As Padres fans returned to Petco Park in San Diego, California this spring to cheer on their team, they experienced a new SMD (surface mount device) LED video display that was designed, manufactured, and installed by Daktronics. Fans also received an earful as Daktronics enhanced the Padres audio distribution system by adding and replacing 226 speakers throughout the facility.
“As we celebrate ten years of Petco Park this season, our ownership group has committed to a multi-year plan to make major upgrades and improvements that will ensure this ballpark remains one of the best venues in professional sports,” said Padres SVP/Chief Marketing Officer Wayne Partello. “The new Sony/Daktronics video board at Park at the Park and the overhauled sound system throughout the ballpark were two of the first major projects in this plan, and we could not be happier with the results.
“We know this technology has greatly improved the fan experience at Petco Park because we’ve heard it directly from our fans.”
The video display is located directly outside of center field and faces the grassy area known as the Park at the Park, a different seating option for all ages of Padres fans that simulates taking a family trip to a local park. This display features 10 millimeter line spacing and measures approximately 17 feet high-by-29 feet wide to provide crisp, clear imagery. It will keep fans at the Park up to date on all of the action with live video, replays, stats, and more.
“The upgraded display enhances the unique experience for those watching from the Park at the Park,” said Robin Hall, Daktronics sales representative. “Daktronics is proud to build on our long-standing partnership with the San Diego Padres and Petco Park.”
The second part of the installation is Daktronics largest-ever audio project which includes a total of 226 individual speakers covering the upper and lower bowl, concourses and three new restaurant systems. Due to pre-existing aging control systems, this project required reprogramming 200 amplifiers and 12 processors from the ground up. The result is a top-notch audio experience with a more intuitive user interface and overall functionality allowing for easier operation and monitoring.
“We initially tested all of the park’s existing speakers and amplifiers for this project,” said Dean Dodge, Daktronics audio regional manager. “In total, 226 speakers needed to be added or replaced. The majority had to be installed using scaffolding that needed to be moved from location to location for each speaker.
“It was a time consuming process but the results are phenomenal.”
