Daktronics Revamps U.S. Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium, Upgrades Audio for Reno Aces

Daktronics has partnered with U.S. Air Force Academy to provide video display upgrades and the first digital audio facade ever in a collegiate venue at Falcon Stadium in U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado.  In addition, minor league baseball team the Reno Aces (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League have turned to Daktronics to implement a strategic audio system upgrade for the 2016 season that includes more than 70 loudspeakers located throughout Aces Ballpark in Reno, Nevada.

Falcon Fans Fly High with New Video, Audio Systems
The U.S. Air Force Academy installation includes end zone and fascia LED displays as well as the first digital audio façade in a collegiate venue. It is slated for completion early this spring.

The digital audio façade provides an acoustically transparent video display space in front of the speaker system above the main end zone video display at Falcon Stadium. Constructed of linear freeform LED elements, it provides an additional 360 square feet of dynamic video space in the place of commonly used static signage. This display will measure 9 feet high by 40 feet wide and will feature 30 millimeter line spacing.

The custom-designed sound system behind the digital audio façade will feature 14 large-format loudspeakers by Renkus-Heinz and extended low frequency subwoofers by Danley Sound Labs. The system is powered with 16 Crown Audio amplifiers to deliver an average sound pressure level of 100 dBA. A Shure Axient wireless microphone system and Yamaha digital mixing console are included in the complete audio upgrade.

“Not only will Air Force Athletics fans enjoy the new system at Falcon, we have worked hard on the acoustically transparent, patented digital audio façade,” says John Olsen, Daktronics audio sales representative. “Now athletic marketing departments can use the face of a sound cabinet for dynamic video content and advertising. With the ability to move ad content off the main video board, a larger in-game image is available. The new larger sound system enhances an even larger live video display. This is the first collegiate installation of this Daktronics digital audio façade super-system. Air Force Athletics has pushed the envelope of firsts!”

The end zone video display will measure approximately 31 feet high by 83 feet wide and will feature a 13HD pixel layout with excellent image clarity, contrast and wide angle visibility. It is capable of variable content zoning allowing it to show one large image or it can be divided into multiple smaller windows to show any combination of live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute statistics, graphics and animations, and sponsorship messages.

Two auxiliary displays will be installed below the end zone display and four ribbon displays will be installed along the seating fascia of the stadium. Each auxiliary display will measure approximately 11 feet high by 19 feet wide and each ribbon display will measure roughly 3 feet high by 50 feet wide. All six of these displays will feature 13HD pixel layouts and provide the opportunity to highlight sponsors throughout events as well as supplement the content shown on the end zone display.

“This is an exciting project to be a part of as Daktronics installs the first audio façade application in a college setting at Falcon Stadium,” says Mark Johnson, Daktronics regional manager. “The combination of video displays being installed at this venue will provide a unique game-day experience for Falcons fans. We’re looking forward to seeing everything installed and working together to create an entertainment destination for fans this coming season.”

Reno Aces Bringing the Boom with Daktronics Audio System Upgrades
The Reno Aces’ strategic audio system upgrade for the 2016 season includes more than 70 loudspeakers located throughout Aces Ballpark in Reno, Nevada. The audio upgrade consists of distributing the sound system by bringing it closer to fans for easier speaking comprehension and impact. The 70-plus loudspeakers are located in the main seating area, outdoor picnic and grass areas, and outdoor clubs.

“Enhancing our fans’ overall experience at the ballpark has been and always will be our top priority,” says Reno Aces and USL Reno president, Eric Edelstein. “We’ve strived for the best of sports experiences in our industry and community, and are proud to have the support and investment of our ownership in fulfilling this vision.”

The project includes a fully digital signal from the mixing console to the amplifiers, and provides digital speaker and amplifier zoning control. It also includes real-time speaker and amplifier monitoring for speaker impedance, amplifier temperature, voltage readings and more.

“This is an exciting project that showcases Daktronics ability to analyze a venues’ architecture and sound needs to provide a specific, targeted solution unique to that venue,” said Brady Jacobsen, Daktronics sales representative. “After analyzing the Aces situation, we provided the 70-loudspeaker solution to ensure everyone hears the important announcements and updates during the game that are crucial to a positive fan experience. It’s going to be great to hear it at upcoming Aces games.”