Dickies Arena Unveils Revolutionary Sports Theater Lighting System
Story Highlights
Dickies Arena, a 14,000-seat multipurpose venue in Fort Worth, TX, has partnered with Planled to introduce the groundbreaking Sports Theater System. Powered by GigaTera’s advanced RTS and PTX technology, this state-of-the-art lighting solution transforms traditional venues into immersive, dynamic theaters, redefining fan experiences.
“We host a wide range of concerts, family shows, and sporting events,” says Matt Homan, GM, Dickies Arena. “We are extremely excited to be the first arena to add Planled’s new lighting technology to give our guests a heightened entertainment experience. We look forward to showing off our new lighting system with the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.”
With 300 DMX-controlled lights offering motion and color capabilities, Dickies Arena can create event-specific lighting environments with the touch of a finger. Each light head is individually adjustable, enabling sports-specific aiming schedules to enhance player performance and optimize broadcasting quality.
The controllability of the RGB units delivers a Broadway-style theater experience on a venue scale, unlocking unlimited possibilities for creating immersive scenes.
“Continuing our partnership with Planled that began in 2019,” says Andrew Schmidt, senior director, technology, Dickies Arena, “we have significantly enhanced the lighting, theming, and theatrics for our shows and events, coupled with the ability to hand off DMX control straight to a show’s lighting console. It’s truly a game-changing innovation and an absolute differentiator for Dickies Arena. I look forward to our continued partnership with Planled in our lighting projects all around the building.”
This integrated system eliminates the need for additional equipment or labor to create custom lighting scenes, significantly reducing costs and preparation time. By effortlessly reconfiguring lighting themes without added expenses or delays, Dickies Arena elevates events of all kinds with immersive, tailored lighting experiences.
Scott Jenkins, board chair, Green Sports Alliance Foundation, praises the innovation: “This system empowers venue operators and event producers to elevate entertainment experiences while cutting costs and structural demands.”
Planled partnered with GigaTera in 2015 to light the first MLB stadium with LED technology: T-Mobile Park. After 10 years of lighting MLB parks, Planled and GigaTera have once again joined forces to unveil the Sports Theater System, a motorized, immersive lighting solution that combines cutting-edge technology with artistic creativity to redefine event experiences.