When Baylor University football fans head to McLane Stadium this autumn, they will be greeted by seven new LED displays from Daktronics, of Brookings, South Dakota, including a higher-resolution main video display, as well as a backside display to appeal to fans outside the stadium.
These two end zone displays combine for more than 8,000 square feet of digital space. The installation includes an auxiliary video display, two ribbon displays and two field level displays.
The main video display will measure 47ft high by 107ft wide and it will improve in resolution from a 15HD pixel layout to a 10mm line spacing for improved image quality to fans throughout the stadium. The auxiliary video display at the north end of the stadium will measure 10ft high by 49ft wide to provide fans with additional stats and scores from around the country. This display also features a 10mm pixel spacing.
These video displays are capable of variable content zoning allowing them to share all the engaging and immersive content fans expect from live sporting events. This includes the ability to show one large image, or for each display to show multiple zones of content, including live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute statistics and game information, graphics and animations, and sponsorship messages.
On the backside of the main video display, McLane Stadium will feature a display measuring 38ft high by 80ft wide and featuring 10mm pixel spacing. This display can connect with fans as they arrive at the stadium and spend time outside the venue before kickoff. It can brand the experience the moment fans arrive, keep them updated on the timing of the events happening inside the stadium, and bring updates and sponsorship opportunities to Baylor’s valued audiences.
Providing the opportunity to supplement creative content shown on the main video displays, two ribbon displays and two field-level displays will be upgraded at McLane Stadium. All four of these displays will feature 10mm pixel spacings for crisp, clear imagery and wide-angle visibility.
Long, narrow displays will be installed along the seating fascia on the east and west sides of the field. The east ribbon display will measure approximately 3.5ft high by 631ft wide, while the west ribbon display will measure 3.5ft high by 608.5ft wide.
At field level, two displays will measure 5ft high by 30ft wide. These displays also allow for flexibility to highlight sponsors throughout events, while bringing coordinated content to the game day experience.
Locker room clocks and delay of game clocks round out the equipment being installed at the stadium to provide everything needed for a seamless game day production.
Daktronics is also including a complete Show Control solution. This control system provides a combination of display control software, video processing, data integration and playback hardware that forms a production solution. In addition to the equipment installation, Baylor also received a digital content package to be produced and delivered by Daktronics Creative Services.
The installation at McLane Stadium comes on the heels of the Bears upgrading the experience for baseball fans at Baylor Ballpark with a new outfield video display. With the same capabilities as the football video display, baseball received a 23ft-high by 68.5ft-wide display featuring a 13HD pixel layout. The installation at Baylor Ballpark was completed early in 2024 ahead of the first pitch of the Bears season.
Speaking about the new football installation, Mack Rhoades, vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, said: “This is going to be a great addition to the fan experience at McLane Stadium. These new elements are going to enhance one of the best stadiums in college football.”
He added: “Beyond the increased resolution to the main video board and ribbon board displays, I’m excited about the backside display and what our tailgating fans can experience from the Brazos River and the plaza, furthering what a unique venue we provide at McLane Stadium. We are thankful for our university partners, and our partnership with Playfly and Daktronics, in helping us get this set for the 2024 season.”
Jovan Overshown, deputy AD and chief revenue officer, commented: “Our team has been working hard on making this a reality and we are thrilled to be able to showcase this improvement to our fans this upcoming season. The new backside video display will help keep our fans apprised of the timeline and events in the stadium during pregame from the Brazos River and the plaza.”
He added: “The new video display at the north end of the stadium will help elevate the in-venue experience as we continue to enhance what is one of the best atmospheres in college football.”
Brandon DeSmet, sales representative, Daktronics, said: “This display upgrade will bring the fan experience to life in exciting new ways for Baylor University. We’re honoured to continue our partnership with the school and their team as we remain the LED display provider for McLane Stadium.”
