New Video Board Coming to Dow Diamond

The new video board will measure 31 feet tall by 80 feet wide. At over 2,500 square feet, the equivalent to 235 60-inch televisions, the display will feature more than two million LEDs with a resolution of 1876x728 capable of generating up to 281 trillion colors.

MIDLAND, Mich. - When Dow Diamond officially opened on April 13, 2007, the video board in right field was hailed as a state-of-the-art display. And at the time it was. Over 10 years later the rapid change in technology since the ballpark was built has highlighted the need for updated digital equipment at the home of the Great Lakes Loons.
Partnering with Daktronics, the Michigan Baseball Foundation will install a new video board measuring 31 feet tall by 80 feet wide in September. It will be the largest display to feature 13HD technology, as well as the brightest display and fifth largest overall that Daktronics has installed in the minor leagues.
"This entire display system from Daktronics will transform the in-game experience for our fans attending Loons games and other events at Dow Diamond," MBF President Paul Barbeau said. "It will have vastly improved capabilities to share game information, player and team content and entertainment for fans attending Loons games. It also presents exciting new opportunities for other businesses and local events on the 295 days throughout the year when baseball isn't being played."
At over 2,500 square feet, the equivalent to 235 60-inch televisions, the display will feature more than two million LEDs with a resolution of 1876x728 capable of generating up to 281 trillion colors. Variable content zoning capabilities will allow the Loons to show either one large image, or provide a seamless display with any combination of video, statistics, line score, sponsor advertisements and other animations.
New 13HD pixel layout ribbon displays measuring 3.5 feet tall by 120 feet wide will stretch down each baseline on the front façade of the suite level and will have the capability to enhance the game experience featuring player stats and other fan engagement elements. 
"We're looking forward to working with the Great Lakes Loons to install the largest 13HD display we've ever done for a Minor League Baseball facility," said Ryan Stratton, Daktronics sales representative. "The main display will bring a focal point for baseball fans to receive all the stats and information they expect to see and then some. It will be a great addition to their ballpark and we're excited to see the final installation."
The team's production studio on the 3rd level of the stadium will be overhauled and upgraded to meet the demand of the high definition outputs throughout the stadium. Viewers of Loons games on MiLB.TV will have high-quality viewing for home games as professional-grade HD cameras with new max zoom capabilities comparable to what is used in the major leagues are included with the installation.
In addition to the equipment installation, the Loons will also receive animations and graphics created by in-house award-winning creative team, Daktronics Creative Services. This content will help bring the display to life and bring fans to their feet during Loons' games and other special events held at the venue. 
The investment in the project will total approximately $3 million. To date, the Michigan Baseball Foundation has received project support from The Dow Corning Foundation, The Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow Foundation and Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation. Local vendors including Midland Engineering Limited, Bierlein Companies (demolition), Three Rivers Corporation (steel, construction) and Blasy Electric will all be involved in the investment project.
This marks yet another investment into the ballpark since construction was completed in 2007. Past improvements include:
•   Pier 47 seating area (2009)
•   ESPN 100.9-FM Studios (2009)
•   Lasorda's Landing seating area renovation (2010)
•   Chemical Bank Great Lakes Reserve (2012)
•   Midland County Sports Hall of Fame (2013)
•   The Peninsula seating area (2014)
•   GoGreat.com Media Wall (2014)
•   The Cove bar area (2015)
•   LED lighting (2016)
•   Protective home plate netting (2016)
•   Field replacement (2016)
Daktronics helps its customers to impact their audiences throughout the world with large-format LED video displays, message displays, scoreboards, digital billboards, audio systems and control systems in sport, business and transportation applications. Founded in 1968 as a USA-based manufacturing company, Daktronics has grown into the world leader in audiovisual systems and implementation with offices around the globe. Discover more at www.daktronics.com.
The Michigan Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was founded in 2006 to create regional economic development through creative partnerships, and to enhance the efforts of regional organizations that serve young people. The Michigan Baseball Foundation owns and operates Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons, a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.