MINNESOTA WILD TO PARTNER WITH DAKTRONICS TO PROVIDE TECHNOLOGY RENOVATION AT XCEL ENERGY CENTER
NEW HD VIDEO DISPLAY IN MAIN SCOREBOARD WILL BE CENTERPIECE OF PROJECT
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The National Hockey League's (NHL) Minnesota Wild announced today it has partnered with Daktronics (Nasdaq – DAKT) of Brookings, S.D. and Redwood Falls, Minn., to manufacture and install a comprehensive technology upgrade at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn., that will include a new custom HD LED center-hung video board.
"Daktronics is a proven leader in this industry and we are confident and really excited about adding these new technologies and what they will mean for in-arena opportunities," said Matt Majka, Minnesota Wild Chief Operating Officer. "We want to enhance our home ice advantage and give back to the fans what they give us each and every night."
The new center-hung video board will be nearly six times larger than the current one, stretching from blue line to blue line. Although larger, its size was intentionally selected to complement the game or event, rather than dominate it. The design will feature the latest technology available and incorporate the North Woods motif already conveyed throughout the arena.
Additional upgrades will include replacement of outdoor marquees and ribbon displays that encircle the interior arena fascia. The new elements will be largely manufactured in Minnesota and installed over the summer, with the official unveiling planned for the Wild's first home preseason game on Sept. 27 against the Winnipeg Jets.
The new center-hung configuration will consist of 10 LED video displays. The two main displays will each measure approximately 19 feet high by 37.5 feet wide. The two end displays will measure approximately 19 feet high by 24 feet wide. The top ring will measure 3 feet high by 145 feet wide and the bottom ring will measure 3 feet high by 120 feet wide. Four circular displays, two on each side of the main video displays, will each measure more than 4 feet in diameter.