Daktronics LED system installed at Baku Olympic Stadium in time for recent European Games
The installation of a new Daktronics’ LED super-system at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, was completed by the company and operational in time for the first European Games that recently took place. This, in addition to an existing Daktronics installation at Azerbaijan’s National Gymnastics Arena – also in Baku and an event venue at the European Games – positioned Daktronics as the chosen HD video infrastructure provider at two of the three permanently-installed national stadia intended for long-range future use in the region.
The Daktronics displays for both National arenas were supplied directly from the 100,000 sqm manufacturing facility at Daktronics South Dakota HQ in the US. The installation was supervised directly onsite by one of Daktronics’ highly-skilled installation engineers, who shared best practice and experience with the client on how best to utilise the installed equipment for big events. Daktronics ships to 120 countries and has 16 branches conveniently located for consultancy and service across the globe.
At the Baku Stadium, the system comprised two outdoor video displays featuring a 15HD pixel layout, positioned one each end of the arena field, each measuring 10.97m high by 19.75m wide. These displays provide full-screen live video and instant replays and can also be divided into separate windows to show additional statistics, animations, graphics and sponsor messages.
During the Opening Ceremony of the inaugural European Games the video boards were utilised to display the broadcast content television viewers would experience at home, to the attendee audience in the stadium. During the Games, the stadium hosted the track and field amongst other events and the Daktronics displays exhibited crucial in-event timings, sponsored by Tissot.
The system is completed by a pitch perimeter display measuring 0.71 metres high by 300 metres wide with 10 millimetre line spacing installed around the edge of the field; and a ribbon display installed on the fascia of the seating area. The ribbon can supplement content shown on the main video displays or provide additional space to highlight sponsors, show crowd prompts or keep stadium attendees abreast of relevant game information. It provides a 20-line spacing and measures 1.1 metre high by 691.65 metres wide. During the Opening Ceremony the ribbon functioned in yet another of its modes providing all-important architectural lighting effect.
Mustafa Parapan, project manager for the Anel Group, commented: “We knew our client wanted a world-class product for their world-class stadium. Daktronics understood the project requirements and with their proven experience in the industry were able to meet our expectations and deliver an exceptional product. The Daktronics team provided on-site installation supervision and project management throughout the installation period. Daktronics have since supported the first event at the stadium, the European Olympic Games, through technical operatives being present for the duration and training our staff. Overall, we are extremely pleased with the experience that Daktronics delivered, the displays looked great during the games and brought additional entertainment to the fans.”
At the National Gymnastics Arena, a Daktronics quad-faceted centre-hung display system services the viewing expectations for the auditorium seating. The four directional displays each measure 3.17 metres high by 6.02 metres wide and support full-screen live video, instant replays and can also be divided into separate windows to show additional statistics, animations, graphics and sponsor messages.
The displays at the National Gymnastics Arena, as at Baku Stadium, can be used individually or synchronised all together at the same time for a moment of exclusivity, commonly used to highlight an exciting moment during the event or to provide premium exposure for sponsors.
Daktronics’ regional manager, Ewan Prentice, commented: “We are honoured that Daktronics is so permanently represented at Baku. They wanted top quality equipment to bring the best in game enhancement to their national sporting events and clearly wanted longevity and quality of product.”