SNA Displays has provided 15,000sqft of LED video display technology as part of a major digital upgrade to Michigan State University’s Spartan Stadium, which hosts American football games. The project includes a significantly larger main videoboard at the south end zone, twin video displays and a 450ft curved fascia screen at the north end, and multiple field-level ribbon boards
The installation deploys SNA Displays’ 10mm EMPIRE Exterior LED product, which the company says was selected for its suitability in large-scale outdoor sports venues.
The new south videoboard now measures 47ft high by 132ft wide (1,440 x 4,032 pixels), increasing its size by around 1,000sqft. At the opposite end, a 10ft-tall fascia display runs the full width of the north stands, linking two 31ft 6in x 52ft 6in videoboards (960 x 1,600 pixels) in the northeast and northwest corners.
Three additional LED ribbon boards were installed at field level: one 5ft 6in x 94ft 6in (168 x 2,880 pixels) board at the south end, and two smaller 3ft 11in x 38ft 10in (120 x 1,184 pixels) boards at the north end.
Technology consultant Anthony James Partners (AJP) supported the university with design, procurement, and construction oversight, while Eastern Sign Tech handled the physical installation and signage.
The new LED system is integrated into a centralised broadcast production facility that services Spartan Stadium, as well as two other sports venues at the university, the Breslin Center, and Munn Ice Arena. The facility enables 1080p video delivery across all three venues and is designed to support future upgrades.
Stew Ives, vice president of products and solutions at SNA Displays, said: “Scalability considerations during the planning stages of the Spartans’ broadcast facility was paramount given the fact that future venue enhancements would use the same frame. Working with AJP and Michigan State, we were able to support legacy technology while transitioning to new systems, ensure the backend system had the capacity for future upgrades, and then ultimately fulfill that capacity with state-of-the-art technology. Our solutions architects specified a CMS that maximises broadcast capability and makes for a very efficient I/O count.”
Jeremy Lomax, senior project manager at AJP, added: “Like every project, there were challenges along the way, but the upgrades were ready in time for opening day. We’re very pleased with how the project turned out and are always proud to partner with MSU. SNA Displays did a great job managing the installation, and their team was consistently well-prepared and on top of the project.”
The stadium upgrade follows a similar SNA Displays and AJP collaboration at the university’s Breslin Center basketball arena.
