Verizon Center to Install First High Def Scoreboard

DUE DATE: Aug 29 or Sept. 12

Very interesting technology article. I have contacts for both.

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Verizon Center to install first true HD indoor LED scoreboard
22 Aug 2007
High-definition video using 6-mm pitch LED screens will be installed in the Washinton DC arena by ANC Sports and Mitsubishi Electric.
Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. is set to score the ultimate arena experience by installing the first indoor high-definition (HD) LED display scoreboard. The 4-screen center-hung scoreboard will be created, installed and operated by ANC Sports Enterprises and Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision Systems.
Verizon Center will also become the first arena to exclusively feature Diamond Vision™ LED fascia (ribbon displays), corner stat displays, and video boards driven by ANC Sports’ patent-pending VisionSOFT operating system.
The four HD screens making up the scoreboard will measure 14 feet, 5 inches high by 25 feet, 2 inches wide, with a total area of 365 square feet. The displays have a pitch of 6 mm, and the resolution is 736 x 1280 physical pixels.
The displays are described as "true" or "pure" HD because they have the requisite number of individual pixels to make up the HD image. Other HD technologies use fewer pixels, but by sharing pixels they are able to achieve the necessary resolution (number of dots). Side by side, the superior performance of the true HD display would be obvious.
In addition to the high-definition boards, the new center-hung scoreboard will also feature four 10mm 5-foot, 3-inch high by 25-foot 6-inch wide LED video matrixes and two 20mm LED rings.
“Arenas are being built all over the country and in order to compete, you need to be ahead of the curve,” said Abe Pollin, chairman of Washington Sports & Entertainment. “Partnering with ANC Sports and Mitsubishi Electric, who have created the first true high definition scoreboard, is a perfect example and we’re excited to be able to expand our resume of firsts for sports and entertainment facilities.”
Operated through ANC’s unique VisionSOFT software application, the signage system is capable of exhibiting separate game prompts, statistics and 3D animation in real time to build an energetic environment throughout the building.
“We are excited to partner with Washington Sports & Entertainment in delivering a one-of-a-kind event experience at Verizon Center,” said Jerry Cifarelli, president and CEO of ANC Sports Enterprises. “The Diamond Vision high-definition video boards and new fascia product will provide the city of Washington, D.C. with spectacular video and the most vibrant images possible. Combining Mitsubishi’s technology with ANC’s revolutionary software and graphic content will create visuals that indoor entertainment has never been able to feature before.”
A renovation of the current LED boards and static fascia signage will also take place and involve the replacement of the existing signage with Mitsubishi’s new 20mm Diamond Vision® indoor fascia display. Over a 1,000 feet of linear LED fascia will bring to life the entire upper level of the arena bowl, while 400 feet of full motion signage will continue to animate the lower level of the arena bowl.
Four additional LED displays will also light the top corners of the arena bowl with statistics, 3D graphics and advertisements, thus completing the entire digital display system.
The new scoreboard is set to debut this fall at a yet to be determined date.

Everett Events Center Name Change

Due Date: AUG 29

We're looking for a piece about the Everett Events Center in Washington changing it's name to the Comcast Arena. This should be a relatively easy assignment considering I have contacts at both Comcast and Everett.

I have the orginal release in my possession and would need to fax it to you. This is a good assignment for someone who wants to pick up something quick.

db

All inclusive-suites at NFL stadiums

DUE DATE: Aug. 29

The Arizona Cardinals are joining several other teams in offering all-inclusive party suites. For a fixed price and a three-year committment, fans can purchase 10-seats at $750 per loft. The package comes with beer, wine and food. Other teams that offer simmilar packages include the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings.

This is going to be a big research project — all I have to go on right now is a small article I found in a trade journal. I have contact information for all the stadiums involved and I will cooridinate interviews for you. Successfully tackling this project will lead to more work down the road.

New Upgrades to Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

Due Date: Aug 29

We need a story about the newly proposed renovations to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Below is some text from the release. This should be an easy story. I have all the contact information and a 13-page release that should be very helpful.

See partial release below

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Aug. 15) – Game days at Arrowhead Stadium will soon provide an even greater experience for fans visiting this legendary sporting venue. Today, the Kansas City Chiefs gave the public its fi rst look at the stunning improvements to The New Arrowhead Stadium during an unveiling ceremony.

Chiefs Chairman of the Board Clark Hunt and President, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Carl Peterson, as well as Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders, Jackson County Legislative Chairman Dan Tarwater and representatives of the architectural fi rm HOK Sport, were on hand at the Arrowhead Club to announce the unveiling of the design for The New Arrowhead Stadium, which Jackson County voters approved in 2006.

Agency Merger - Little Big Man and Monterey Penisula

DUE DATE: 8/22

Here's the story: The merger between booking agents Monterey Peninsula Artists and Little Big Man Booking wascompleted on August 13th under the Paradigm name. The merger has created one of the most powerful music agencies in the world with 29 music agents representing 300 artists.

We need someone to secure an interview Little Big Man's Larry Webman or the new Paradigm president Sam Gores. We want a comprehensive business piece looking at what the merger means for the touring industry. We are going to want reaction from concert promoters and venue managers.

Here is a good article on the merger from Celebrity Access:

http://encore.celebrityaccess.com/index.php?encoreId=90&articleId=22604

If you can nail this article, there is definitely more work in your future.