HomeTechnologyMiami HEAT Debut First-Ever Flame Ball Centerhung at Live Event with Daktronics

Miami HEAT Debut First-Ever Flame Ball Centerhung at Live Event with Daktronics

Daktronics, Inc.: Revolutionizing Live Event Experiences with LED Technology

Located in Brookings, South Dakota, Daktronics, Inc. (NASDAQ: DAKT) has emerged as an industry leader in audiovisual systems. Known for their innovative large-format LED displays, scoreboards, and control systems, Daktronics has a mission to enhance audience engagement across various sectors, from sports to entertainment. One of their most exciting projects to date involves a substantial partnership with the Miami HEAT, aimed at redefining the live event experience at the Kaseya Center.

The Kaseya Center Transformation

In September 2024, Daktronics and the Miami HEAT joined forces to unveil a groundbreaking digital display system within the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. This ambitious project includes a staggering 61 LED displays that together create over 11,000 square feet of digital canvas. This significant upgrade represents a 585% increase in display area compared to previous setups, bringing an impressive 72 million pixels of visual content to life for fans in the arena.

Eric Woolworth, President of The HEAT Group’s Business Operations, expressed enthusiasm over the breakthrough, noting how the new scoreboard, which incorporates advanced technology, would transform the in-arena experience for fans and partners alike. The standout feature of this installation is the Flame Ball, a distinctive, logo-shaped LED sculpture that promises to captivate audiences.

Flame Ball and Centerhung Displays: A Technological Marvel

At the center of this revolutionary display is the Flame Ball, an LED-configured 3D logo sculpture that is hard to miss. This centerpiece boasts an impressive 2,525 square feet of LED canvas with a 2.5-millimeter pixel spacing, bringing vivid visuals that resonate with the Miami HEAT brand.

The entire centerhung display configuration features 55 million pixels and a total digital canvas area of 7,440 square feet—about 1.5 times the square footage of a basketball court. To provide some perspective, this massive display would require approximately 697 60-inch televisions to replicate similar screen real estate! The configuration consists of four centerhung video displays each measuring 19.5 feet high by 29.5 feet wide. Additionally, two upper ring displays encircle the configuration, measuring 4 feet high by 213 feet in circumference, enhancing the visual experience from every angle in the arena.

The centerhung system utilizes three separate hoists allowing for the raising and lowering of the installation, which is essential for accommodating the diverse array of events hosted at the Kaseya Center.

Adding Even More Visual Dynamism

In addition to the centerhung display, Daktronics completed the installation of four corner displays in 2023. Each display measures 17 feet high by 44 feet wide, featuring 5.9-millimeter pixel spacing. Furthermore, additional displays were integrated into the Kaseya Center, including basket stanchion displays and event floor clocks, all equipped with 2.5-millimeter pixel spacing.

These displays serve multiple purposes: showcasing game information, graphics, animations, and sponsor highlights, allowing for a multifaceted engagement strategy during events.

The Power of Daktronics Show Control

A major aspect of the Kaseya Center project is Daktronics’ Show Control solution, specifically the Camino system. Recognized as an industry-leading control system, Camino offers a sophisticated, user-friendly platform that combines display control software, advanced video processing, data integration, and playback hardware.

With Camino in place, the Kaseya Center will enjoy an enhanced ability to create real-time rendered content, opening up a wealth of creative possibilities. The technology allows for the display of visuals in dynamic 2D and 3D spaces, complete with a data-based logic system to automate production elements and create event-responsive timelines—all in a seamless manner.

Significance of the Kaseya Center

Strategically nestled in the bustling Entertainment District of downtown Miami, the Kaseya Center is an important venue not only for Miami HEAT games but also for an extensive array of non-basketball events. With a seating capacity of 19,600, the arena is a top destination for A-list concerts, sporting events, and family shows. For nine straight years, it has been ranked the #1 arena in Florida according to industry leaders Pollstar and Billboard.

Since its inception, Kaseya Center has become a landmark for culture and entertainment, having hosted more than 1,200 events featuring a diverse lineup of musical superstars from Marc Anthony to Bad Bunny. The arena even achieved LEED certification in 2009 for its dedication to sustainability—a testament to the forward-thinking design principles adopted during its construction.

Daktronics: A Legacy of Innovation

Celebrating its founding in 1968, Daktronics remains at the forefront of innovation in the audiovisual industry. With a focus on impacting audiences worldwide, they offer a wide array of solutions that extend from sports to transportation applications. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology shines through in their projects, such as the transformative installation at Kaseya Center.

As we witness the ongoing development of digital technologies, initiatives like those from Daktronics and the Miami HEAT serve as a prime example of what the future holds for live events. With cutting-edge LED displays and advanced control systems, attendees can expect a significantly enhanced experience, complete with dynamic visuals and interactive elements—making every game and event a memorable spectacle.