Q&A at Little Caesars Arena

This past fall Little Caesars Arena opened its doors as the new home to the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons. Along with Red Wings and Pistons events, the arena has hosted several other significant sporting and entertainment events in its inaugural season.

On display for each of these events has been Daktronics integrated LED system which includes 48 displays located throughout the interior and exterior of the arena, highlighted by the world’s largest seamless centerhung display.

Daktronics has a long-standing partnership with both the Red Wings and Pistons. Our display systems were also featured at both Joe Louis Arena and The Palace of Auburn Hills, previous homes to the Red Wings and Pistons.

Earlier this season we sat down with Tom Wilson, President and CEO Olympia Entertainment, and Pete Skorich, Vice President Entertainment Services Olympia Entertainment, to talk about the new video displays and services provided by Daktronics at Little Caesars Arena.

Tom Wilson, President and CEO Olympia Entertainment

Q: What were the previous challenges faced regarding the video system? 

Tom: Our challenge was how do we make the experience so immersive for our fans so that the experience of being here is much better than sitting in your living room. We came from an arena that was old and tired and didn’t have anything in the way of visual amenities to give to our fans. So, we thought when we do this, we have to do it right.

Q: How did Daktronics help engineer your vision and bring your concepts to life?

Pete: We knew in the design phase that we wanted the best of the best. Our ownership was very resolute as far as the centerhung display was concerned of having equal sides so that people on the end zones had a nice, big beautiful screen to look at as well.

Q: How do the products and services provided by Daktronics help in your gameday efforts? 

Pete: The services and products from Daktronics have been so positive for us. From the moment that we had the boards installed, I started speaking to the Creative Services team at Daktronics. They make sure no two teams look the same. You get unique looking animations, you get a unique looking game-day presentation, and it’s been super helpful.

Q: How has the video technology performed?

Tom: The power of the board, the quality of the board is always there. It is always great. That was something that we were pleased to find out because the experience just never fails to deliver. I think the fans have been blown away by the quality of the displays.

Q: How has Daktronics performed under the challenging project timelines?

Tom: We were so insistent on getting it right. We always had a finite date and it didn’t give Daktronics much time. But, not only was the big board done, but everything else – all the ancillary boards were done – everything was finished in time.

Q: How has Daktronics service support staff performed? 

Tom: The support on Daktronics part is invaluable because there is so much technology in this business. They never left our side. It is invaluable and gives our people a tremendous amount of confidence.

Pete: I’ve worked with Daktronics in the past and their service and support is second to none. They are super reliable, the boards are reliable, but everything has moments of failure. And when they do, and when it does, you know you are in good hands.

Q: Overall impressions of the video displays, process and working with Daktronics?

Tom: One of the things in working with Daktronics is their vast knowledge of the industry. The people that were on the ground here from Daktronics were able to take things that we maybe assumed and say, “I think there is a better way to do that. Why don’t we try this”. You figured out a way that it can happen and we figured out a way, as a result, to make sure that everybody – if you are in the most expensive seat or the least expensive seat – is going to have the same great video experience.

Watch the full Little Caesars Arena Video Testimonial.