Behind the Scenes at Amsoil Arena: A Conversation on UMD's New Video Board

As someone who loves getting a behind-the-scenes look at sports technology, recording a podcast at Amsoil Arena with Justin was a fantastic experience. We had the opportunity to sit down on the ice and chat with Dylon Field, the Director of Bulldog Productions at the University of Minnesota Duluth, to discuss their impressive new video board and the exciting upgrades happening at the arena.

Visiting the University of Minnesota Duluth and stepping into Amsoil Arena to record a podcast episode was a really cool and unique experience. This wasn't just a casual visit – Justin, Dylan and I were there to delve into the details of the amazing transformation taking place with their new video board system. Dylon Field, the key figure overseeing the venue's productions, joined us to share the story behind this significant upgrade. Here are some of my key takeaways from our conversation:

The Story Behind the Upgrade

Dylon explained that the discussion around upgrading the video board at Amsoil Arena had been ongoing for a while, even during his previous time as a postgraduate intern. The project, initially slated for the summer of 2020, was delayed due to COVID-19 but finally came to fruition the past summer. The new installation includes four main displays in the centerhung, corner scoreboards integration, and a lower ribbon board.

Big Resolution Upgrade

What immediately stood out was the significant technological leap. The new centerhung boasts a 3.9-millimeter pixel pitch, offering a much clearer and sharper image compared to the older, more spaced-out displays. Dylon mentioned that even the beat writer for the News Tribune joked about not needing his glasses to read the board. This improved resolution has drastically enhanced the viewing experience for fans, especially with live video and replays.

The project also involved a complete overhaul of the control room, featuring new equipment which has significantly improved their production capabilities, allowing for better replays, more camera angles (including goalie POV cameras and a camera on the underbelly of the scoreboard), and the integration of NDI capabilities with in-glass microphones.

My Role in the Project (From Dylon's Perspective)

Dylon described his involvement as working closely with Brian Nystrom, the Deputy AD, and the Daktronics team. His responsibilities included ensuring the equipment met the needs of both UMD and the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), which manages the arena. This involved selecting the right technology for the control room and the displays to check all the necessary boxes.

Interestingly, the design of the centerhung had to consider the arena's versatility, ensuring it could be raised and fit within the catwalk's "bird's nest" during concerts to maintain sightlines for all attendees.

Game-Day Production and Student Involvement

Dylon walked us through the game-day operations, which started well before the event itself with content loading and testing. The new high-resolution display requires meticulous attention to detail, as imperfections become more apparent.

One of the most impressive aspects of UMD's production is the significant involvement of students. They play crucial roles in camera operation, graphics, audio, and replay for various sports, gaining invaluable real-world experience. For a televised hockey game, they use six manned cameras. Dylon mentioned that this student program has grown significantly since 2017-2018, coinciding with previous control room upgrades.

First Impressions and Impact

The first event using the new video board was a hockey game on January 3rd. Despite students being on winter break, the positive impact was immediately noticeable. Student-athletes and coaches commented on the clarity of the text, and the overall viewing experience was significantly enhanced, especially with live video and pre-produced packages.

Favorite Memory

When asked about a favorite memory, Dylon recalled the women's basketball regional tournament where UMD, as the number one seed, hosted and made a remarkable comeback to win the championship game in front of a packed home crowd. The atmosphere in the smaller campus gym was electric, highlighting the power of live sports production.

Advice for Others

For anyone considering a similar video board upgrade, Dylon emphasized the importance of ensuring the control room equipment meets their needs. He also highlighted the capabilities of Show Control, suggesting it can even function as a production switcher for smaller schools, offering significant flexibility. He also praised Daktronics' customer support.

A Look Ahead

The new video board at Amsoil Arena represents a significant step forward for the University of Minnesota Duluth, enhancing the fan experience and providing valuable opportunities for students. It’s clear that Dylon and his team are committed to leveraging this technology to create unforgettable moments for athletes and fans alike. It was a pleasure to get a behind-the-scenes look at this exciting project!

Tune in to the Full Podcast Episode

To dive deeper into the details of the Amsoil Arena video board upgrade and hear the full conversation with Dylon Field, be sure to check out Episode 237 of The Daktronics Experience podcast, titled "The Amsoil Arena Experience at UMD with Dylon Field".

FULL EPISODE: 237 – The Amsoil Arena Experience at UMD with Dylon Field

You can find the full video episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1Km_miPtLQ and listen to the audio version on your favorite podcast listening app by searching for "The Daktronics Experience Podcast"1 .... Don't miss out on even more behind-the-scenes insights into this exciting project and the world of college sports production!