Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) basketball and volleyball fans will experience a new kind of game day with the help of the new centerhung LED video display installation at the Stuart C. Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia, coming at the end of this summer. The video display system will be manufactured and installed by Daktronics Inc. of Brookings, S.D.
“The experience we have had with Daktronics from day one has been wonderful and seamless,” said Senior Associate Athletic Director Tim Lampe. “The entire project could not have been more professionally managed, especially as we integrate a new Daktronics sound system with the centerhung display and ribbon board.
“I have worked with Daktronics for many years on various projects and have established very high expectations from Daktronics; however, I continue to be amazed at their level of knowledge, caring, and efficiency surrounding each project as well as the outstanding quality of the equipment and service.”
The Siegel Center will be updating their arena’s current video display with a centerhung and bottom ring display. The centerhung will include four LED video displays, all featuring 10 millimeter line spacing and measuring approximately 11.5 feet high-by-15.5 wide. The bottom ring display also features 10 millimeter line spacing and will measure 2 feet high-by-15.5 feet wide in circumference.
The four main video displays incorporate the latest technology to provide excellent image clarity and contrast for enhanced viewing of everything shown on the display, which can include live video, instant replays, graphics and animations, up-to-the-minute statistics, scoring information, and sponsorship messages.
The centerhung and ring display will be suspended over the court and can be raised and lowered using a custom-designed, permanently-installed hoist system from Daktronics. This system, which incorporates the latest in hoisting technology and safety, will be used to support the display at varying elevations depending on the arena’s needs.
The arena will also feature one ribbon display that incorporates 10 millimeter line spacing and measures approximately 2.5 feet high-by-136 feet wide. This display will provide the opportunity to further showcase sponsors throughout events as well as providing additional statistics and game information.
Along with the video displays, the Siegel Center will also receive a custom arena sound system, content package, and Show Control system.
The arena’s custom audio system will be integrated with the video and scoring and system. The system will provide full-range sound reproduction, will deliver clear and intelligible speech, and will be able to provide a powerful and high-quality audio experience for fans.
“We are always looking for ways to improve the experience for our student athletes, fans, and community members, and I think the addition of the new sound system, centerhung display, and ribbon board will greatly enhance these experiences,” said Lampe. “The addition of these new amenities will also help drive more business to our arena, which helps increase the visibility of Virginia Commonwealth University.”
The Siegel Center will also receive a bank of hours for the creation of digital content to be produced and delivered by Daktronics Creative Services. This content will consist of any mixture of sponsorship messages, crowd prompts, headshots, game opens and venue announcements at the request of the university.
Daktronics Show Control system provides a combination of display control software, world-class video processing, data integration and playback hardware that forms a user-friendly production solution.
“Daktronics is excited to be part of the Siegel Center project,” said Daktronics Region Manager Charley Bocklet. “It has been an absolute privilege to work with the VCU staff. We look forward to seeing and hearing the results of the new video displays and sound system. These enhancements to the Siegel Center are sure to provide Ram fans an awesome game experience.”
Daktronics LED video and messaging display technology offers a long lifetime with minimal maintenance and low power consumption, providing value and excitement for years to come.
