COLUMBUS, OH—Nationwide Arena, home to the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, continued a digital signage upgrade, recently adding more than 50 LED displays throughout the venue. All new video technology was provided by SNA Displays.
“Nationwide Arena, host to world-class events since 2000, is in need of major renovations, and the digital displays that SNA Displays installed helps provide a more modern-looking venue to our guests and players alike,” said Derek Smith, general manager for Nationwide Arena. “Having all digital assets within the bowl and above our entry doors contributes to an enhanced guest experience that is common in new arenas. Our team tunnel is the best in sports and allows us greater flexibility with messaging and content. We are extremely happy with the process in working with SNA on design along with AJP and OSPORTS, and the end result is the collaborative effort of a great team on this important project.”
As part of the enhancements, SNA Displays retrofitted dozens of static signs with BOLD™ Interior and BRILLIANT™ Interior video displays throughout the arena’s bowl. The program also included new LED signage for various internal rooms and corridors throughout the arena, as well as several EMPIRE™ Exterior LED displays at the venue’s east and west entrances.
Owner-representative Anthony James Partners (AJP) provided consultation services during each phase of the project, selecting SNA Displays to provide the LED display systems.
“The recent technology upgrades to Nationwide Arena have been transformative,” said David Watroba, AJP’s managing director. “The new LED signage looks great, ups the excitement, and has created additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities. At the same time, the new LED is helping on a functional level, with assets like fine-pitch exterior digital signage effectively directing fans to proper queuing lines as they enter the facility. It was a pleasure for us to work with both SNA Displays and the Columbus Blue Jackets on another great project.”
One feature of the refresh is a custom, three-faced display known as the “waterfall.” The display system is located in the home player tunnel and includes two 9-foot-tall screens that meet at a corner, joining an 11-foot ceiling display that extends across the hall, making the custom setup ideal for 3D and anamorphic creative content.
Other highlights include removeable displays for both player tunnels where players exit the ice, as well as a wall-mounted, slim-profile LED screen used as a backdrop for press briefings.
“Coordinating specifications and logistics for dozens of LED assets of various sizes and pitches was a massive undertaking,” said Mikell Senger, a senior project manager for SNA Displays. “I’m proud of the work our team accomplished. Nationwide Arena has really done a nice job of upgrading the digital signage experience for fans, players, and staff. This is a great venue.”
Nationwide Arena LED Video Assets (Phase 2)
| Display/Location (Qty) | Pixel Pitch | Product Series |
| Waterfall Home Player Tunnel | 1.5 mm | BRILLIANT™ Interior |
| Press Room | 1.5 mm | BRILLIANT™ Interior |
| West Endzone Ribbon (4, staggered) | 10 mm | BOLD™ Interior |
| Party Tower Lower Fan Zone (2) | 10 mm | BOLD™ Interior |
| Lower Vomitories (19) | 4 mm | BOLD™ Interior |
| Upper Vomitories (18) | 4 mm | BOLD™ Interior |
| Player Tunnel Entrances (2) | 4 mm | BOLD™ Interior |
| Zamboni Entrance | 4 mm | BOLD™ Interior |
| West Arena Entrances (2) | 3.9 mm | EMPIRE™ Exterior |
| East Arena Entrances (3) | 3.9 mm | EMPIRE™ Exterior |
The new enhancements constitute the second phase of recent LED display upgrades for Nationwide Arena. In 2021, SNA Displays built and installed a cutting-edge mini LED center hung in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ player locker room as part of a major renovation also designed by Anthony James Partners.
American Interstate Signcrafters and SoundCom provided installation services, and ~sedna provided a new content management system and media server for the refresh.
About SNA Displays
SNA Displays brings creative visions to life by building high-end digital displays as vivid and dynamic as the imagination. SNA Displays employs a team of SNAPros™—engineers, skilled project managers, systems experts, installation managers, and support staff—whose mission is total project satisfaction.
SNA Displays is headquartered in Times Square and has worked with clients to design and build some of the largest and most recognizable digital spectaculars in the world. Discover how Dreams Live Digitally® at snadisplays.com.
About Anthony James Partners
Anthony James Partners (AJP) is an industry-leading Owner’s Representative and Technology Consultant that specializes in large-scale technology design and acquisition. A majority-owned subsidiary of the world’s leading producer of entertainment experience, ASM Global, AJP works with top professional sports teams, college campuses and facility managers across North America and Europe. Key services include facility audit, strategic planning, design, financial modeling, procurement, and construction oversight. Technology disciplines include LED Displays, broadcast, audio, network, infrastructure cabling, DAS/Wi-Fi, event and specialty show lighting, digital signage, and more. anthonyjamespartners.com
About Nationwide Arena
Nationwide Arena – home of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets – is a multi-purpose entertainment facility. The flexible venue hosts concerts, family shows, ice shows, NCAA Championships, flat shows, and corporate meetings. Located on the corner of Nationwide Boulevard and Front Street in downtown Columbus, Nationwide Arena is the centerpiece of the downtown Arena District featuring an exciting mixture of restaurants, business, entertainment, and residential space that attracts visitors from across the country. To learn more or see the events calendar, go to nationwidearena.com.