SMT Elevates Fan Experience at the Western & Southern Open With 76 Video Board Displays, Pose With the Pros Selfie Kiosk, and More

SMT (SportsMEDIA Technology) continues it nearly four-decade partnership with the Western & Southern Open, this year delivering 76 LED video boards throughout the grounds of the Lindler Family Tennis Center as part of a tournament refresh that includes a multitude of new fan features.

SMT continues to elevate its services each year, keeping sponsors, spectators, media, and players informed and entertained throughout the entire weeklong experience from Aug. 12 through Aug. 20.

SMT provides fans with enhanced viewing experiences across the tournament’s eight match courts, with innovative technologies ranging from jumbo and ribbon board displays to serve speed and shot clock services. SMT manages the content and custom graphic production on every display, with real-time integration of tournament data, match/player stats, and video playback. All displays across the Lindler Family Tennis Center are synchronized to provide maximum impact and cohesive production, creating an immersive experience for the Western & Southern Open’s growing fan base of 200,000 spectators.

This year’s new services complement SMT’s array of regular offerings for the tournament, including scoring services; data distribution; scheduling and draw services; shot clocks for all matches; and CCTV services with various channels such as Match Information System, Court Cast, interview room, and tournament information.

• PLAYER ENTRANCE LED TUNNEL: This interactive display automatically triggers players’ information as they walk through the 10 feet by 6 feet, three-sided entrance to the stadium. Fans can see content such as the player’s name, image, age, country, rank, coach and tournament history.
• FAN ZONE SUPERWALL: This year, SMT introduced an 80-foot video wall for the new Fan Zone, where fans have the opportunity to relax in Adirondack chairs and enjoy food and beverages while watching matches.
• POSE WITH THE PROS: Powered by SMT, this interactive display gives fans the opportunity to take and share selfies with digital images of their favorite players while providing a unique sponsorship opportunity for Credit One Bank. Fans can find the Pose with the Pros kiosks in the South Building breezeway and in the Fan Zone.

“From qualifying matches to the trophy presentation, SMT constantly pushes data and content to the 8,000 square feet of LED displays at the Western & Southern Open, giving fans complete access to nine days of spectacular tennis,” says Stephen Kemper, SMT Senior Business Development Manager. “For 37 years, SMT has provided visionary technology, elevating services each year to inform and entertain fans, the media and players while promoting sponsors in new and exciting ways. Long before the Western & Southern Open’s first coin toss, SMT’s onsite crew of 24 is building video walls and networking infrastructure, with our sole focus of delivering the most amazing event for fans who travel to this destination tournament.”

This year, fans will be treated to big names like Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams, among others, playing at the Center Court and Grandstand Court. An additional $5 million was invested in the Lindler Family Tennis Center after the tournament’s new owners, Beemok Capital, announced that, after 124 years of being held in Mason, Ohio, the world class event may move to Charlotte. A decision is expected at the end of this month.