half-time entertainment. The trusses can appear as part of the overall centre-hung during game play but can also be converted into separate entertainment displays with real-time movement and a next-generation light show.
Wells Fargo Center’s multi-year ‘Transformation 2020’ initiative is a $250m (£194m/€221m) project that began in 2017. Comcast Spectacor said the new system is a headliner of the next phase of the initiative, with more details to be announced over the coming weeks.
Wells Fargo Center also hosts music concerts and other events, and in 2018 it sold more than 800,000 tickets – its busiest year to date.
Image: Comcast Spectacor
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