Exploring New Opportunities – Digital Press Conference Backdrops

A growing sports broadcast trend is using high resolution LED displays as press conference backdrops instead of static canvas. LED is the preferred option because it looks great in front of TV cameras with superb color, resolution and clarity, and sponsors’ content changes seamlessly with the click of a button.

In 2020, the Texas Rangers installed a 2.5mm, 6.5′ high by 13′ wide LED backdrop at their new home, Globe Life Field in Arlington.

Inside the interview room at the Fiserv Forum, the Milwaukee Bucks now hold their press conferences in front of a digital LED backdrop. The new 7’ high by 12’ wide 1.9mm high-resolution display can also integrate seamlessly with other displays within the venue.

One of the many LED displays installed at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017 was an LED backdrop in the media room. The display is 8’ x 14’, features 2.5mm pixel spacing, and offers the Falcons content flexibility.

The Cleveland Browns added this 1.9mm display to hold their press conferences in front of. The ultra high-definition display measures approximately 8′ x 14′.

In 2015, the New England Patriots were looking for an answer to their press conference backdrop situation. With an existing LED display not meeting their expectations, and another utilizing static signage, they needed a solution to meet the needs of both rooms. They turned to trusted and longtime partner Daktronics for a versatile 1.9mm display that is transportable for the multiple locations.

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In the sports industry, teams and venues continue to look for digital opportunities that can be used for multiple applications within their facilities and provide a sound return on investment. At Gillette Stadium, along with its use for press conferences, their display is also used as a gathering place for media to watch live action, serves as use for local media broadcasts, podcast hosting, and even video game competitions at the stadium.

Incorporating high-resolution digital LED press conference backdrops has also trended to the college level. In 2018, Georgia Tech installed a display used for their football press conferences. Since 2016, the Summit League has relied on a LED backdrop for their basketball championships held at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.

Static signage may be an inexpensive option, but also has limitations. A digital LED solution in the background can be adjusted with the click of a button to show correlating sponsorships based on interviewee. Additional relevant information can be introduced in the background to fit a player’s stats, incorporate fantasy stats, game stats, upcoming schedules, out-of-town scores or social media.

Sponsors are looking for creative ways to present and generate brand recognition during live events such as press conferences. With high resolution LED digital backdrops, these opportunities exist to create a dynamic presentation. And backdrops are only one application. These displays can be used for additional team and venue related applications such as in concourses, club areas, team specific events and more.