Direct-View LED Video Walls from Daktronics Bring Esports and Gaming to Life at Syracuse University

Multiple COB (Chip On Board) LED displays capture students’ attention and show in-game views inside the venue

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Apr. 3, 2025 – Syracuse University selected Daktronics (NASDAQ-DAKT) of Brookings, South Dakota, in conjunction with AV integrator Horizon AVL, to deliver multiple direct-view LED (dvLED) video walls for the newly-opened Gaming & Esports Center inside the Schine Student Center on campus in Syracuse, New York. The installation was completed late in 2024 ahead of the grand opening in January 2025.

“We are thrilled to have this facility open to all students, faculty and staff at Syracuse University as a best-in-class venue to continue to set a new standard for esports in higher education,” said Joey Gawrysiak, executive director of esports for Syracuse University. “The Daktronics boards, along with all of the other technology in this space, really separate it from any other esports venue on campuses across the country. To be able to create an environment that brings in students and fans to our space really elevates our program to the next level.”

Video Wall Details

Behind the varsity players’ seating area is the largest display measuring 6.5 feet high by 45 feet wide and featuring 1.8-millimeter pixel spacing. This display is used as a consistent backdrop with Syracuse branding for their esports teams.

Above the varsity players’ seating area, another COB LED video wall measures 3.5 feet high by 41 feet wide and features 1.2-millimeter pixel spacing. This display is further forward and slightly angled down toward the playing and spectating area. It is used to show camera views of the players’ faces during matches as well as the in-game broadcast view for spectators to follow along with the action. 

“The Syracuse project stands out as a truly unique example in the world of collegiate esports,” said Horizon AVL CEO Joshua Kell. “The team had a clear vision of elevating the collegiate experience by integrating the same advanced technologies used in professional and industry settings. Our team played a key role in bringing that vision to life—designing, engineering and installing the entire AV and broadcast infrastructure. 

“From the dynamic backdrop and overhead LED walls to the broadcast and shoutcasting capabilities, Horizon AVL ensured every system was optimized for both live competition and spectator engagement. Their expertise in esports facility design created an immersive environment that not only enhances the athlete experience but also pulls spectators directly into the action, delivering an electrifying and professional-level atmosphere.”

“It was such a pleasure to see the Chancellor and President of Syracuse University’s Kent Syverud’s vision come to life!” said Daktronics Pro AV Channel Sales Manager Mike Treacy. “Syracuse assembled an all-star supporting cast from the vice president & chief facilities officer, campus planning, executive director of esports, Horizon AVL, LeChase Construction and Daktronics sales, engineers and project management. The end result of this collaborative effort is a state-of-the-art esports facility in the Schine Student Center which will elevate the Syracuse University esports program to new heights and benefit the Syracuse students and community for many years to come!”

These video walls are both capable of variable content zoning meaning they can show one large image or multiple zones of content to meet the needs of any match or other special events hosted in this space. 

Exterior Display Details

Outside the Gaming & Esports Center, two displays come together to form the look of a continuous ribbon-style display. The vertical display measures 8 feet high by 2 feet wide while the horizontal display measures 1 foot high by 85 feet wide and makes two 90-degree corners to follow the architecture of the venue. Both displays feature 1.8-millimeter pixels spacing to deliver crisp, clear imagery.

These displays serve as the edging or trim of the window walls of the center and are used to show engaging content and branding to entice students to stop in.

“The displays we have been able to set up and use in this space are second to none,” continued Gawrysiak. “The incredible team and technology from Daktronics have made this a great process at every step of the way. Being able to show off the skills of our players at the highest level and engage our fans through these displays means that we can create something special in esports here at Syracuse.”

Daktronics offers a line of narrow pixel pitch LED displays ranging from 2.5-millimeters down to 0.7-millimeter pixel spacings. This product line brings expansive opportunities to those spaces commonly associated with LCD technology to create luxurious and immersive environments, share artistic digital content or show detailed, high-quality video.

This latest installation on campus for Syracuse comes in addition to previous Daktronics LED display installations at JMA Wireless Dome, Miron Victory Court, Archbold Gymnasium and the Schine Student Center.

Hear more details of this project by watching the video podcast or listening to the audio version.

About Syracuse Esports and Gaming

Syracuse University’s first-of-its-kind Esports and Communications Management B.S. program is offered jointly by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, which on July 1, 2025, will become the Falk College of Sport focusing entirely on sport-related disciplines. The program includes three tracks: Esports Business and Management, Esports Communications, and Esports Media and Design. It prepares students for an exciting career in esports and related industries through classes in event management and marketing, broadcasting/production, communications, content creation, entrepreneurship, strategic communications, and esports experience and design. Syracuse University esports is also comprised of varsity and club competitive offerings across a number of gaming titles and competes across the country against other schools with Division 1 NCAA athletics. Syracuse University supports all forms of gaming and esports through its on-campus facilities and programming housed within the Esports Program.