The Daktronics Experience

When demonstration times are limited and showing the details of how something works is critical, high-resolution LED technology is certainly the answer. This is what Justin and Matt learned by talking with Mike Winter, President of Worthington Tractor Parts, Inc. He shares his company’s story from getting started to becoming a global enterprise including the integration of a direct-view LED display into their showroom at their headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Links:

• Worthington Tractor Parts website: https://wtpinc.com/ 

The University of Colorado Boulder added new LED technology to its stadium to ensure Folsom Field was ready for Prime Time in 2024. To hear all about the project, from ideation to installation and much more, Justin and Matt sat down with Jason Depaepe, Deputy Athletic Director, and Deric Swanson with BuffVision, both at the University of Colorado.

Links:

• YouTube Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDveZsQT9nU 

When it comes to providing a great live event experience, Katee LaPoff, Chief Technology Officer at the Oak View Group, knows all about selecting the right technology for the job. Justin and Matt spoke with her to hear about her history in the industry, the process of looking at the correct solution for each venue and so much more.

Links:

• Oak View Group Website: https://www.oakviewgroup.com/

Finding your way around an airport and enjoying your time while you are there can all be helped with LED technology. To hear all about this marketplace, the trends we’re seeing and the opportunities for the future, Justin and Matt spoke with Kevin Palmeter, Daktronics’ airport market manager.

Links:

• Daktronics Airports Website: www.daktronics.com/airports

When it comes to basketball games at Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Pistons bring the venue to life for their players and fans. To hear about all the details of the technology, integration and event experience, Justin and Matt were joined by Mike Willaert, Senior Vice President of Facilities and Construction, Casey Beauford, Broadcast Engineer, and Mike Moriarty, In-House Designer and Architect, all with the Detroit Pistons.

Links:

• Daktronics News Release: https://www.daktronics.com/news/little-caesars-arena-largest-seamless-centerhung-system

As a venue that’s been hosting amazing events for 15+ years, T-Mobile Center in Kansas City has used LED technology to elevate the experience of its patrons. To hear how they leverage this technology, Justin and Matt sat down with Brian Doll, Director of Facilities Presentation. He shares his history with the venue, the events they host and the details of the technology in the building.

Links:

• YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/H19nvnFNK8Y?si=61l9jcSSXzCqcfZ8

Joining us for our Women In Sports Online Event, Jennifer Hammond shares her experiences of working her way up to be the 2023 Michigan Sportscaster of the Year as a sports reporter for Fox 2 News - Detroit. With her strong history of working in sports, she gives her advice on being prepared and leveraging your strengths to achieve your goals.

Links:

• Women in Sports Webpage:  https://www.daktronics.com/en-us/events/women-in-sports

In our final episode from the NACDA Series, we're sharing the first and last conversations we had at the show! Our last conversation was with Ira Akers, Co-Founder, and Christopher Saccoccia, Head of Global Events, both with CUE Audio, who share the company's history and how it enhances the live event experience. Also, our first conversation with Lacey Hall, an up-and-comer in the sports industry, joined by her mother, Jane Hall, as they talk about their experiences at the show and what they are looking forward to in the future.

Links:

• 12 - Talking About Fan Engagement Opportunities with CUE Audio’s Ira Akers

The Detroit Tigers recently installed the second-largest display in professional baseball at Comerica Park. To hear how they leverage that display and the many others around the ballpark, Justin and Matt sat down with Stan Fracker, Operational Director of Broadcast and AV Systems, and Pete Soto, Vice President of Game Presentation, both with Illich Sports + Entertainment overseeing the Tigers game-day experience.

Links:

• Daktronics News Release: https://www.daktronics.com/news/detroit-tigers-unleash-second-largest-video-display-in-baseball-from-daktronics

Our next NACDA Series episode features Justin and Matt talking with Richard Kilwein, Assistant AD of Marketing from UC San Diego, as well as Ciara Gresham and Terreon Randolph, both are Associate Directors of Fan Engagement at Baylor University. They share the important aspects of athletics that they are working in today as well as their experiences at the NACDA Convention.